Final Civic Engagement Day focused on mental health

The Upper School’s third Civic Engagement Day focused on mental health. Students learned about reducing mental health stigma and ways they can support their own mental health and that of their peers. Active Minds, an organization aiming to change the culture around mental health for young adults, trained students in V.A.R., or Validate, Appreciate, Refer protocol. Students learned the simple steps of V.A.R. that can lead to productive and supportive conversations regarding mental health. Active Minds also led a lesson about mental health stigma and how talking about mental health should be as easy as talking about physical health. The day was organized by science teachers Bridget Ancalmo and Brian Berning, theater teacher Marc Raia, and Upper School counselor Vicky Hausberger. “Mental health is an important issue for our students to understand if they wish to navigate the world around them successfully. We hope that they now have a better understanding of the important aspects of mental health, and that they are equipped to appropriately handle pertinent situations for themselves and others,” said Director of Experiential Learning Nick Francis.