What is mental health wellness? 

Positive mental health allows people to realize their full potential, cope with the stress of life, work productively and make meaningful contributions to their communities.  

How do I learn more about mental health wellness?  

DCS partners with the community to provide parent sessions and resources on many mental health topics.  These offerings and resources are communicated through the DCS web site, email, and social media such as Twitter and Facebook.  Parent sessions are marketed through our Parent University. Additional information and resources can be found at each of the websites listed below. Your child’s school counselor or Syntero clinician can also assist you in finding resources. 

How can Dublin City Schools help?  

Mental health and substance use supports are available in every school building. Service is determined based on the student’s need and may include support from a school counselor, a student support specialist (S3), or a Syntero clinician. In addition, the district has substance use specialists available to support students and families.

Students and families may always request help to access mental health and/or substance use supports through the school counselor or through any school staff member. Refer to school building staff directory for specific staff contact information.
 

What are potential signs of mental health issues?

 ~ Sad, hopeless or irritable

~ Overly anxious or worried

~ Scared and fearful; frequent nightmares

~ Excessive anger

~ Using alcohol or drugs

~ Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there

~ Unable to concentrate, sit still, or focus attention 

~ Talking about suicide or death

~ Hurting other people or animals; damaging property 

~ Major changes in eating or sleeping habits

~ Loss of interest in friends or things usually enjoyed 

~ Falling behind in school or earning lower grades

~ Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there

~ Needing to wash, clean things, or perform certain rituals many times a day 

Mental Health Services Provided by Dublin City Schools Student Support Specialists

Dublin City Schools employs specialists that work with students presenting mental health needs that significantly impact their academic success. Student Support Specialist staff members are trained mental health professionals. The Student Support Specialist holds a license from The Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board and a Pupil Services License from the Ohio Department of Education. 

The mission of the Student Support Specialist is to enhance the social and emotional growth and academic outcomes of all students. The framework is designed to support all students by promoting student well being and personal success.

Student Support Specialist services are an integral part of the education of all children by collaborating with schools, families and communities to reduce barriers to student learning and enhance positive mental wellness.  Services focus on enhancing the student’s ability to acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for becoming a healthy, productive individual. This staff is committed to provide services to students in a way that builds upon individual strengths, respects diversity and life experiences, prioritizes personal goals and fosters meaningful relationships.  The ultimate goal is to promote and support students’ academic and social success.