Students Begin Training to Learn How to Provide Help for Struggling Peers

Today marks the start of an exciting and impactful three-day training session for Teen Mental Health First Aid. Our dedicated team of teachers — Mr. Burke, Mrs. Feal, Ms. Bertoline, and Mrs. Burns-Dobson, who completed their own training last month — will lead this important program for our students.

This training, made possible through the Mental Health Recovery Grant awarded to our District last year, will empower students to serve as mentors and support systems for their peers, both within our school and at Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School. Through this program, students will learn valuable skills to recognize and respond to mental health needs, which will create a more supportive and compassionate school environment for everyone.

Over the next three weeks, our future peer mentors will learn key strategies to identify when someone might be struggling, when to offer initial support, and how to encourage classmates to seek help from a trusted adult or mental health professional.

"This initiative not only strengthens our school community but also fosters a culture of empathy and understanding," said Lisa Schuchman, Hendrick Hudson's Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

Stay tuned for updates as our students progress through this important training and prepare to take on their new roles as peer mentors!