The holiday season is here and is always an exciting time of the year to celebrate with family and friends. For the past year and a half, some of our students, families, and staff have experienced challenges of loss, financial stress, sadness, and emotional distress. The holiday season will also look different for everyone this year. Typical holiday stress compounded with the impact of COVID-19 may cause a substantial increase in stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

Having extra time over the holiday break can be enjoyable, but it can also increase moments of social media exposure both positive and negative. We encourage you to engage in family-centered activities while also monitoring your child's social media activity.

The following is a list of resources along with links for your children, family, neighbors, and community members to provide extra support:

School-Based Mental Health Counseling

Students in grades K-12 can access outpatient mental health services both in school and through telehealth through a partnership with Holy Family Services. New intakes for outpatient referrals can be completed by contacting either your school counselor and/or Holy Family Services at 412-766-9020, ext. 1222.

Students in grades K-12 are supported through this systematic team approach to navigate school and mental health resources for families and remove barriers to a child’s learning and mental health treatment. You can find information about Pine-Richland’s SAP and team members for each school building along with resource numbers here: Student Assistance Program/Overview.

The district has a partnership with Crisis Center North to provide support to our students and families counseling services and supports who experienced trauma and/or violence.  

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has a list of Resources to Support Families for support, services, and information that can help children and families with their basic needs. PA 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number and web resource for finding health and human services- for everyday needs and crisis situations.  

Pine-Richland has a district-wide positive behavioral support and intervention program - RAMS Way - that encourages a positive school climate for both students and staff members - both virtually and in person.  

 

If you recognize or hear info raising concern:

 

Directly report potential concerns to:

 

We encourage all parents, school staff, and students to review the Preventing Youth Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs. Students who are experiencing suicidal ideation often do not directly seek help. Parents, school personnel, and students can help recognize the warning signs and observe changes in behavior. More information on what to look for and do can be found at CDC Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, Pine-Richland Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and Immediate Crisis Help and Support.

Pine-Richland partners with The Highmark Caring Place to provide support, grief resources and materials, consultation services, educational training, and peer support groups. Please reach out to your school counselor for assistance in getting started. The following are links to some wonderful resources you can reference over the holiday season in the midst of the pandemic and experiencing grief and loss: Grief — Brochures, Grief — Grief and the Holidays and How Do We Celebrate Holidays Now?