“On a day where you wake up and things aren’t feeling good, you should always feel comfortable walking into school and talking with a counselor, teacher, or someone you trust,” new ELHS psychologist Sheryl Shyloski said.
With students’ mindsets taking a downward turn during the pandemic, the district and state have made a more conscientious effort to encourage their students to better navigate their mental health. EL administration is committed to organizing and developing new resources for students to encourage a positive mindset this year even calling in the cavalry… well, the goat cavalry that is.
Along with other resources, as a surprise to the student body, goats came to ELHS Nov. 16, bringing laughter and smiles to a tiring school day. Director of EL Campus Safety and Security, Mr. Olsen, spoke with the owner of the goats, and helped organize the visit from goats at ELHS. Not only has ELHS had goats visit, but therapy dogs have also visited. Students love to see them in the commons.
“It is a good distraction from everyday stuff, and offers everyone an opportunity to calm themselves by interacting with goats or dogs,” Mr. Olsen said when speaking of the therapy animals.
Ms. Shyloski, was hired for the 2023 school year to help the school maintain the school’s goal of improving students’ mental health. Now with three psychologists, more students can get the help they need.
Ms. Shyloski is aiming to start a new club at ELHS, a Random Acts of Kindness Club, where all students are welcome and strive to spread kindness around the community of East Lyme. Ms. Shyloski wants the best for students.
“I think that it (Random Acts of Kindness club) would do all that I am aiming for with the idea about increasing overall happiness or general good vibes… but have more impact in being able to spread those good vibes around,” Ms. Shyloski said.
This year, staff have been introduced to many new resources for students in order to push for better mental health by making more visible and accessible sources of hotlines in Google Classroom and on the back of students ID’s. Along with these resources, the counseling team at ELHS has a page on Google Classroom for students to utilize.
ELHS is also considering a school-based mental health center that would be another resource for students to use.
“I have noticed improvement the last couple of school years, as students have had more opportunities to socialize and interact with one another in a normal way,” assistant principal of ninth and twelfth grade at ELHS, Henry Kydd said.
“Depending on the group, there might be more willingness to have a discussion like that and open yourself up to sharing your opinion,” Mr. Kydd said. Another way ELHS staff is attempting to improve students’ mental health is through advisory lessons every Wednesday. The lessons are developed by Mr. Kydd, Ms. Schvetz, and
Ms. Kelly after having discussions about what students struggle with. These programs are challenging for some advisory groups (for both students and teachers), but persistence is key to continue this uphill journey.
“Figuring out what works for the students and their needs is what is important,” Ms. Shyloski said. It is important to take everyone into account when acknowledging ways to improve mental health. Counselor meetings may not work for some students as they can find assemblies more helpful where they can listen rather than talk. Meanwhile, some students may find that counselor meetings are helpful for them. There are so many different ways to navigate toward a healthy mindset, whether it is through advisory lessons, assemblies, private discussions, or even class check ins, and this is all thanks to the helpful staff members at ELHS.
Mr. Kydd believes that social media, although useful, leads to a lot of stress. Mr. Kydd says that there are many staff members at ELHS here to help students through stressful times, whether it is related to social media or anything else that can be draining. With so many great staff members, support is always available to those who need it.
