How One Minute Is Changing Mental Health for New Orleans

Schoolin' Around

• 28 min

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Dr. Avis Williams, superintendent of NOLA Public Schools, discusses the district's initiative to address the mental health crisis among students. The district has implemented the 'mental minute' practice, which encourages students and staff to take a minute each day to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as reading, journaling, and breathing exercises. Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of listening to students, using data to guide decision-making, and getting commitment from leaders to prioritize mental health in schools.Resources:<a href="https://schoolin-around.captivate.fm/mental-health-article">Mental Health Article</a> <a href="https://schoolin-around.captivate.fm/mental-health-webinar">Mental Health Webinar</a> <a href="https://schoolin-around.captivate.fm/sel-guide">SEL Guide</a> <a href="https://nolapublicschools.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nolapublicschools.com </a>X - <a href="https://x.com/DrAvisW" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DrAvisW</a>IG and FB - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dr.aviswilliams/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dr.aviswilliams</a>NOLA-PS Socials:Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NOLAPublicSchools" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@nolapublicschools</a>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nolaps/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@nolaps</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nolapublicschools" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@nolapublicschools</a>X: <a href="https://x.com/NOLAPSchools" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@NOLAPSchools</a>Takeaways<ul><li>Implementing small, digestible practices like the 'mental minute' can help normalize conversations about mental health and make it more feasible for students and staff to engage in self-care.</li><li>Partnerships with community organizations, such as Children's Hospital, can provide additional resources and support for mental health initiatives in schools.</li><li>Listening to students and using data to guide decision-making are essential in addressing the mental health needs of students.</li><li>Getting commitment from leaders and involving stakeholders in the planning and implementation process is crucial for the success of mental health initiatives in schools.</li></ul> Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting <a href="https://schoolin-around.captivate.fm/branchingminds">Branching Minds Website</a> or Sign up for our weekly <a href="https://schoolin-around.captivate.fm/newsletter">Newsletter</a> on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.