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Thank you for being part of the WISP Mental Wellness Newsletter! We'd love to hear your thoughts through this quick survey. Your feedback will help us understand what you find most helpful and how we can make the newsletter even better for next school year.

🚨 Bonus: Complete the survey for a chance to win a limited-edition Mental Wellness T-Shirt, designed by the Youth Mental Health Coalition! 🚨

This month's t-shirt winner is: Wanema Cornell

For an opportunity to win a t-shirt in June, please fill out the following survey:

CCCOE/WISP Mental Wellness Newsletter Feedback Survey

May is Mental Health Month

Building Mentally Healthy Schools

Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign, it's an opportunity for schools to take a visible, active role in normalizing mental health conversations, reducing stigma, and supporting emotional well-being of students, staff, and families.

By acknowledging this month, schools send a powerful message that tell students:

• It's okay to talk about mental health
• It's okay to ask for help
• Schools are safe spaces for support

Creating open, supportive environments help students thrive academically and socially, and fosters strong school communities rooted in empathy and care.

Further Reading Suggestions:

What is Mental Health Awareness Month? - The National Council of Mental Wellbeing

The Pursuit of a Peaceful Mind - Abdullah Elahim, MHA Youth Council Member

Best Mental Health and Wellness Podcasts for Kids, Tweens, and Teens - Common Sense Media

Mental Health Toolkits

2025 Mental Health Month Action Guide - Mental Health America

Mental Health America (MHA) has released its 2025 Mental Health Action Guide, designed to help schools and communities transform awareness into meaningful action. This year's theme, "Turn Awareness into Action," emphasizes proactive steps toward mental wellness and community support. It includes self-care tools, printable handouts, classroom-friendly activities, social media graphics, and advocacy ideas, perfect for promoting awareness among students, staff, and families.

Stress Busters Toolkit -

ACES Aware

The Aces Aware Stress Busters Toolkit offers evidence-based strategies to help children and families manage stress and build resilience. It focuses on: supportive relationships, quality sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness practices, and mental healthcare. Designed for use by educators and caregivers, this toolkit provides practical resources to foster healthy habits and mitigate the effects of toxic stress.

Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Toolkit - Governor's Advisory Council On Physical FItness and Mental Well-Being

The MYBCYM toolkit provides schools with accessible resources to integrate movement and mindfulness into the school day. It includes meditation videos, activity guides, and practical tools designed to support student well-being through physical activity and stress reduction. These materials are suitable for educators, coaches, and families aiming to promote mental health in educational settings.

Mental Health Matters -

Take Action for Mental Health

Take Action's May is Mental Health Matters Month Toolkit encourages schools and families to "Take Action" by fostering conversations, raising awareness, and connecting students to support. WIth ready-to-use graphics, event ideas, and outreach materials, it's ideal for school staff and caregivers promoting mental wellness and reducing stigma in classrooms and communities.

Resource Spotlight

CA Peer-Run The Warmline

The Warm Line is a peer run phone and chat line is available 24/7/365 across California for warm, non-crisis emotional support.

The Warm Line provides accessible mental health support by using the wisdom of lived experience to connect, inspire hope, and empower our community toward unlimited recovery.

Call or text 855-600-WARM (9276) to speak with a counselor 24/7.

211

211 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals and families to essential resources, including mental health support, housing assistance, and crisis intervention.

Available 24/7 by dialing 211 or visiting 211cc.org, this service can help families navigate sleep-related concerns tied to stress, mental health challenges, or other life circumstances.

988 & Suicide Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or thoughts of suicide. By calling or texting 988, individuals are connected with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate support, guidance, and connections to local mental health resources.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: What to Expect When You Call

988 Youth Resources

The Wellness in Schools Program Resource Page

The Contra Costa Office of Education WISP's Resource page offers a wealth of mental health, well-being, and student support resources for school staff, parents, and students.

Upcoming Events & Trainings from WISP Partners