Musician Jared Campbell is playing a series of concerts at Windsor elementary schools on Monday and Tuesday, spreading messages of kindness and supporting the district’s efforts to highlight the importance of mental health.
“For the younger kids, we put a huge emphasis on character education, kindness, friendship, and doing the right thing. The show for the older kids is geared toward them taking ownership of their school to make it the best place it can be through their words and actions and make it feel like a family.”
Campbell’s show for grades K-2 features songs that describe what it’s like to be a superhero at school every day: learning respect, playing it safe, and showing up every day ready. The playlist includes, “No Bullies Allowed” and, “I am Responsible for Me.”
The performance for grades 3-5 has songs with messages about how to become world changers and look at creating the best culture in the school setting to lead the way toward kindness for all.
Campbell’s performances are part of the events and activities Windsor’s elementary counseling team created for Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
Each Monday in May has been a Mental Health Monday. Students and teachers met to discuss what mental health is, and steps students can take to take care of their mental health, such as spending time outside, spending time with friends, taking care of their bodies, eating well, and focusing on the positives.
Windsor’s elementary counseling team is defining mental health as someone’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.
“We want to reduce the stigma around the phrase mental health and let students and their families know what it means,” said Bell Elementary counselor Lori Fisher.
“It’s definitely opened the conversation with kids and they’re more aware of what mental health is. It makes a difference overall,” said Palmer Elementary counselor Sandra Tredo.
“It’s given us common language. When we talk to students about mental health, they’ll say, ‘Oh, like what Mrs. Tredo talked about,’” said Dr. Magdalena Ostrowski-Hilton, School Psychologist for the Windsor Central School District.
Mental Health Awareness Month activities in Windsor elementary schools will conclude on Tuesday, May 29th. Staff from Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network will make a mental health presentation to 5th graders. All students will create their own mental health or self-care plans.
Important activities, though maybe not as loud and fun as a concert.
“Jared’s assembly is focusing on kindness toward others and bullying prevention. When we are kind and get along, we feel better about ourselves – and it’s really fun. Music is good for your mental health,” said Mrs. Fisher.