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Starpoint board hears results from DNG Wellness program for student athletes
Summary
School officials described a district partnership with DNG Wellness that provided mental-health and team-culture programming to varsity and junior-varsity athletes; staff reported growing coach and athlete buy-in and a pre-survey showing high self‑reported anxiety.
The Starpoint Central School District on Feb. 1 heard a progress report on DNG Wellness, a program the district contracted to deliver mental‑health education and coaching skills to high‑school athletes and coaches.
Dr. Croft, superintendent, introduced the program and turned the presentation over to Danielle Dallas, a licensed mental‑health counselor representing DNG Wellness, who described a four‑module curriculum delivered to fall and winter athletes and separate training for coaches. Dallas said the program mixes psychoeducation and practical skill building with former college athletes who share lived experience as part of the sessions.
District presenters emphasized the program’s goals: early intervention, emotional regulation training for athletes, and “emotion‑coaching” tools for coaches to notice and escalate concerns. Dallas said the program began with a pre‑survey to tailor content and reported 81 athlete responses for a winter survey: 86.5 percent self‑reported some experience of anxiety and 29.7 percent reported some symptoms of depression or related concerns; other items listed included eating disorders, self‑harm and substance‑use concerns. Dallas said those results underscored the need for prevention and for coaches to learn how to spot “red flags” and pass concerns to clinical staff.
Speakers said coaches’ buy‑in increased from fall to winter seasons and that some teams—most notably a boys hockey squad—were highly engaged. Staff and presenters said athletes reached out for follow‑up conversations after sessions, which the presenters described as evidence of growing trust. District administrators said they view the work as one component of a broader student support strategy that includes additional supervision and “sports study hall” provisions.
Board members asked about coach receptivity and implementation details; presenters said the program explicitly trains coaches to notice signs and to refer rather than to act as clinicians. No formal action or new funding was taken at the meeting.
The report ended with board members thanking staff and presenters and noting the program will continue through spring seasons and be evaluated for further rollout.
The board meeting also included routine reports and other agenda items.
