District outlines April mental health and wellness day for students and community

The district will host a mental health and wellness day on April 9 that adapts a three‑hour Aiden’s Light suicide‑awareness presentation into a full‑day program for grades 7–12 and an evening community presentation with a resource fair, organizers said.

High school principal Jacob outlined the student schedule: small group introductions with a trusted staff member, the Aiden’s Light presentation, an afternoon of activities focused on coping and stress relief (yoga, crafts, mindfulness, quiet rooms) and a debrief with the original staff member. For the community, the district will host a resource fair from 5 to 6 p.m. and a free movie, speaker and question‑and‑answer panel from roughly 6 to 9 p.m.; organizers estimate planning for 200–250 meals.

Administrators and community partners—including local mental‑health organizations, Lions and Rotary—are providing logistical support and some funding. The school said younger students will continue to receive social‑emotional learning in smaller, developmentally appropriate doses and that the program is intended for grades 7–12 based on recommendations from student support staff and partner organizations.

Communications about the event will begin about six weeks before the date with staggered reminders. Administrators noted families may bring mature younger children to the community event if they choose; student participation will follow grade‑level guidance.

Next steps: the district will finalize schedules, staff training and community outreach materials; administrators indicated interest in making the program an annual offering if successful.