In the Diocese of Allentown, one area of focus for Catholic Schools Week is the twin theme of Safety and Mental Health. And for good reason: According to recent studies, 57% of young people nationwide have experienced actual trauma, while 34% are not "flourishing” mentally.
Such statistics underline the need for the life-affirming education offered by diocesan schools, observed Karen Rolston, Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese. Catholic Schools Week provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of Catholic education as a means to human flourishing.
“We are talking about the safety and security of our students,” Rolston emphasized. To that end, “we're working on mental health, as well as physical safety and preparation.”
A priority for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Allentown, Rolston shared that their office hosted a webinar this past fall titled “Made to Thrive,” designed to help Catholic school parents and teachers address the growing mental health crisis among students and children. Close to 50 people participated in the webinar, which was led by Beth Hlabse, a specialist in therapeutic care for adolescents and program director of the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at the McGrath Institute for Church Life.
She also pointed to several initiatives being implemented in the Diocese, including the Mental Health First Aid program for children 12 to 18, and PrePare, a school safety training curriculum for educators.
Putting a period on Catholic Schools Week will be the Aevidum Catholic School Leadership Meeting, scheduled to take place at Notre Dame High School, Bethlehem on Feb. 5. Aevidum, which means “I've got your back,” is a suicide prevention program.
Meanwhile, individual schools throughout the Diocese are planning safety and mental health activities of their own for Catholic Schools Week. As part of its CSW observance, St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton has elected to offer the “Safety Town” program.
The hands-on educational experience gives K-1 students the chance to practice lifesaving behaviors within a child-sized replica of a busy community. The acclaimed program, begun in 1937, has served as a catalyst for the development of other safety-related children’s programs.
Rolston noted that there is certainly “some social and emotional learning” involved in the pursuit of mental health. She asserted, however, that Catholic education’s faith-based approach to mental wellness places it firmly above its counterparts in the public schools.
“We rely on Christian doctrines,” said Rolston. “Morality, right and wrong, kindness … those are constant messages. We recognize mental health is a priority. But we want to do it with the Catholic lens and Catholic perspective.”
Holding similar views was Dr. Sarah Johnson, principal of St. Joseph the Worker School, Orefield.
“Our Safety and Mental Health awareness goals for Catholic Schools Week are to focus on positivity in an effort to break the stigma,” explained Dr. Johnson. “These efforts not only illuminate our CSW theme, ‘United in Faith and Community,’ but equally align with the five Cs of mental health: Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community, and Care.
“That is one of the many blessings of Catholic education. Our shared faith, our history, and our mission are rooted in the key components of positive mental health.”
Students at St. Joseph the Worker School kicked off Catholic Schools Week with the distribution of thank-you cards to parishioners at Sunday Mass. “Not only does this show our appreciation for the contributions our church family makes to our school community,” said Dr. Johnson, “but it teaches our students the value of practicing gratitude,” an attitude known to foster mental health.
In recognition of first responders’ commitment to student safety and wellness, St. Joseph’s will hold a Heroes Parade during Catholic Schools Week. The school is also planning a collaborative craft project between older and younger students, designed to highlight the vital importance of personal connection.
“When we say we're teaching the whole child, we are teaching that spirituality is infused in everything that they do,” said Karen Rolston. “‘You are special, God made you unique.’ Those kinds of lessons permeate from kindergarten to when they graduate high school.”
There is no better time to see the fruits of those lessons than during National Catholic Schools Week.
Photo: Facebook, "Safety Town" Program, St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton.
By Celeste Behe
