
Good Afternoon South Lake Families, As we head into the last few months of the school year and enter the busyness of academic commitments and end-of-year activities, we would like to remind our families of the mental health and academic supports available through IUSD. IUSD Family Counseling Center The IUSD Family Counseling Center (IFCC) offers short-term, evidence-based mental health services provided by licensed mental health therapists for IUSD K-12 students and families. We aim to provide effective and individualized support for our clients dealing with mental health concerns in an intimate and confidential setting where we can foster connection, trust and growth. Our services include intake appointments to further assess and determine the best support services that the IFCC can provide. Care Solace To better serve our students, families, and staff, IUSD has partnered with Care Solace, which offers free and confidential services to connect families to outside mental health providers. Care Solace provides concierge services to assist families in navigating mental health services in the community. Additionally, Care Solace will coordinate families' care and provide referrals to community-based social services. Their staff will facilitate a screening and referral process to connect students and families needing social services such as low—or no-cost dental care, medical services, housing support, and food. Families will also have access to a social services coordinator to help them navigate a complex system. Hazel Health IUSD has also partnered with Hazel Health, a telehealth behavioral health company that provides one-on-one counseling from a professional therapist at no cost to IUSD students. A parent/guardian may refer their student through a link found on the IUSD website, or a referral can be made by the student’s school counselor, elementary resource counselor, mental health specialist, school psychologist, or administrator at their school. Students must have parental permission to enroll for services unless they are 18 or older. With services available in over 19 languages, 90% of students have seen improvement after just six therapy sessions. This service does not have long waiting lists, and a doctor's referral is not required. Academic Supports Academic pressure can also contribute to stress. IUSD offers academic resources to complement mental health support. Platforms such as Khan Academy and Paper Tutoring provide students with avenues for academic assistance, alleviating some of the stressors that may impact their mental well-being. Amid the hustle and bustle, it's essential to remember the importance of self-care and mindfulness. Taking a moment to breathe, prioritize self-care, and be present can make a world of difference in navigating the school year's final stretch. For families seeking more information on IUSD mental health supports, please visit the Mental Health and Wellness website. This is a final reminder that our deadline to purchase a South Lake Yearbook for $30 is approaching and the price increase to $40 will go into effect on March 1st. Purchase now on-line at MySchoolBucks and save memories and money at the same time! Go to: http://www.myschoolbucks.com/. Please see MySchoolBucks Purchase Instructions for how to set up an account for purchasing. In preparation for the beginning of Ramadan on March 1st, we want to ensure our Muslim students feel supported during this important time. To accommodate our students fasting from dawn to dusk, we have the library as an option for students who want to rest and have an alternative space during lunch for those who are fasting. Teachers and staff are also mindful of adjusting strenuous physical activities when needed. We appreciate our school community’s understanding and support for students observing Ramadan. Lastly, IUSD Schools will be closed on Monday, March 3 for a student holiday. The District Office will remain open. While our students have the day off our IUSD-certified instructional staff will be hard at work at a districtwide Professional Learning Day. This active, full-day training will provide staff with the opportunity to collaborate with their peers on strategies for meeting the needs of all students through equitable instructional practices. Have a wonderful 3-day weekend…It’s a great day to be a Shark! In kindness, Belinda Averill Principal ![]() | ||||||||||
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