Mental Health and Wellness Overview
Imagine A Setting Where.....
Children arrive at their school desk ready to learn and succeed
They have the coping skills to address their everyday worries, concerns, and stressors
They have social skills to establish positive relationships with their peers, teachers and parents
They make healthy choices that allow them to focus on their education and prepare for future success
And if a problem arises, they have access to early intervention and treatment
Ithaca School District has a team dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of our students. The School Social Worker and School Counselor work in collaboration with school administration and staff to address the needs of each individual student.
Shelly Pluemer, Ithaca School Social Worker - 608-585-2311 X111 - plueshe@ithaca.k12.wi.us
Meredith Bevan, Ithaca School Counselor - 608-585-2311 X302 - bevamer@ithaca.k12.wi.us
If you have concerns about your child’s social, emotional, and/or relational wellbeing, please reach out. Our role is to identify student and family needs and connect to the most appropriate resources, whether that be individual or small group support, advocacy, or referral to community resources (counseling, medical support, etc.).
Possible signs that your child may have a mental health challenge:
Sadness that lasts two or more weeks
Changes in being social or staying away from others
Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
Talking about death or suicide
Having outbursts or being very moody or testy
Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful
Big changes in mood, behavior or personality
Changes in eating habits
Loss of weight
Trouble sleeping
Getting headaches or stomach aches often
Trouble concentrating
Doing poorly in school
Not going to school
Resources
UW Extension Office–Parenting classes and resources
National Institute of Mental Health Mental Health/Suicide– information and resources
Southwestern Wisconsin Behavioral Health Partnership's Network of Care is now Network of Care–connects individuals with local medical, behavioral health, and social service programs to improve health and well-being by addressing social determinants of health barriers.)
Health/safety (AODA info; safety info)
Partners for Prevention (P4P)--substance misuse resources, videos, Hidden in Plain Sight
Covering Wisconsin–helps connect Wisconsin residents with health insurance and other programs that support health
Sources of Strength–a school-based, evidence-based suicide prevention program that utilizes peer leaders and adult advisors to promote mental health, resilience, and help-seeking behaviors
Department of Public Instruction (DPI)--DPI defines and advises School Mental Health