Frenship’s Mental Health Minute includes a monthly theme and challenge. The theme of October is centered around Connection. The idea for this theme is that students and Frenship Families will seek to build meaningful relationships and connect with one another. 

This month students will be challenged to think of three ways to make connections with students around them.  They will also be challenged to find one person they could try to make a new connection with this school year. 

Frenship families are challenged to think of ways to make deeper connections within their own family, neighborhood, and community.  In most cases, just a small gesture of kindness is all it takes to make the strongest connections.   

Crestview Counselor Mandy Wheeler emphasizes the importance of connection and going the extra mile to show others that you care. 

“It is so important to our staff at Crestview that the students feel connected to their school community. When students feel connected at school, their overall outlook on life is more positive,” said Wheeler. “When you know that people truly care, you are more likely to form a bond that will carry throughout your educational career and beyond!” 

Wheeler often encourages students to treat others with kindness and grace, that is one of the first steps in building connections. 

“We often say, ‘To have friends, you first have to be a friend’. We model this in the way we interact with everyone we come in contact with,” said Wheeler. “We show kindness and respect, encouraging our friends when they are having a hard time and celebrating them when they’re doing a great job.” 

October also marks National Bully Prevention Month, a time when Crestview focuses on creating a safe and inclusive environment.  

“Our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Martin, puts on a program that encourages our students to ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.’ Each year, a new group of 4th-grade students acts in a bully prevention video shown during the program. We remind students that their role is vital in demonstrating that we choose to be upstanders, not bystanders and that everyone in our school should feel safe and connected,” said Wheeler. 

For students who find it challenging to make connections, Wheeler advises looking at the qualities of people who you enjoy spending time with. 

“Think of what makes someone a good friend. Who do you enjoy being around, and what qualities do they have? Kindness is usually the number one quality kids mention when describing their friends,” said Wheeler. 

This month’s Connection Challenge invites students to take action by reaching out to classmates who may feel isolated.  

“I encourage students to look for someone who doesn’t have anyone to play with at recess and include them. If someone looks lonely at lunch, ask them to come sit with you,” said Wheeler. 

Through these initiatives, Crestview Elementary is dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging among its students, highlighting the profound impact that simple acts of kindness can have in building lasting connections. 

For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.