Frenship’s Mental Health Minute features a monthly theme and challenge. For October, the focus is on building meaningful connections. 

Students this month are challenged to think of three ways to make connections with other students. They are also encouraged to identify one person they could try to make a new connection with this school year. Families are challenged to consider ways to build connections within their own family, neighborhood, and community. Often, even a small gesture of kindness can create the strongest bonds. 

Kerry Stamps, Counselor at Bennett Elementary, emphasized the importance of connection for mental health and well-being. According to Stamps, building connections helps students feel part of a community and fosters a sense of belonging.  

“Whether these connections are with family or friends, they give us a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. When a student feels connected at school, they are more likely to want to attend because they feel supported, valued, and cared for,” said Stamps. 

Stamps explained that teaching students to create meaningful connections supports their emotional and physical health.  

“Meaningful connections help us when we are facing challenges, they give us a sense of belonging and unity with each other and they help us lead healthier lives. Our mental health is better when we have support, understanding and encouragement from others,” said Stamps. 

For students working to meet this month’s challenge, Stamps offered practical advice. 

“I would encourage students to play with a new friend at recess, sit with someone new during their free time, and welcome new classmates by introducing themselves and asking how they're doing,” said Stamps. “I would also encourage them to notice if a classmate is alone, seems sad, or isn’t acting like they usually do. These are all great opportunities to build connections and make others feel seen and supported at school.” 

Connection is also a key foundation for academic success and emotional growth, according to Stamps.  

“Human connection allows us to form meaningful relationships, understand others’ perspectives, and find a sense of purpose in our lives. We grow emotionally when we feel supported, nurtured, loved, and when we have a strong sense of belonging,” said Stamps. 

Families can reinforce these skills at home by modeling healthy connections, Stamps added.  

“Parents and families can model healthy connections both at home and in the community. By showing care for others, offering help, prioritizing quality time together, and communicating in positive ways, they demonstrate how strong bonds are formed and maintained,” said Stamps. 

Bennett Elementary has also introduced programs to help students strengthen connections on campus.  

“Our Lead to Succeed program continues to thrive, empowering young minds to lead with confidence, kindness, and creativity. Through teamwork, learning, and community service, we are building tomorrow’s leaders among our 4th and 5th grade students. We've also introduced Kindness Ambassadors to some of our 2nd and 3rd grade students, focusing on spreading kindness and serving others. I'm excited to see how both programs help deepen connections across many levels of our school community,” said Stamps. 

Through these initiatives, Bennett Elementary emphasizes the value of meaningful relationships, demonstrating the positive impact connection can have on students’ mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. 

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