How We PTA - Social and Emotional Well-Being

Social and Emotional Well-Being

Our schools offer so much more than academics. Teachers, parents and school staff work together to help guide our children as they learn about social interactions and positive behaviors. The pandemic has caused many students to experience stress and other mental health issues that affect their overall well-being. PTAs across the country are jumping in, developing tools, resources and programs to support the social and emotional wellbeing of students.

Read the stories of these PTAs who are raising awareness about mental health and providing resources to support students and their families.

Amazing Stories from PTAs

Expand a category below to check out these amazing stories from PTAs who are dedicated to advocacy efforts in their community.

School of Excellence

Palmetto Elementary PTA

Pinecrest, Fla.

Palmetto Elementary PTA in Pinecrest, Fla., focused on supporting student mental health and safety during their School of Excellence journey. Every year the PTA collaborates with the school to run a No Place for Hate program, which is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League and includes activities that promote inclusion, allyship and bullying prevention. They have earned a No Place for Hate designation every year for over a decade and were the first elementary school in Florida to receive the recognition. As part of their No Place for Hate program, the PTA hosts three themed weeks during the school year: Start with Hello Week, Kindness Week and Peace Week. The Start with Hello Week is an initiative from the Sandy Hook Promise foundation and is designed to reduce social isolation and create a more connected and inclusive school community. The week includes activities to help students feel seen, accepted and safe by teaching them how to show kindness through words and actions. During Kindness Week, the PTA provides teachers with daily kindness activities to do with their students. Students also participate in the Great Kindness Challenge, where they list the kind actions they perform throughout the week. Peace Week includes activities that promote acceptance, bullying prevention, altruism, mindfulness and inclusion. This event includes a No One Eats Alone day, where students are randomly assigned to different tables in the cafeteria with a student ally who prompts them with questions so they can get to know each other. In addition to the themed weeks, they have a Student Ally program, where fifth graders are selected to participate in conflict resolution training. They also run a Watch D.O.G.S program and Lunch Bunch. They recently launched “Girl Talk,” which is a program for fifth grade girls to express their thoughts and feeling and encourage peer-to-peer empowerment. Through their programming, they work on the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships standards of Support Student Success and Speak Up for Every Child. School of Excellence enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is now open! #HowWePTA #PTAExcellence

Palmetto Elementary PTA

In their own words:

"It is up to us to work together to support our children as they navigate their feelings, many of which have been intensified in this post-pandemic world."

—Palmetto Elementary PTA

Hazelwood Central Middle School

Black Jack, MO.

Hazelwood Central Middle School PTSA in Black Jack, Mo., focused on supporting mental health and safety during their School of Excellence journey. Following the pandemic lockdown, students and families felt disconnected from the school community. And while they spent so much time together at home, families still felt isolated, even from each other. Based on feedback from PTSA surveys, they set a goal to increase family and community involvement in PTSA and work on the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships of Welcome All Families. To achieve their goal, they hosted a series of events that were open and accessible to all family members. Their first event was a movie night at a local theater. Based on the overwhelming positive feedback, they stepped up their event efforts and held a Dine Out event, where families were encouraged to eat out together at local restaurants. This event served double and even triple duty - it was a fundraiser for their PTSA and restaurants were locally owned, which supported the local community too. They also held a Family Sneakerball, where everyone dressed up for a dance but wore their favorite sneakers. They had 250 people attend the Sneakerball, ranging in age from toddler siblings to grandparents. By bringing families and the school community together in fun and active ways, students were able to reconnect with the school and each other, improving their mental health and helping them recover from the pandemic experience. In just one year, the PTSA increased their membership by 760%! #HowWePTA #PTAExcellence

Hazelwood PTSA

In their own words:

The level of respect and trust between families, the community and our PTSA has been established to set a foundation for great things to come for the next school year and beyond.

—Hazelwood Central Middle School PTSA

Canyon Rim PTA

Mesa, AZ.

Canyon Rim Elementary PTA in Mesa, Ariz., saw the world changing around them last year and shifted their focus to improving school safety. Through the School of Excellence program, the PTA took matters into their own hands and started a safety initiative on campus. They made changes to the student drop-off and pick-up process to make mornings and afternoons easier and safer; enhanced the school’s cleanliness by installing continuously self-cleaning products throughout campus; and supported mental health through outreach and free events. Parents know that safety and mental health is a key priority for Canyon Rim Elementary School, and during a year no one could have predicted, this PTA took steps to continue to care for their community and support future growth. #HowWePTA #PTAExcellence

How We PTA-Canyon-Rim

In their own words:

We have a very diverse community at Canyon Rim, and our PTA provides something for everyone. Their dedication to our staff, students and families is incredible. The free events and community engagement this past year have been some of the best in the district, even during a pandemic.

—Canyon Rim Elementary School Administrator

Miami Palmetto Senior High School PTSA

Miami, FL.

With over half of their student body engaged in remote learning all year and all in-person activities and clubs canceled by the district, last year the Miami Palmetto Senior High School PTSA in Miami, Fla., ramped up their efforts to inform, educate and celebrate their school community. They prioritized maintaining a sense of community as an integral part of their students’ emotional well-being, many of whom struggled academically, emotionally and/or financially due to the isolation and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The school’s PTSA celebrated accomplishments and retirements, and highlighted academic, athletic, artistic and philanthropic achievements of students, teachers and staff. They made sure to address any foreseeable need, such as health, nutrition, mental health, safety, academic challenges, college readiness, food and housing insecurity, and more. They also sponsored speaker programs around topics like the Black Lives Matter Movement and LGBTQ rights, because they felt these issues were important to address for the well-being of their community. Throughout the difficult year, the school’s PTSA was a constant source of pride and connection for their school. #HowWePTA #PTAExcellence

SOE_Miami_Palmetto

Blythe Academy of Languages PTA

Greenville, SC.

Blythe Academy of Languages in Greenville, S.C. is a partial French and Spanish language immersion school, so their PTA felt it was extra critical to create a school culture and climate that welcomed all families. They installed friendly signs and messages in multiple languages throughout the campus to invite every family into the Blythe community. Given the disruptive nature of the quarantine in March of 2020, the PTA's goals evolved to include COVID-19 recovery objectives such as mental health and social emotional support. They purchased books, therapeutic toys, and supplies for the school’s counselors and guidance department. The PTA is proud to continue their School of Excellence journey to show their commitment to the school, their families, and to the immersion programs are key to Blythe Academy's mission and vision statements. #HowWePTA #PTAExcellence

In their own words:

In a language immersion school like Blythe, it is critical to have traffic and location signage in multiple languages. This is not only a service to our families who speak those languages—it also shows the serious level of our commitment to our school's mission and vision statements. We are extremely grateful to our PTA for this initiative at Blythe and for their work to support our community.

—Dr. Sandra Griffin, Principal

PTA Connected

Durham School of Technology PTSA

Durham, N.C.

Durham School of Technology PTSA in Durham, N.C., wanted to bring families in their Title I school community together to talk about navigating digital life, including learning practical tips for being good digital citizens and staying safe online.

Using their grant from National PTA and Discord, they held a Build Up and Belong event. Using the provided program guide, they engaged families through a presentation about online communities and interactions. Teens and their parents/caregivers were shown different scenarios that teens could face while online and openly discussed ways to respond.

“Participants were actively involved in the conversations being presented, which showed that the program helped families think about technology as a communication and relationship tool while also exploring digital safety, privacy and online community building,” reported the PTSA. “One thing that worked especially well was the use of video examples of different online situations students could face. Families really enjoyed that part, and it helped start meaningful conversations.”

“Our program not only helped families learn more about positive digital communication and online communities, it brought the school and families together.”

Build Up and Belong is a PTA Connected program. Learn more about PTA Connected, which strives to help teens act safely, responsibly and thoughtfully online, and how you can host a Build Up and Belong event in your school.

Durham School of Technology PTSA

In their own words:

"Our program created a space for connection, conversation and fellowship, which made it meaningful for everyone involved."

—Durham School of Technology PTSA

James Clemens High School PTSA

Madison, Ala.

Like so many high schools across the country, James Clemens High School in Madison, Ala., has experienced social media challenges, which pose mental health issues—and potential criminal and civil liability to our students. To help educate their students on being good digital citizens and curb inappropriate online behavior, the PTSA used their grant from National PTA and TikTok to host a Create with Kindness event, which included a student panel discussion. Students shared their experiences and had honest and thoughtful answers to questions asked during the event. The PTSA is also working with school system administrators, local law enforcement and community partners to implement a digital citizenship program. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

There is an increasing mental health impact to students due to social media. The more than we can do to bring parents, students and teachers together to talk about appropriate use of social media, the better off our society will be.

—James Clemens High PTSA

Mira Costa High School PTSA

Manhattan Beach, Calif.

After a few incidents at the school including hate graffiti drawn in the high school bathrooms, the Mira Costa High School PTSA decided to use their grant from National PTA and TikTok to host a Create with Kindness event, which included a student panel discussion. They recruited panelists from their diverse student organizations who could share their online experiences. The panel, which was led by their school psychologist, focused on how students can express themselves creatively online while also ensuring they are using online platforms productively and responsibly. The program offered ways to use kindness as a tool and students sent a kindness message to several schools in the community. It was an informative and engaging evening, and the kindness message was so powerful that several families at the middle school asked to have the panel to talk to their students. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

Our student panel answered questions from their heart, with honesty and from their personal experiences. The students really shined!

—Mira Costa High PTSA

Healthy Minds

Newbury Park High School PTSA

Newbury Park, Calif.

Because mental health is just as important as physical health, the PTSA at Newbury Park High School in Newbury Park, Calif., wanted to help families find resources in the community to support their student’s emotional well-being. They used their Healthy Minds grant from National PTA and New York Life Foundation to host a Healthy Minds Wellness Fair. They teamed up with local mental health organizations to provide information and resources to families.

The event created a space where families could engage directly with mental health professionals, school-based services, and local organizations. Attendees shared that they weren’t aware that these programs existed right in their community. One family even expressed that after years of searching for help with a specific mental health challenge, they finally made a meaningful connection at the fair.

Their fair demonstrated that when barriers are lowered and access is prioritized, families are eager to engage and students benefit with the help they need to thrive.

Learn how you can support your school community with mental health programs at PTA.org/HealthyLifestyles.

Newbury Park High School PTSA

In their own words:

“This grant allowed us to put on an event that was open and accessible and let our families have real one-on-one conversations with professionals.”

—Newbury Park High School PTSA

Lakeridge Elementary School PTA

Cedar Hill, Texas

Parents in the Lakeridge Elementary School community—a Title I school in Cedar Hill, Texas – were worried about the impact of too much screen time on their student’s mental well-being, To help parents navigate these issues and connect them with mental health resources in their community, the PTA used a Healthy Minds grant from National PTA and New York Life Foundation to host a Mental Health Resource Fair. The theme of their event was “Unplug & Play.”

Their event focused on the benefits of unplugging from technology and engaging in hands-on activities. They had a music station, where kids played a “Freeze” dance game and parents learned about the benefits of music to help student relax, manage emotions, focus and enjoy better sleep. They also had art, reading and yoga stations, and brought in emotional support animals that the kids could cuddle.

“I didn’t realize how many different things could support mental health. It was great to see that it can actually be fun. My son and I both love to paint, and this gave us new ideas for how we can spend time together and decompress,” said a Lakeridge Elementary School parent.

Families took home Boredom Busters bags full of information and activities to keep kids engaged and off of their devices at home.

Feedback from students and families was overwhelmingly positive:

A second-grade student said “I liked learning about reading from the library and taking a break from my tablet. I even got to take home a free book!” A fifth-grade student said “I learned some really cool yoga poses and breathing exercises. I think I can use them to stay calm when I’m getting ready to take STAAR.”

A school administrator urged the PTA to bring the program back next year. “I’ve never seen our students this excited and engaged—this was incredible.”

“As a Title I campus, resources are limited, and we were intentional about ensuring cost was not a barrier to accessing mental health resources. Because of the support from National PTA and New York Life Foundation, we were a to connect families with valuable tools, community partners and take-home resources that will continue to benefit students beyond the event,” reported the PTA.

Learn how you can support your school community with health and well-being programs.

Lakeridge Elementary School PTA

In their own words:

“I didn’t realize how many different things could support mental health. My son and I both love to paint, and this gave us new ideas for how we can spend time together and decompress.”

—Lakeridge Elementary School PTA

Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA

Brick, N.J.

A child’s mental health impacts how they think, feel and behave, yet nearly four out of five young people cite unmet mental health needs. To connect families to mental health resources in the community, Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA, serving a Title I school in Brick, N.J., used a Healthy Minds grant from National PTA and New York Life Foundation to host a mental health and wellness night at their school.

Their event included information on social-emotional learning, managing issues that impact mental health including grief, depression and anxiety, and resources on suicide prevention. They had a great turn-out, and feedback was positive.

“The wide range of topics addressed ensured that families could access resources relevant to their unique needs. We were able to connect valuable mental health and social-emotional resources with families in our school community in a welcoming space,” reported the PTA.

The event brought mental wellness topics out into the open and helped normalize conversations around mental health. It also ensured families knew that there are resources in the community to support them.

“The most significant impact of our event was the reassurance participants felt, knowing that help, education and support are accessible and that mental health conversations are being openly encouraged within our school community.”

Learn how you can support your school community with health and well-being programs.

Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA

In their own words:

"Families left our event with a greater understanding of mental health and social-emotional well-being, as well as practical information to help them make informed decisions for themselves and their children."

—Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA

Cougar Valley Elementary School PTA

Silverdale, Wash.

Because mental health is just as important as physical health, the PTA at Cougar Valley Elementary School in Silverdale, Wash., wanted to bring their school community together to focus on students’ emotional well-being. Using a Healthy Minds grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation, they designed a multi-pronged, inclusive program that equipped families with practical tools to support healthy emotional development.

Their program included a family engagement night, where parents, caregivers and students learned about mental well-being, stress management and the skills needed to build resilience. The event was paired with the school’s Art Walk, which increased attendance and helped families see the powerful connection between creativity and emotional well-being.

All materials shared during the family night were emailed to the school community and included in the newsletter sent home with students. This ensured that every Cougar Valley family had access to the same valuable resources.

They also held an assembly for students that taught them age-appropriate strategies for managing challenges, recognizing emotions and building supportive relationships.

“By pairing a family event with a student-focused in-school experience, we reinforced key messages and helped students feel supported both at school and at home,” reported the PTA.

“I appreciated the opportunity to talk to PTA leaders at the event, and my kids loved the assembly,” reported a Cougar Valley parent.

By offering multiple themes, activities and resources, the PTA made it easier for families to engage with topics that felt most relevant to their lives. The program felt inclusive, adaptable and meaningful. The provided resources can be used by families long after the program ends to support their child’s emotional well-being as they grow.

Learn how you can host a Healthy Minds program in your school..

Cougar Valley Elementary School PTA

In their own words:

"By pairing a family event with a student-focused in-school experience, we reinforced key messages and helped students feel supported both at school and at home."

—Cougar Valley Elementary School PTA

Boyd Intermediate/Middle School PTA

Borger, Texas

A child’s mental health impacts how they think, feel and behave, which is why it’s so important to teach students life skills for handling stress, adapting to challenges, building meaningful relationships and making healthy life choices.

To help students and families in their Title I school community learn ways to prioritize mental health, Boyd Intermediate/Middle School PTA in Borger, Texas, used their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation to host a mental health and wellness night at their school.

Using resources from National PTA’s Healthy Minds program, they partnered with teachers and community organizations to create different stations throughout the school. With a passport in hand, students learned the benefits of a healthy diet, techniques to overcome test anxiety, yoga poses and how to express themselves through art. They got their passports stamped at each station and turned them in for a stress ball at the end of the fair.

“The wealth of information and resources provided by National PTA are particularly beneficial for rural PTAs like ours, where access to such support can often be limited. The impact of our program was significant, and we have requests to run a similar program for the high school students,” reported the PTA.

Learn more about how you can support your school community with wellness programing at PTA.org/HealthyLifestyles.

In their own words:

"This event fostered a deeper understanding of well-being, leaving a lasting positive impact on the students and the school community."

—Boyd Intermediate/Middle School PTA

Sequoyah Middle School PTA

Broken Arrow, Okla.

To help their students understand how to prioritize healthy activities and their own wellness, Sequoyah Middle School PTA, which serves a Title I school in Broken Arrow, Okla., used their grant from National PTA and New York Life Foundation to host a week full of wellness activities during advisory and lunch.

Using resources provided by National PTA, their wellness activities included a Kindness Challenge, where students were encouraged to perform random acts of kindness. If a teacher saw them being kind, they received a raffle ticket that could be redeemed for fun prizes. To address healthy eating habits, the PTA provided healthy snacks to students after they completed their state testing. To show the importance of making connections, students were encouraged to sit with new people at lunch. The PTA placed conversation starter questions at each table to help students get to know each other better.

Students were also encouraged to write a letter to themselves that they could read at times when they were feeling down or overwhelmed. Each student received a motivational pen to inspire them. To finish the week, students participated in an anti-bullying exercise where they learned how to identify bullying, the roles of those involved, how to respond to bulling and how to report it. They also made their own student action plan against bullying.

To get parents involved, they emailed daily articles, videos and other resources on mental health topics like suicide prevention, anxiety, loneliness, depression, bullying prevention, coping skills and developing a family action plan. Parents also were sent information about community wellness resources.

“The impact of programs like this keeps going beyond the single week. If someone needs help a year from now, we hope they will remember they have an email full of resources to reference,” reported the Sequoyah Middle School PTA.

Learn how you can support your school community with wellness programing at pta.org/program/healthy-lifestyles.

In their own words:

"I loved seeing how many Acts of Kindness raffle tickets were turned in. The students were truly engaged!"

—Sequoyah Middle School PTA

A.B. Chandler Elementary School PTA

Corydon, Ky.

To help families in their Title I school community learn ways to approach mental health issues, A.B. Chandler Elementary School PTA in Corydon, Ky., used their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation to integrate Healthy Minds Wellness Fair stations into a school sponsored event. They teamed up with local behavior health organizations, the public library, and other mental health organizations to provide information and resources to families. The event included stations on dealing with test anxiety, managing stress and the importance of self-care. They also had a station with support puppies – which was the highlight of the event! They provided prizes to kids visiting the different wellness stations along with dinner to encourage families to attend. They had a great turnout, with the PTA noting that the event was “super fun and highly successful!” It also achieved their goal of educating families on the importance of mental health for kids in elementary school. Learn how your PTA can host a Healthy Minds Wellness Fair in your school.

In their own words:

"Our children are now armed with mental health tools that will ensure their success in the future."

—A.B. Chandler Elementary School PTA

Earle B. Wood Middle PTSA

Rockville, Md.

Earle B. Wood Middle School PTSA serves a diverse, Title I community in Rockville, Md. Based on parent and caregiver surveys, the PTSA learned that their school community was concerned about several mental health and wellness issues that were impacting their students, including the effects of social media, building interpersonal relationships in a digital world, bullying and developing resilience. Families were also concerned about student anxiety, depression and isolation. In response to the survey results, the PTSA used their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation to host a Healthy Minds Wellness Fair that included professional speakers, panel discussions, workshops, wellness activities and mental health and wellness vendors, who shared information to help families improve overall wellness. They invited the whole school community and other schools in their cluster to attend the event.

They also hosted a program to help parents and caregivers navigate the mental health and safety issues surrounding student social media use. Speakers at that event, which included a retired police officer, shared social media and internet best practices that support student safety and wellness.

Through the Wellness Fair and other programs, the PTSA connected parents and caregivers to resources they can use to support their student’s overall mental health and wellness. School administrators were so impressed with the Wellness Fair content and family engagement that they have already requested the PTSA to host similar programs next year.

Learn how your PTA can host a Healthy Minds Wellness Fair in your school. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"There were so many resources we didn’t know about, and because of the Healthy Minds Fair, we are now able to bring these to our school and families."

—Earle B. Wood Middle School Administrator

Stoney Creek High School PTSA

Rochester, Mich.

High school can be stressful, especially around the time that high-stakes and state-mandated tests are administered. To support their student’s overall well-being and give them resources to manage stress and anxiety, Stoney Creek High School PTSA used their grant from National PTA and Walmart to host a Wellness Fair right before an upcoming test. To reach as many students as possible, they held their fair during lunch in the school’s gym. Their Wellness Fair focused on three pillars: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body and Healthy Earth. Each pillar had 5-6 stations, where local businesses and health and wellness providers shared information and resources. Each station also had a fun activity to keep students engaged. Students earned raffle tickets for visiting each station and participating in different activities for their chance to win health and wellness products donated by vendors and community members. Walmart also donated swag bags for students, which they used to collect the resources at each station. Attendance exceeded the PTSA’s expectations, with both the students and faculty sharing how much they enjoyed the event. As a follow-up activity, the PTSA worked with students to write thank you notes to each of the vendors who participated and donated supplies. One vendor noted how impressed she was by the PTSA "moving the needle in the direction of health and wellness for our students, a much-needed area of focus." #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"We could not have had such a successful event without the funds and resources provided to us from National PTA and Walmart. The outline provided gave us a great starting point and it was so exciting to see it all come together."

—Stoney Creek High PTSA

Elmer E. Lyon Elementary PTA

Covington, La.

To help students learn how to manage their emotions and support their social and emotional well-being, Elmer E. Lyon Elementary PTA in Covington, La., used their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation to integrate the Healthy Minds program into their Title I school's annual Fun Fit Fest. The event typically focuses on physical fitness, with kids moving through different activity stations. To showcase the importance of mental well-being, the PTA created a Calming Station, where kids could practice breathing exercises led by PTA volunteers to help them feel calm. As they practiced the exercises, the kids shared the types of things that give them negative emotions and feelings. They learned how calming their mind using breathing exercises could help them process those feelings.

Incorporating the Healthy Minds station into a day of physical fitness helped students and the school community understand that both mental health and physical health are important to improve overall well-being. The Calming Station was a huge hit with the kids, with many returning to it throughout the event. Teachers and staff also reported how much they liked it and shared they would utilize the breathing techniques in their classrooms. Kids were given a flyer that showed them how to practice breathing exercises at home. The flyer included a link to National PTA’s Healthy Minds resources. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"Teachers told us they would utilize the breathing techniques we demonstrated in our Calming Station in their classrooms."

—Elmer E. Lyon Elementary School PTA

Healthy Minds (2023-2024)

Gertrude K Edelman Sabal Palm Elementary School PTA

North Miami Beach, Fla.

Gertrude K Edelman Sabal Palm Elementary PTA serves a large, diverse Title I school in North Miami Beach, Fla. Because many of their student population have limited resources to participate in extracurricular activities like youth sports that support overall wellness, they decided to use their grant from National PTA and Walmart to host a Wellness Fair. Wellness Fairs offer students a fun, flexible and interactive way of engaging with health topics. Using the provided planning guide and program toolkit, they partnered with health organizations in their community including a local fire station and the University of Miami, which provided information on wellness topics during their event. Their event focused on physical activities including an inflatable obstacle course. They also provided a wellness goodie bag to all attendees. With over 520 students attending, the event brought the entire community together to promote wellness. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"Our PTA is committed to improving the educational experience of our children, who often lack resources for extracurricular activities. The provided planning instructions helped us put on a free, successful program for the entire school community."

—Gertrude K Edelman Sabal Palm Elementary PTA

Robinson Elementary PTA

Seabrook, Texas

The parents at Robinson Elementary School in Seabrook, Texas, were looking for tools to support their child’s social and emotional well-being. The PTA used their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation to host a Healthy Minds program. Using the program’s resource guide and materials provided by National PTA, they held yoga sessions to teach students yoga and mindfulness. Participants were given affirmation cards, “I am grateful for …” coloring sheets, a family dinner prompt sheet to facilitate a growth mindset, and mindful breathing sticks. They also worked with a professional dietician and physical therapist to develop a podcast on good nutrition and movements the kids could do at home. The goal of the podcast was to reinforce that a healthy body supports a healthy mind. The program was so successful that they are turning this into an annual event! #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"Families loved it, and we have had so many requests for a repeat of the event!"

—Robinson Elementary PTA

Ballast Point Elementary PTA

Tampa, Fla.

When a survey revealed that families at Ballast Point Elementary School in Tampa, Fla., wanted the PTA to be more active in promoting health and wellness, they jumped into action. Using their grant from National PTA and The Allstate Foundation, they planned a Wellness Week that included daily wellness activities. They hosted meditation and yoga sessions, a “morning mile” family walk and a screen-free day. Students created mindfulness art projects during art class, and the PTA stocked classrooms with healthy snacks. Using materials from National PTA’s Healthy Minds program, they created mindfulness toolkits for every classroom. They also held a parent Q & A session with child development specialists. It was a great week of wellness that showcased how families can integrate healthy activities and habits into their daily routines. #HoweWePTA

In their own words:

"This initiative brought our school community closer and underscored the importance of mental and physical health in educational settings."

—Ballast Point Elementary School

Highland Avenue Elementary PTA

Linden, N.J.

Highland Avenue Elementary is a Title I school in Linden, N.J. The PTA wanted to help families address social and emotional challenges, reinforce positive behaviors and prioritize mental health. To achieve their goals, they used their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation to host a Healthy Minds program. Using the program’s resource guide and materials provided by National PTA, they invited families to events including family game night, community talks and student panel discussions. They shared information about the connection between home and school on a student’s overall well-being and that students must be healthy both physically and mentally to thrive in the classroom. They engaged over 300 people in their events. Highland Avenue PTA noted that while “initially we were nervous to approach such a complex albeit important topic, with the PTA resources provided and open dialogue with our school administration and staff as well as the school community, we were able to implement a successful program.” #HowWePTA

Highland Avenue Elementary PTA

In their own words:

"The focus on social and emotional well-being and building healthy minds is incredibly important. Coming together to share and engage and focusing on fostering open dialogues is something we plan to continue doing to help our school community."

—Highland Avenue PTA

Aldrin Elementary School PTA

Schaumburg, Ill.

To help parents have meaningful discussions with their students about mental health and well-being, the PTA at Aldrin Elementary School in Schaumburg, Ill. used their grant from National PTA and The Allstate Foundation to host a workshop for parents and caregivers using the materials from National PTA’s Healthy Minds program. The school psychologist and social worker facilitated the discussion and provided parents with tools to help them build their student’s social and emotional resiliency skills at home. In addition to the workshop, they distributed mental health resources and other materials from the Healthy Minds program to the school community through online channels over the course of 10 weeks. Through their ongoing communications, they were able to raise awareness about student mental health, social and emotional well-being and the importance of developing resiliency. #HoweWePTA.

In their own words:

"We're thrilled with the outcomes of our events and grateful for the opportunity to bring our community together in meaningful ways."

—Aldrin Elementary School PTA

McDougle Elementary PTA

Chapel Hill, N.C.

The PTA at McDougle Elementary School in Chapel Hill, N.C., knew that student mental health was an ongoing concern for families in their school community. Using their grant from National PTA and The Allstate Foundation, they took a three-pronged approach to supporting their students’ mental health and well-being. First, they hosted workshops for parents and caregivers using the materials from National PTA’s Healthy Minds program. Attendees learned how to have important conversations with their students about mental health and how to help their students build a healthy and resilient mind. They were also given information about local mental health resources. The PTA then focused on helping students understand the importance of positive mental health by hosting a mental health fair before the mandatory state testing days—a time when students may experience anxiety. Students at the mental health fair made stress balls, painted river rocks, listened to calming music and participated in sensory mindfulness activities. Their third activity, which was suggested by teachers, was to create a shaded outdoor space with seating where students could go to catch their breath, meditate and practice other calming techniques when they experience distress during the school day. While this was their first year implementing the Healthy Minds programming, they plan to continue this work and find ways to tackle additional topics that affect student mental health including social media, anxiety, bullying and self-esteem in future events. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"It is imperative to continue our school's work on building community through discussion of mental health topics. I love the feeling of community it is helping to build."

—McDougle Elementary Parent

Ralph Langley Elementary PTA

San Antonio, Texas

Ralph Langley Elementary School is in a rural area of Texas and serves a predominantly Hispanic population. To raise awareness of mental health issues and better support their underrepresented community, the PTA used their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation to mark Mental Health Awareness Month. They kicked off the month with a family yoga session, where attendees received water bottles and were entered into a raffle for gifts focused on relaxation techniques. Throughout the month, they distributed information and other resources from National PTA’s Healthy Minds program to educate families and caregivers about mental health issues. School counselors also provided information on local mental health resources that are available to the school community. All of the information was distributed in both English and Spanish to reach their entire population. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"Healthy Minds will definitely be implemented next year. We had such a great time planning this. All of the resources were greatly appreciated by our counselors, families and students."

—Ralph Langley Elementary PTA

Mavericks Elementary School PTA

Buckeye, Ariz.

The PTA at Mavericks Elementary in Buckeye, Ariz., wanted to help families make mental health an everyday priority. Using their grant from National PTA and The Allstate Foundation, they hosted a National PTA Healthy Minds program, inviting families to an event where they shared how to have important conversations about mental health. With the support of their school psychologist and counselor, they discussed tips for helping students cope with different situations and offered advice on how parents and caregivers can help their child build a healthy and resilient mind. They also shared resources to support students’ social and emotional well-being. To reach more people, they invited other elementary schools in the area to their event and provided dinner and childcare. Parents appreciated the materials, with some asking the PTA to make this an ongoing series. #HowWePTA

Mavericks Elementary School

In their own words:

"The material was informative and helpful. I was amazed at how much my son opened up during the activities."

—Mavericks Elementary School Parent

Carthay Center Elementary PTA

Los Angeles, Calif.

The PTA at Carthay Center Elementary in Los Angeles, California, wanted to engage with families and build a connected school community that had the tools and resources to support every student’s social and emotional wellbeing. Using their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation, they hosted a Healthy Minds Café Pop-Up before school. Parents and caregivers were invited to get to know each other over a healthy breakfast. The PTA distributed social/emotional activity kits for students at the event. These kits included an emotions thermometer, calming strips, brain-break dice, and other tools to help students learn how to self-regulate and remain calm when faced with challenging situations. The kits also included information and other resources from National PTA’s Healthy Minds program. The information was distributed in both English and Spanish to help everyone feel welcome and to ensure every parent had resources to support their student’s overall wellbeing. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"This simple yet effective program allowed us to share important social-emotional tools with families while providing a place for parents and caregivers to relax and meet others in the school."

—Carthay Center Elementary PTA

Mission Vista High PTSA

Oceanside, Calif.

With mental health issues at an all-time high for students across the country, the PTSA at Mission Vista High in California wanted to find ways to bring the topic of mental health into the open and offer resources for students who may be struggling. Using their grant from National PTA and the New York Life Foundation, they decided to host a Health Minds program using the provided National PTA resources. What started out as something to help students quickly grew into other initiatives to help parents as well. The PTSA hosted three Healthy Minds programs, one in person and two virtual so that more families could attend. A licensed therapist and member of their school community facilitated the sessions. They also held a Mental Health Resource Fair for families and students, where community mental health organizations shared important resources. To support parents, they launched a “Walk This Way Wednesday” program, where parents could take a walk for a mental break while connecting with other parents. Due to the success of the Healthy Minds sessions, they are planning to run them again in the coming school year and invite other high schools in their area to attend. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

"The PTA was helpful, understanding, and very friendly. They provided a safe environment to ask questions."

—Mission Vista High parent

Viewmont High School PTSA

Bountiful, UT.

Student mental health was already a concern for the PTSA at Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah, but when a student at a neighboring school died by suicide, it was a stark reminder of the need for more mental health resources and support—especially due to the ongoing pandemic. So, the PTSA decided to hold a Wellness Week using their grant from National PTA and GoGuardian. Each day, they distributed handouts with information about different mental health issues, tips for students to proactively improve their overall mental health, and resources on where to go for help if they were in crisis (including the suicide hotline). Students were invited to send compliment cards to their friends and teachers throughout the week to brighten someone’s day, and those that sent compliment cards were entered into a drawing for a gift card. The PTSA also recognized the value of engaging families in this important topic and incorporated the PTA Healthy Minds Survey into their Wellness Week to get a sense of existing needs. They plan to use the results to empower their community with the tools and resources to make mental health an everyday priority. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

It was rewarding to see students appreciate the resources and become involved by completing compliment cards.

—Viewmont High PTSA

Milton (K-8) PTA

Milton, VT.

The daily disruptions to schedules, structures and relationships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected the mental health of the students at Milton Elementary School in Milton, Vt., which serves students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Anxiety and loneliness were at an all-time high—and on top of that, a large part of their population was also experiencing housing insecurity, as the town’s unemployment rate was slow to return to pre-pandemic levels. To support their students, the Milton PTA used their grant from National PTA and GoGuardian for positive behavior incentives, as their school administration shared that the kids who were suffering the most were the ones that were trying to do the right things. The incentives gave teachers and school staff the opportunity to show how much they appreciated students doing their best during an unusually difficult situation. Milton PTA also purchased outdoor recess equipment to encourage more social interaction—critically important for children after the long school closures. With the remaining funds, they developed resources for parents to help them start ongoing conversations with their children about their feelings and ways to improve their overall mental health. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

We were able to identify the needs at both the elementary and middle school level and with input from parents, students, teachers and administrators. It was great to get input from so many different viewpoints!

—Milton (K-8) PTA

Bob Jones High PTSA

Madison, Ala.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Alabama children ages 10-14, and the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24. Having lost three local students in the school system in the past two years to suicide, the PTSA at Bob Jones High in Madison, Alabama, used their grant from National PTA and GoGuardian to host a Family Mental Health Fair. Their goals for the fair were to help remove the stigma and normalize talking about mental health. The fair helped families learn who they can turn to for help in the school and community. Mental health experts were on hand to talk about issues such as teen depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, self-confidence, screen addiction, special needs parenting and much more. The PTSA distributed National PTA's Healthy Minds resources in both English and Spanish at the fair. They also worked to include the information in a digital toolkit that the school counselors created, which is accessible through a QR code. Refrigerator magnets with the QR code were distributed at the fair. Since the event, they’ve had over 2,100 visits to the toolkit. They plan to make this an annual event to keep the conversation going about mental health and available resources in the community. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

The best part was being able to help families experiencing distress due to mental health issues and connecting them with valuable resources. We were also able to strengthen relationships with community organizations that serve our school families.

—Bob Jones High PTSA

Bruton High School PTSA

Williamsburg, Pa.

Coming out of the pandemic, the students of Bruton High in Williamsburg, Virginia, reported feeling overwhelmed, lonely, disconnected and anxious. To support their students’ mental health, the PTSA used their grant from National PTA and GoGuardian to hold mindfulness breaks that included outdoor sessions with breathing exercises, bubble blowing and calming activities. They also supplied classrooms with calming materials including stress balls, molding clay and coloring sheets to help students focus. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

“Through our work to promote mindfulness, students are better equipped to understand and articulate what they are going through.”

—Bruton High PTSA

Family Reading Experience

Brooker Creek Elementary PTA

Tarpon Springs, FL.

When the Brooker Creek Elementary School PTA in Tarpon Springs, Fla., welcomed students back to school after COVID-19 restrictions lifted, they realized that many of their younger students had never fully experienced the school library because of distance learning. To show students the magic of the library, they used their Family Reading Experience grant money from Office Depot and National PTA to host a Read-Along event at the school during Literacy Week. The director of the local community library read a book to all the families in attendance. It was an evening full of fun as the school community reconnected after being separated for so long. The PTA also purchased books to boost classroom libraries, giving students throughout the school the opportunity to discover new books—and a love for reading. #HowWePTA

In their own words:

Two younger students enjoyed the read along so much that by the end of the book, they were all laughing at the silly noises. They clearly loved the book!

—Brooker Creek Elementary School PTA

COVID-19 Relief Grant Fund

Mooneyham Elementary PTA

McKinney, Texas

When schools closed last spring, everyone at Mooneyham Elementary in McKinney, Texas, was hopeful things would soon return to normal. As the situation with COVID-19 evolved, the school community felt both anxious and excited about returning to school in the fall. Using the COVID-19 Relief Grant sponsored by TikTok, the Mooneyham Elementary PTA created Wellness Kits for every student to support their well-being when they returned to school, whether they attended in-person or virtually. #HowWePTA #PTAProud

Calming Tool Bracelet Buddy

In their own words:

We are so grateful for this grant, which has given parents and teachers the opportunity to work together to help our students cope with this new reality.

—Clemencia Cole, Mooneyham Elementary PTA Treasurer

Blythe Academy of Languages PTA

Greenville, S.C.

With a high population of low-income students including those dealing with homelessness, mental health support has long been a need at Blythe Academy, a public magnet elementary school in Greenville, S.C. Using their COVID-19 Relief Grant sponsored by TikTok, the Blythe Academy PTA offered virtual parent workshops on different mental health topics including how to support students during these difficult times. They also supplied school counselors with Trauma Cards, and added a sensory path in their school, giving students the opportunity to spend a few minutes of the school day walking and jumping through the path to push through their anxiety and distractions. #HowWePTA #PTAProud

Blythe Academy

In their own words:

We are so thankful for this grant allowing us to support our kids who are facing more challenges with the move to virtual instruction and loss of community support structures. Thank you National PTA and TikTok!

—Matthew Burns, Blythe Academy PTA President

University High School PTSA

Orlando, Fla.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, mental health, safety, and social and emotional support were a focus for the University High School PTSA in Orlando, Fla. With students and parents feeling stress and anxiety over social isolation and distance learning, they used their COVID-19 Relief Grant sponsored by TikTok to host virtual workshops and webinars on mental health topics to help families learn ways to cope with different situations. They invited local mental health organizations and other community resources to participate in the discussions, and plan to continue offering these sessions throughout the school year. #HowWePTA #PTAProud

In their own words:

Our presentations have benefited a lot of our families. If only one life is impacted, then we consider ourselves successful.

During this pandemic, this was much needed for our community to have a parent-led organization show care and open the door for these bold conversations.”

—Kimberly Adamski, 1st Vice President, UHS PTSA

Elmont Elementary PTA

Ashland, Va.

Social and emotional wellness has always been important to the school community at Elmont Elementary School in Ashburn, Va. With the ongoing pandemic and the effects the disruptions to school and home were having on their students, the Elmont Elementary PTA used their COVID-19 Relief Fund Grant sponsored by Huntington Ingalls Industries to invest in the RULER Program, which puts emotions at the center of learning, helping students and teachers be more aware of their emotions, how they change throughout the day, and how they affect their actions. Using the program’s Mood Meter, students can recognize their emotions, put a name to what they are feeling, and learn how to move between emotions to self-regulate. The program helps children navigate their feelings, which helps them be more successful in the classroom. #HowWePTA #PTAProud

In their own words:

RULER has opened up new conversations with my child. He is talking to me about his day and the things that happened at school without me having to push him. It’s great that he now knows how to express himself like he never did before, which I’m so grateful for, especially with everything going on with the pandemic.

—Elmont ES Parent

Windsor Elementary PTA

Orem, Utah

With a high priority placed on their student’s emotional and mental health, the Windsor Elementary PTA in Orem, Utah, partnered with school leaders to build a Wellness Room in the school with their COVID-19 Relief Grant sponsored by TikTok. When students return to school, the Wellness Room will be a calming and supportive place to learn coping skills and positive ways to express emotions, helping students to be more successful in school and in life. This is something that will have a positive impact on the school community for years to come! #HowWePTA #PTAProud

Windsor Elementary PTA

In their own words:

Through this project, we are learning so much about mental health and are grateful we can help students learn how to cope during these difficult times.

Wally Watkins Elementary PTA

Wylie, Texas

Concerned about the social and emotional well-being of their students as they prepared to go back into the school building after nearly six months, the PTA at Wally Watkins Elementary in Wylie, Texas, used their COVID-19 Relief Grant Funding sponsored by TikTok to purchase Calming Kits for each classroom. The kits are full of tools to help students who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed with coping skills and calming techniques that can be done right in the classroom, supporting teachers and saving a long trip to the guidance counselor or principal’s office, which can take time away from learning. #HowWePTA #PTAProud

In their own words:

We are so grateful for the funding to help support the social and emotional wellbeing of our students. There is going to be a lot of fear and anxiety about COVID when we return to school, and we are excited to be able to use those funds to help students deal with those emotions appropriately.

—Wally Watkins Assistant Principal

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Advocacy