As we enter May, Royal Oak Schools is excited to join millions across the nation in recognizing Mental Health Month.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is defined as a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. Mental Health affects us all, and maintaining good mental health is vital to overall health and well-being. According to mentalhealth.gov, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”
It seems the importance of mental health, not just physical health, is being discussed more and more, and May has been dedicated to continuing these conversations. This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” is an important reminder that it is time to move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps for our well-being and community. Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your mental well-being isn’t "just self-care," it’s an investment in your future, whether it’s joining a support group, trying a new stress-relief technique, or seeking professional help, every action, big and small, counts.
Some ways to maintain positive mental health is by connecting with others, helping others, and getting help from others when needed. Within our schools, there are many opportunities for each of these, such as:
- peer mentoring
- social emotional lessons
- emotional support animals
- extracurricular clubs and activities
- trauma-informed and restorative practices
- positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)
In addition, each of our schools is filled with trusted adults such as teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and school psychologists who care about the well-being of your children and are available to support the students and families of Royal Oak. Throughout May, look for mental health information and resources coming from your school and on ROS social media. Please visit Wellness and Emotional Support resources on our district website anytime for additional resources.
This month, we encourage all of our students, families, and staff to show support for mental health by wearing green on Thursday, May 1st, and every Monday throughout the month. Green is the official color for mental health awareness, as green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. To be seen in green, whether a complete outfit or just a touch of green, sends a message of advocacy and support for the importance of mental health.
As we begin May, we look forward to partnering with you to prioritize mental wellness and hope to see you in green! - written by Dina Bansen, Lead Psychologist, Royal Oak Schools.
UMatter In Our Schools
Royal Oak High School (ROHS) celebrates U Matter Week each May, a powerful reminder to students and staff that every individual has value, a voice, and a place in our school community. Throughout the week, students and staff focused on themes of mental wellness, kindness, self-worth, and connection, creating a space where students were encouraged to reflect on their strengths and support one another. Daily messages, game days, activities, and student-led initiatives promoted positivity and well-being while reinforcing the importance of self-care and peer encouragement. The goal was to make sure every student felt seen, valued, and supported—living out the message that "U Matter."
U Matter Week reflects Royal Oak Schools commitment to creating an inclusive, student-first environment where all students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. As one student shared, “It’s nice to have a week that reminds us that we’re not alone and that we all matter, even when we forget it.”