The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns supports Mental Health Awareness

The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns encourages mental health awareness throughout the month of May by showing support through various activities.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns is focused on providing resources, support, and education to its staff, students, and families to help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Dr. Audrey Brutus, the Supervisor of Social Emotional Learning and Community Engagement at the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, has spearheaded a campaign that is aimed at raising awareness about mental health and promoting mental wellness within the community.

A series of activities such as “Mental Health Mondays,” encourage individuals to wear green and virtual sessions for families are offered, which focus on common mental health issues, while weekly challenges encourage individuals to engage in activities that promote mental health.
Administration, staff, and students have been spotted wearing green attire throughout the district to show their awareness and support to those who need it. Staff and administrators who participate by wearing green will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win 3-day wellness passes to Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson. The Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson is a non-sectarian community center and an inclusive gathering place that enriches the community through social, recreational, educational, and cultural programs.

On Monday evenings, virtual sessions are held and are centered on topics such as how to show support to a child’s mental health and well-being, childhood anxiety, and how to deal with the fear of missing out and social media.

“The virtual sessions for families are designed to provide support and education on mental health topics across the developmental lifespan. These sessions cover a range of topics, including supporting mental health through a lens of social and emotional learning, and recognizing signs of mental health issues,” said Dr. Brutus. “The sessions are interactive and provide an opportunity for families to ask questions and share their experiences.”

Weekly challenges are designed to promote mental wellness through engaging activities. These challenges range from self-care practices to interactive activities that promote connection, executive functioning, and mindfulness.

“Participants in the weekly challenges are encouraged to share their experiences, creating a sense of community around mental health awareness,” said Dr. Brutus.

The district has seen a positive response through engagement and interest from the community regarding the various activities.

“Most feedback has been qualitative in nature—word of mouth, emails, classroom visits, families and staff expressing gratitude for awareness activities during the month,” said Dr. Brutus.
Participation in adult social and emotional learning activities such as after-school pickleball and yoga has aided in mental health and community building. Families are benefiting from the workshops, while staff and students are wearing green to show their support for mental health awareness.

“We have over 80 staff members across the district who have shared pictures of themselves and/or their students wearing green for Mental Health Mondays, and we're close to capacity for sign-ups for pickleball,” said Dr. Brutus. “In my short tenure in the district, I have observed the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns to be a passionate community of individuals who are eager to leverage spaces that promote community building and togetherness.”