Here at Bolles, we have a concern line, which is a confidential way that people, anyone from parents, teachers, or students, can call or email if they are concerned about their peers or children. All that is asked is that the one reporting gives as much detail as they possibly can, and either it will be the guidance counselors who will follow up on that, or sometimes the dean is involved, usually it’s the best person fit for the job. It was created for students who may feel hesitant about reaching out in person or for friends who are concerned about a certain student.
“It gives people an out on maybe sharing something they didn’t feel was something that happened, they didn’t feel was right, or witnessing something they didn’t feel was right, or worried about a friend,” said Mrs. Genduso, a school counselor here.
One way that Bolles handles mental health around all campuses is by allowing students to participate in fun activities. For example, every quarter, they will have hot chocolate, or at the end of the year, for finals, both Mrs. Genduso and Mrs. Curran will arrange for a petting zoo of baby animals to come.
Mrs. Cussen believes in encouraging students to get out there and is a great change of scenery. “Bringing fun stuff, getting out there and showing our faces, so kids feel comfortable with us in a different capacity than maybe when they’re crying or stressed.”
Other activities that take place on all Bolles campuses include convocations featuring speakers on topics such as mental health. Student organizations and clubs are also involved, like the Mental Wellness Advocates club, whose mission is to raise awareness amongst the student body about mental health topics, which recently had a bake sale.
The counselors have also recently started this program with athletic liaisons. Once a quarter, they will select a member of the team who will communicate with the counselors on how the team is doing, or if any members were injured, so that they can reach out.
Another program that is now operational is the Junior Mentor Program. It is a program that works with fifth graders on both the Ponte Vedra and Whitehurst campuses and trains about 25 or so juniors to have a retreat day with the fifth grade. They also have a Pre-K program where students will come and spend an hour with the youngest students and celebrate either Halloween by doing arts and crafts at Whitehurst or Valentine’s Day at Ponte Vedra.
Why they can do all these fun activities, organizations, and clubs is because of he stigma around mental health declining rapidly within the past decade, really. In the past decade, many countries and schools have made more steps towards mental health awareness and highlighted how to help students with anxiety, depression, or neurodiversity. As Mrs. Genduso said, “We’re student support. We help you get through the day, and if you need a little more, we’re helping with that.” The counselors are here for the student body, and everyone should know they are welcome to be themselves at the Bolles School.
