Since 1949, Mental Health America, the leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, has designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The aim of the month is to reduce stigma around mental health, educate the public and promote overall mental wellness. The counseling department at East Rockaway High School embraces this initiative each year, and the 2026 effort was one to remember.

Led by school social worker Amy Weissman Canale, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month at East Rockaway High School combined education, interactive activities, goodie bags and resource information, along with daily morning video announcements covering mental health facts, coping strategies, healthy social media habits and guidance on seeking help.

Short workshops tailored to staff scheduling needs and preferred topics were led by Dr. Scott Falkowitz, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Medical Director of Northwell Health School Mental Health Partnerships. Topics included self-care strategies, mindfulness, career burnout, and understanding and supporting youth mental health.

Student activities, including bracelet-making, coloring and board games, were available in the library to encourage students to take a break and practice self-care. On May 15, Jennifer Urist from Cohen Children's Medical Center led a workshop titled Managing Our Wellness for students in grades 7 through 12, exploring how sleep, nutrition, stress and relationships affect overall well-being.

Perhaps the most beloved feature of the month was Sloopy, the district's three-year-old Australian Labradoodle therapy dog, who made weekly visits. Her presence helped reduce stress and lift spirits across the building. When 12thgrade student newscaster Daniel Stebner asked students what they enjoy about Sloopy, their responses spoke for themselves: She has helped me through anxiety, shared one student, while another noted, She's very calm and makes me feel happy when I'm sad.

A poll conducted by 10th grade student newscaster Claire Harvey drew responses from more than 100 students. Students were asked which habit most improves their mental well-being during the school week. Getting enough sleep topped the list at 45%, followed by staying organized with schoolwork at just over 30%. Roughly 19% cited exercise and physical activity, while 6% cited taking breaks from screens and social media. As Harvey noted, Even small healthy routines can make a big difference during busy school weeks.

For Ms. Weissman Canale, the month holds deep personal and professional significance. Mental Health Awareness Month is deeply meaningful to me, she said. It reminds us that mental health is an essential part of being human. It is an opportunity to reduce stigma, encourage open and honest conversations and remind one another that asking for help is a sign of strength. Every person has a story and every person deserves support. As a school social worker, I am about to enter my 12th school year. I have the privilege of witnessing both the challenges my students, families and colleagues face and the incredible resilience they demonstrate every day. I am reminded that healing, hope and connection are possible when we create spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued and supported.