On Sept. 8, the rotunda at East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School became a place for students to pause, connect and learn more about an important message: They are never alone.

Students and staff came together to recognize 988 Day, a National Day of Action held annually to raise awareness about suicide prevention and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Led by Middle School Social Worker Amy Weissman-Canale, the day centered on one of the most important protective factors for young people: having a connection with at least one trusted adult. Throughout the lunch periods, students were invited to stop by the rotunda, talk with members of the school’s student support team, ask questions and learn about mental health resources available to them.

Students also picked up 988 materials, including stickers, magnets and keychains, while members of the school community wore blue and purple to show their support for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Most importantly, the day gave students an opportunity to see the people behind the resources and to know that there are adults throughout the school who are ready to listen, support them and help them find the right resources when they need them.

At East Rockaway, taking care of one another is a community effort. 988 Day reinforced a simple but important message for every student who walked through the rotunda: If you are struggling, reach out. Someone is here to listen.