JE offers new mental health resources for students

For many students, learning how to navigate their education while living through a pandemic has brought uncertainty, added pressure, and anxiety. This year, the Jordan-Elbridge School District is offering some new mental health resources to make sure students have someone to talk to when they are feeling overwhelmed.

There are two different levels of support available for students. Nicole Corrente is joining JE as a Student Engagement Specialist from Promise Zone, a school-based mental health program through Onondaga County. Corrente is here to serve everyone in the building, and her services are what could be called preventative.

“Wherever there is conflict that is preventing people from succeeding in the classroom, that’s where I can step in,” explained Corrente. “I’m not here to tell students how they need to get back to their baseline, I’m here to support them in whatever way they feel like will help them get there.”

Staff or family members can reach out if they notice a student is having a tough day, or struggling socially or academically, and Corrente can step in to try and help. Whether that means talking with a group of friends, an entire classroom, or facilitating a conversation between a teacher and a student, Corrente said she’s here to create a safe space for anyone who needs it.

“I’m here to normalize, it’s okay to have a bad day. Everyone has bad days, and you’re human, so you are allowed to have them. Not only are you allowed to have them, you are allowed to have a safe space to process how you are feeling. I think getting rid of the stigma around that is really important,” said Corrente.

It’s not a one size fits all approach. If she notices a student may need more time with her, Corrente adds them to her support coach list. That’s when she reaches out to the student’s family and teachers to get them involved in figuring out what is best for that student.

Whether someone comes to Corrente with a problem, or just needs a quiet space to take a break, listen to music and have a breather, she said resources like these are incredibly important this year.

“We need it. This year is just different, the faculty sees it, the students see it and feel it. I think the pandemic affected everybody in different ways, some more than others. Some students following the pandemic need extra support to stay on track,” Corrente added.

If a teacher or family member sees that a student may need help beyond preventative measures, that’s when they could be referred to Erin Walsh. Walsh is joining JE as a School-Based Mental Health Clinician through ARISE. A student would have to be referred to Walsh because this is a billable service.

Walsh said it can present itself in different ways when a student needs help. They may lash out in the classroom, or a student may be excelling in the classroom, but their families notice they are struggling at home. Walsh said having this service available right in the school building is important.

“Just think of all the kids we can serve being in the school, where parents don’t have to find a therapist for them, drive them, sit there - it takes such a step out of the therapy process, and kids aren’t missing as much school because they’re coming in, talking for a half hour and going back to class,” explained Walsh.

Both Corrente and Walsh can meet with students of any grade level within the Jordan-Elbridge School District.

“We rejoice in the good days, and the bad days we work through. Therapy works at the pace the student wants to go at,” said Walsh.

If parents or guardians have any questions regarding the new services being offered, both Corrente and Walsh say they are happy to answer them. Corrente can be reached at (315) 689-8510 ext. 1014, or by email. Walsh can be reached at (315) 412-4841, or by email.