Dear Parents and Staff,
Recent events both nationally and locally have me reflecting on our students’ experience and wellbeing. It goes without saying that our kids are growing up in a very different world than we did. The advent of widespread internet access and social media have changed the way we communicate, research, and think. While kids experience the same kind of things that we did - the method of delivery is different. Stress and anxiety are compounded by social and academic pressures, managing extracurricular activities, lack of sleep, completing community service hours, and the whole college admission process. The goal of getting into a particular college, program, or workforce can push our kids into overdrive to build an application. Have we let things go so far that our kids are not enjoying being teenagers?
How do we navigate the very real culture of high expectations? We must make sure that our high expectations are attainable and realistic. We must encourage our kids to set goals that will stretch them while being accomplishable. We must also let our kids know the value of “down time” - reading for pleasure, playing outside, spending time with family and friends - these types of activities give kids the breathing room they need.
We need to help our students build grit and resilience so that they may be successful in life after UCFSD. Failure and struggle are a very real part of life - we need to foster the coping skills needed for our students to navigate the tough times we all face from time to time.
Despite all of our efforts and encouragement stress and anxiety are still there. We know - from both staff observations and the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) data - that for some students anxiety has led to depression and that is something we are very concerned about.
We have made a concerted effort to address student wellness within our district including taking steps to improve supports for our students faced with stress and anxiety.
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We have added additional social worker services at the middle school and high school;
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The Wellness Council is working on student-based initiatives;
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Partnering with the Family Outreach Committee of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (FOCUS) to provide the community with meaningful presentations on wellness;
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Mr. Conley and Mr. Dissinger are addressing the PAYS and climate survey data in their annual school action plans;
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Safe2Say, an anonymous 24/7 tip line to report individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others, was launched this year;
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UCF now has adopted a mandatory counseling component for all students found to be using drugs;
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Suicide prevention programs, policies, and training for students and staff have been provided across UCF;
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Ongoing staff training and professional development featuring recognized experts in the social-emotional growth of students;
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Lunch and Learn at the high school will be an opportunity for kids to eat lunch in a more relaxed atmosphere.
At UCF everything we do every day is centered on our students. Their wellness is a key component to their success - and ours. We all thrive when we are all working on making each other better. Let’s combine our efforts so every child knows that UCF has a net to catch them. We appreciate your support and look forward to continue working together.
Warm regards,
John Sanville
