For small rural school districts, geographic distance creates an access barrier for mental health resources. However, for one school, a proactive approach to mental wellness and behavioral health happens every day during in-class lessons.

Serving close to 150 students in total, Banner County School inherently maintains small class sizes which allow for increased one-on-one time with students. As a result, educators have developed a keen eye to acknowledge academic struggle but also identify when students’ feelings and emotions are out of the ordinary. 

Banner County School’s social-emotional curriculum teaches students strategies for self-awareness and self-management, responsible decision-making and relationship skills, and encourages students to develop an overall sense of social awareness. Calming strategies such as belly breathing and positive self-talk are some of the simple and effective tools used at a young age to create coping skills and build developmental wellness practices into their learning.

Educators are helping students understand how to work with anxiety, articulate and identify their feelings, and cope with difficult life situations, all skills needed for students to be ready and able to learn at their best.

Learn how one rural school’s approach to mental wellness and behavioral health makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

More about The Mind Inside Series 

In the new multi-episode docuseries, audiences will learn about mental health in public schools, the challenges students face, the social, emotional, and behavioral resources available for students who struggle, and the short- and long-term solutions communities provide.

The goal of the series is to create awareness around mental health and to encourage understanding, empathy, and support for students.