On Sept. 8, students and staff at East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School 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.
One of the most important protective factors for young people is having a connection with at least one trusted adult. East Rockaway social worker Amy Weissman-Canale led the day’s activities with that goal in mind: making sure every student at ERHS knows that there are adults in the district who are ready to listen, offer support and help them find the resources they need.
During lunch periods, students and staff were invited to stop by the rotunda to connect with members of East Rockaway’s student support team, learn more about mental health resources, ask questions and pick up 988 materials, including stickers, magnets and keychains. Members of the school community also wore blue and purple in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The day served as an important reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength and that students do not have to navigate difficult moments on their own. At East Rockaway, the message is simple: There is always someone ready to listen, and no concern is too small to share.
Photo captions:
Photo 1: East Rockaway’s staff comes together for a group photo at the end of 988 Day.
Photos 2-3: During lunch periods, students stopped by the rotunda to connect with members of East Rockaway’s student support team, learn more about mental health resources, ask questions and pick up 988 materials.
Photo 4: The 988 Day activities were organized by social worker Amy Weissman-Canale (far right), pictured here with other members of East Rockaway’s support staff.
Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District
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