OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Papillion La Vista Schools has launched a new mental health curriculum in its middle schools, bringing daily lessons on emotional well-being into homeroom classes.
The program, called Wayfinder, focuses on skills students need to care for themselves and each other. Lessons range from hallway hopscotch projects to conversations about difficult emotions.
Students and teachers describe the curriculum
“Most of the time, we’re talking about our emotions and how we’ll be better for the day to come,” said Reece Mahan, a seventh grader at Liberty Middle School.
Teacher Lindsay Wilson said lessons are designed to be practical. “Today’s lesson was about sparking joy. What are things that bring each of us joy and how they’re different, and then how maybe we can use those things when we’re feeling down or need a pick-me-up or had a hard test,” Wilson said.
Mahan’s class recently made posters to encourage their peers. “My poster was about how everyone is enough and how everyone just showing up makes the school better,” he said.
District cites post-COVID mental health trends
Stephanie Hoesing, the district’s mental health liaison, said the program addresses a documented rise in youth mental health concerns. “When you look at some of the statistics around mental health since Covid, there has been an increase in depression and anxiety and also an increase in suicide rates amongst ten to fourteen year olds,” Hoesing said.
After less than a year in the program, Mahan said students are already looking out for one another. “If anyone is ever in trouble and they need help, anyone in the school would be able to help them,” he said.
The district plans to expand the Wayfinder program to additional schools and grade levels.
Anyone in need of support can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
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