Salem School District

With a focus on listening, learning, and proactive planning, Salem School District is building a more responsive, student-centered support system—one that reflects the heart of the community.

As part of Salem School District’s ongoing strategic planning initiative, work is underway to develop tailored resources that empower students, families, and staff. One of the most pressing and important areas of focus is mental health and wellness, as we see increasing needs throughout our school community.

Understanding the Challenge

Across all grade levels, students are facing more complex social pressures and academic stress. Parents have voiced growing concerns about:

• Struggling to connect with their children
• Feeling overwhelmed by changing behaviors at home
• Navigating the influence of phones and social media

At the same time, educators are working hard to support students in the classroom and partner meaningfully with families.

Our Strategic Response

To meet these evolving needs, Elizabeth Remick, a school counselor at Woodbury School, is working as part of a strategic planning team focused on district-wide mental health education and support.

“Our goal is to equip both families and staff with the tools they need to respond to students with empathy, awareness, and skill,” Remick explains.

Key areas of focus include:

• Providing accessible, practical mental health education for parents and educators
• Offering skill-building opportunities to support behavior management and communication
• Sharing up-to-date insights on social media, screen time, and their impact on mental health

Spotlight on Connections

One standout example is Connections—a day-long retreat for 7th-grade students, parents, and teachers that explores the social-emotional challenges facing today’s families.

“Given its success,” Remick adds, “we plan to reimagine and expand this event to better reflect current needs. By updating the content and resources, we’ll ensure it remains a relevant and meaningful experience.”

Looking Ahead

The next step is to scale this work district-wide, expanding participation across all grade levels. This shift will allow us to move from isolated programs and events to a more comprehensive, inclusive approach that supports the entire community.

We know that real impact comes through collaboration, and we are committed to partnering with families, educators, and community support resources to stay aligned with the needs of our students.

With a focus on listening, learning, and proactive planning, we are building a more responsive, student-centered support system—one that reflects the heart of our community.