PLCS supports mental health needs for students, families

Happy Fall, everyone! Autumn has officially arrived, and the end of the first quarter of the school year is rapidly approaching. I hope everyone’s year is off to a positive start. The Rikli family loves the chill in the air, fall sports, and trips to Vala’s pumpkin patch. Linus is getting ready for his first snow day decision, but that is a blog for another day…

I would like to discuss an issue that is very important to me personally, namely mental health for our students and families. We know that many people in our community struggle with mental health challenges, and the school district wants to be part of the solution.

The District has launched several programs to support mental health needs for our students and families. PLCS has partnered with Project Harmony and its Connections program to support families where there is suspected trauma. Trained therapists from CRCC will be embedded at both high schools to support students with mental health needs. A countywide mental health problem-solving team has been formed to better equip our staff with supports and resources. A new Social-Emotional Learning curriculum is being implemented at the elementary and middle level. Lastly, the District is now offering a Crisis Hotline (531-444-CARE) through its PLV Cares initiative.

PLV Cares is a collaboration between the school district, the cities of Papillion and La Vista, and community partners. The group serves as a gathering place for information on community resources to help those looking for ways to receive assistance in Papillion and La Vista. The PLV Cares program is intended to be a model of support, outreach, and communications to allow the surrounding community to identify the needs of young people and connect those needs with resources in the area.

You may have seen PLV Cares representatives from the group at high school athletic contests or seen PLV Cares signs posted in front of PLCS buildings. You will see the group’s logo along with the Crisis Hotline phone number. It is never too early or too late to ask for help, regardless of what you and your family are going through. For more information, please visit the website at www.plvcares.org. Thanks for all you do to make this a great community and let us know how we can help.