School-Based Services
Submit an interest form to participate in the MHS Adopt A School Program
If selected, the school will choose from the following components of the Adopt A School program (click on a title to read more):
Programs for Students
Yoga helps kids practice mindfulness and relaxation and can help students manage stress and anxiety. MHS will provide a yoga session for students (available to grades K-6th) to connect the dots between physical and mental health. Each student will receive their own yoga mat to continue to practice these skills and a parent take-home sheet explaining the connection between yoga and health, along with information about anxiety and depression, and what that can look like in kids.
Joseph Maley Foundation’s cornerstone program teaches students about disabilities, and the power of acceptance, empathy, and respect for all. The program for Pre-K through twelfth grade utilizes a developmentally appropriate, standards-based curriculum. Engaging classroom lessons and activities can be paired with interactive puppet shows and impactful speakers who shared their lived experiences as individuals with disabilities.
Hope is a research-based mental health awareness program that equips students with knowledge and practical tools to support their well-being and strengthen their relationships. The Hope curriculum, developed by Joseph Maley Foundation’s team of educators and counselors, is developmentally appropriate and standards-based. This program can be delivered in a full digital format (Pre-K through 8th grade) or in a digital curriculum with a live performance (Pre-K through 5th grade).
Gardening and planting have been shown to impact students in many ways, from learning math and science to improving mental health and trauma recovery. MHS will provide Italian herb seed kits for the classroom, along with planting instructions, guidance for teachers from the Indiana Grown for Schools Network, and a pizza sauce recipe students can make at home using their herbs. Additional gardening resources, including tower gardens, may be available upon request.
Taste tests are a fun and interactive way to help students try new food and learn about food that has been grown and produced in our state! MHS will provide the school’s food service department with a locally grown fruit or vegetable item of the school’s choice and tasting cups. Indiana Grown for Schools Network will provide technical assistance to identify the local food item and resources for running a successful taste test activity with students.
Programs for Adults and Families
Playworks is a national organization that helps elementary schools support play during recess so students can discover the joy of physical activity, successfully resolve conflict with others, and return to class ready to learn. Receive a customized professional development package for your school’s recess staff with Playworks that may include opportunities like trainings, consultation services, and access to online resources.
The following events are available by the Joseph Maley Foundation for staff or families and customizable to fit the needs of your school community:
- Anxiety in Youth
- Social Media and Technology Safety
- Self-Care Strategies for Managing Stress
- Empowering Adults to Have Tough Conversations
Healthy students are more likely to show up to school ready to learn. If your school is interested in hosting a health and wellness event for your students and their families, MHS can help! MHS can connect you with community partners and local providers to provide resources and services (like immunizations or wellness visits) at your family event(s).
Provided by IN*SOURCE Indiana, this training will review Indiana’s regulations and school requirements for investigating and reporting bullying incidents. The definition, types, and dynamics of bullying will be discussed. Parents will learn how they can report suspected bullying incidents and the specific steps they can take to help their children address this issue. Special consideration will be given to the bullying of students with disabilities with resources for addressing bullying concerns in a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan.
Provided by Indiana Family to Family, Navigating the Funding Maze is designed to help families better understand the complex systems of financial support available for children and youth with special health and mental health needs. Participants will also be introduced to LifeCourse tools and highlight how Indiana Family to Family can assist families in navigating these systems.
Strong partnerships start with effective communication. In this training provided by Indiana Family to Family, participants will practice active listening, asking open-ended questions, and resolving conflict constructively to strengthen collaboration with medical professionals, schools, state agencies, and more.
When a child receives a health, mental health, or disability diagnosis, it’s normal for parents to feel overwhelmed. This training, provided by Indiana Family to Family, provides families with a brief overview of how to find support for their child and family.
Have questions or want to learn more? Contact Jenna Sperry, School-Based Service Administrator at Jenna.Sperry@mhsindiana.com