Hilltop Happenings

-Written by Director of Health Services Beth Hammond P'20 

Salisbury School remains committed to the emotional health and well-being of its community. To that end, the Health Services team has been providing outreach to students, parents, faculty and staff via Zoom sessions.

Salisbury School's mental health support team is comprised of the school's consulting psychiatrist, Dr. Randall Dwenger, its consulting counselor, Ruth Trudeau, the School's Student Health and Wellness Coordinator, Sarah Rees, and Director of Health Services, Beth Hammond.

Student support meetings have provided students an opportunity to discuss such challenges as social distancing and its impact on peer relationships, loss of spring athletics and managing the nuances of distance learning. A separate opportunity was provided to the 6th formers, as they are navigating the additional disappointments of the loss of their senior spring and a traditional graduation experience.

Parents engaged in an interactive discussion about supporting their sons during the pandemic and distance learning. Along with the health services team, they shared challenges their families are facing and strategized ways to support their sons' emotional well-being and academic success.

Salisbury's faculty and staff have utilized the Zoom sessions to support students and their own families. Topics have ranged from balancing work and home responsibilities, to managing anxiety, to navigating the challenges of distance learning.

These online discussions have been well-received and have provided much-needed opportunity for connection and shared experiences. Those needing individual support are encouraged to contact their local provider or a member of the Health Services team.