Mental Health and Wellness


Did you know that gratitude makes you happier? Appreciation has been shown to lessen symptoms of depression and improve overall mental health. By thanking others for their support and kindness, we also help our own mental well-being. National Thank You Month is celebrated every year in January, giving us a chance to be kind to others and acknowledge someone’s effort to help us, while at the same time positively contributing towards our own mental health.

Purpose of National Thank You Month

  • Cultivate Gratitude: It's a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small things and big gestures from others.
  •  Improve Well-being: Expressing thanks can lead to better sleep, mood, and reduced depression.
  • Strengthen Connections: Showing appreciation helps nurture relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

Ways to Celebrate in January

  • Write a Note: Send a handwritten card, email, or text to someone you appreciate.
  • Acts of Service: Do something nice for someone, like helping a coworker or offering your time.
  • Share Online: Post a shoutout on social media to thank someone publicly.
  • Recognize Milestones: Acknowledge personal achievements or birthdays of people in your life.
  • Simple "Thank You": Make a conscious effort to thank baristas, coworkers, or family in daily interactions. 

Thank you for being part of our community. You are a valued member of Davis Joint Unified School District and we look forward to a great year ahead.

Parenting Resources

Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids is a free online resource from the Child Mind Institute that offers practical tools to help parents and caregivers build strong, supportive relationships with their children. Explore expert-backed strategies to promote emotional well-being and resilience.

Four Ways to Support Teens' Social Emotional Development
10 Ways Parents Can Bring Social-Emotional Learning Home

Talking to Kids about Sexting

Mindfulness

Belly Breathing for Kids

Belly Breathing Sesame Street

Just Breathe
Yoga class
6 Mindfulness Activities You Can Do As a Family 

(English) (Spanish) 7 Mindfulness Exercises for Kids and Families

(English) (Spanish) Mindfulness Exercises (English) (Spanish)

Guided Meditations - in English and Spanish Mindfulness for Teens

100 Free Social Emotional Learning Tools

Emotional Regulation

Red Light, Green Light (English) (Spanish)

Freeze Dance Game (English) (Spanish)

Feelings of Control (English)(Spanish)

Coping Skills Worksheet (English) (Spanish)
The Helpful Counselor - 18 coping skills & activities

Positive and Negative Self Talk 

Deep Breathing for Kids

Calming Anxiety - Coping SkillsGiant List of Regulating Activities for Children.pdf

Mental Health Resources

Parent Empowerment Program

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Social Emotional Support Form


If you are worried about a student’s social emotional well-being or mental health fill out this form and a referral will be sent to a school counselor or another staff member who will provide support for the student.  


Cara Messmore 
Executive Director of Student Support Services
[email protected]

Annette Preciado
Prevention & Crisis Manager
[email protected]

Camica Edwards
Foster/Homeless Liaison
[email protected]

EAP