McKayla Inghram- Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Starting Thursday, Aug. 21, Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Mustangs will experience ‘Wellness Wednesdays,” to spread mental health awareness.
Instruction will occur during fourth periods once every month (except August) on many different wellness topics. The total required time for instruction every school year is five hours.
The curriculum spans from sixth grade to high school seniors in the state of Florida. The program is fitted to be age-appropriate and is grouped into underclassmen and upperclassmen.
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LRHS Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio said, “Every video runs about ten to fifteen minutes, with the exception of tomorrow because it will include a fentanyl awareness video. There are also teacher-led discussions afterwards to allow students to reflect. It will also include a packet for students to fill out along with the video.”
‘Wellness Wednesdays’ are designed to explore topics such as leadership skills, conflict management, and adversity at home and school.
“The resiliency curriculum was passed by the state legislature to ensure that students are taught essential skills that will help them develop into adults able to handle any type of conflict,” said Bellantonio. “This law has been in effect for several years to combat mental health issues in youth, championed by (Florida First Lady) Casey Desantis.”