The South Country Central School District marked Mental Health Awareness Week, which commenced on May 15, with a variety of activities at Bellport High School and Bellport Middle School.

High school students participated in theme days and attended an assembly featuring Sarah Kinard, a social worker and Bellport High School graduate, and Michael Kilano, a U.S. Marine veteran who works with Paws of War. Kinard shared her story of resiliency and spoke about the importance of balancing mental health and letting go of any stigma associated with seeking help or talking with a counselor.

Kilano discussed how companion animals, such as the dogs at Paws of War, are bringing help to so many. Speaking virtually to students during the week was Cheryl McBride, a professor in the Nassau Community College Art Department, who discussed mental health, the stigma surrounding treatment, and the importance of speaking to someone when feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, etc. She also talked about how to navigate the transition from high school to the real world.

At the middle school, students dressed for theme days, including wearing sweatpants to school on Mindful Monday and team attire for Team Friday. They also took part in a yoga session on Thankful Thursday.

Date Added: 5/30/2023

Students are learning positive ways to deal with every day stress.

Date Added: 5/24/2023

Bellport Middle School seventh graders recently had the opportunity to reflect on the Piri Thomas story Amigo Brothers that they have been studying in class following a visit from Alex Vargas, a 2013 Bellport graduate and professional boxer. Vargas spoke to students about his personal connection to the story and how his experience as a boxer shaped him into who he is today. The students read the story and completed much coursework on it in class, and they eagerly engaged with Vargas during the assembly.

Date Added: 5/3/2023

Bellport Middle School seventh graders recently saw a live production of West Side Story” at the Argyle Theater in Babylon. The students, who have been studying the musical from a literary perspective, were thrilled to see it come to life as they watched the performers recite the lines that they had analyzed in the classroom.