For the month of May, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) will participate in a nationwide Mental Health Awareness Month. That this particular Awareness Month follows a year of schoolwide focus on the 2023-24 theme, “The Power of Positivity,” gives this month’s events additional significance.
“The Power of Positivity” initiative has encouraged Central students to prioritize a positive mindset, both individually and as a community working together during a year of unprecedented challenge. The month’s events will be organized by Central’s Student Life and Guidance Departments, which also curated the Self-Care Days that have punctuated this year’s schedule. “Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to have meaningful conversations with our students about what mental health is and how to cope with stress and challenge in healthy ways,” said Dr. Ariella Gettenberg, Central’s School Psychologist, who led the introductory event on Thursday, May 2.
“Our kickoff event was a Q&A panel with psychologists Dr. Debra Alper, Dr. Regine Galanti, and Rabbi Dr. Chesky Gewirtz, who answered questions submitted by students themselves.” The experience set the stage for a month of meaningful active learning that will bring the school year to a positive conclusion.
Awareness Month events include a presentation on resilience from Dr. Carly Namdar, educational psychologist and Resilience Programs coordinator at Ohel Kestenbaum Family International Children’s Services, as well as mindfulness and self-esteem workshops moderated by Ohel mental health professionals. “Throughout the month, we will be launching a Technology Campaign to address the role that technology and social media play in our well-being, going on a school-wide roller-skating trip to emphasize the importance of movement, and more,” Dr. Gettenberg continued. “We are excited about the opportunity to have these important conversations and experiences with our students.”
May concludes an academic year that has seen Central’s students adopt strong, positive mindsets in preparation for the world after high school. Upcoming events include the final Shabbaton for the class of 2024, scheduled for May 10 and 11 in New Rochelle, the Central Senior Dinner on May 28, and the graduation of the class of 2024 on June 5 at Lamport Auditorium on the campus of Yeshiva University.
