Addressing Mental Health Needs
District Resources
K-4 Elementary Buildings
| Brecht Elementary Counselor: | Mrs. Francine Rickert | rickerfr@mtwp.net |
| Nitrauer Elementary Counselor: | Mrs. Missy Weaver | weavermi@mtwp.net |
| School Psychologist for Brecht/Nit: | Mr. Justin Sabados | sabadoju@mtwp.net |
| Bucher Elementary: | Ms. Lydia Meisel | meiselly@mtwp.net |
| Neff Elementary Counselor: | Ms. Kelsey Amidon | amidonke@mtwp.net |
| School Psychologist for Bucher/Neff: | Mrs. Christina Ravert | ravertch@mtwp.net |
| Reidenbaugh Elementary Counselor: | Mrs. Beth Lester | lesterbe@mtwp.net |
| Schaeffer Elementary Counselor: | Mrs. Megan Bingham | binghame@mtwp.net |
| School Psychologist for Schaeffer/Reid: | Ms. Jenna Carey | careyje@mtwp.net |
Landis Run Intermediate School
| 5th Grade Counselor: | Mrs. Candice Martin | martinca@mtwp.net |
| 6th Grade Counselor: | Mrs. Kathryn O’Connor | oconnoka@mtwp.net |
| LRIS School Psychologist: | Mr. Steve Tucker | tuckerst@mtwp.net |
Manheim Township Middle School
| 7th Grade Counselor: | Mrs. Kara Rogers | rogerska@mtwp.net |
| 8th Grade Counselor: | Mr. Linden Bates | batesli@mtwp.net |
| MS School Psychologist: | Mrs. Kathy Spease | speaseka@mtwp.net |
Manheim Township High School
| School Counselors: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Last Name A-Co: | Mrs. Michelle Pollis | pollismi@mtwp.net |
| Last Name Cr-Ha: | Mr. Kevin Elias | eliaske@mtwp.net |
| Last Name He-L: | Mr. Mark Evans | evansma@mtwp.net |
| Last Name M-Pa: | Ms. Malorie Sassaman | sassamma@mtwp.net |
| Last Name Pe-So: | Mrs. Denise Hall | hallde@mtwp.net |
| Last Name Sp-Z & IB Students: | Mrs. Michelle Stoudt | stoudtmi@mtwp.net |
| Other High School Support: | ||
| K-12 Content Specialist: | Mrs. Elizabeth Ziegler | ziegleel2@mtwp.net |
| School Psychologist: | Mrs. Sara Judge | judgesa@mtwp.net |
| School Psychologist: | Mr. Kyle Venella | venellky@mtwp.net |
Districtwide
| MT Social Worker & Home/School Visitor: | ||
|---|---|---|
| K-6 | Ms. Jaime Falgie | falgieja@mtwp.net |
| 7-12 | Ms. Roseanne Myers | myersro@mtwp.net |
Financial Resources
2-1-1 United Way: Dial 2-1-1
http://www.pa211east.org/Lancaster
Unemployment Benefits
https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx
SNAP Benefits/Food Stamps/Medicaid
https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/Public/CMPHome
DHS/COMPASS Help Line: 1-800-692-7462
Utility Assistance
Heating Assistance/LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
1-866-452-6152
UGI
https://www.ugi.com/assistance-programs/
1-800-276-2722
PPL
https://www.pplelectric.com/my-account/billing/budget-billing-program.aspx
Pennsylvania Utility Law Project: The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) provides information, assistance, and advice about residential utility and energy matters affecting low-income consumers.
pulp@palegalaid.net
(717) 236-9468
*Internet providers are offering free services. Reach out to a provider to explore options.
Mental Health Resources
Support & Referral Helpline
Created for Pennsylvanians in Need of Behavioral Health Resources and Referrals During COVID-19 Public Health Crisis.
1-855-284-2494 (Toll-free, 24/7 support)
WellSpan Philhaven Access Center - (717) 273-8871
Mental Health America of Lancaster County - (717) 397-7461
Compass Mark (717) 299-2831
- Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
- Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies
- CMI Parents: Home
Social-Emotional Instructional Activities
As students and staff return to school this year, whether it is in the building or through remote learning, the social emotional needs of our students is a priority. Maintaining connectedness during times of disruption helps students to feel safe and supported. MTSD school staff will focus on relationship building, community, and mental wellness in the classroom and throughout advisories and morning meetings. Please reach out to any member of the Pupil Services team for support.
Elementary (K-4)
- Morning Meetings with social-emotional instruction
- Counselors continue to virtually meet with students individually and/or in small groups
- School teams provide resources/support to families
- Health lessons include wellness and mental health topics
Landis Run
- Morning Meetings with social-emotional instruction
- Counselors continue to virtually meet with students individually and/or in small groups
- School teams provide resources/support to families
- Health lessons include wellness and mental health topics
Middle School
- Counselors are offering online social-emotional learning opportunities
- Counselors will share social-emotional resources with students via Schoology
- School teams provide resources/support to families
- Counselors continue to virtually meet with students individually and/or in small groups
- Health/PE classes include wellness and mental health topics (ex: stress management)
High School
- Social/emotional lessons provided during Advisory Period (bi-weekly)
- Advisory Teachers will continue to connect with their students on a biweekly basis.
- School teams provide resources/support to families
- Counselors continue to virtually meet with students individually and/or in small groups
- Health/PE classes include wellness and mental health topics (ex: stress management)
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Coronavirus Closures
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to social media and news stories about COVID-19. It’s okay to stay informed, but overexposing ourselves to too much information can be stressful and overwhelming.
- Make sure you are still taking care of your body! Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and making sure we are still moving around can help us take care of our mental health.
- Some other ideas to consider:
- Practice mindfulness.
- Make sure to get some fresh air and sunlight, maybe sit by a window while doing homework/or reading, do a quick workout in your own yard, etc.
- Use home workout videos to keep moving and exercising.
- Find some healthy recipes and try your hand at cooking, not only are you fueling your body with healthy food, but it could also be a fun experience!
- Make time to connect with others who live in your home or with friends through phone calls or video chats. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Practice hobbies and activities you enjoy. It's important to keep up on school and work, but fun and enjoyment are also factors that promote positive mental health. This could also be a good time to try something you’ve never had the time to do. Sites like Youtube have plenty of free how-to videos that can help you learn new skills, such as new dance moves, cooking techniques, or how to crochet.