WEST FARGO — Schools in the district are using their CARES Act funding to help students and teachers stressed by the pandemic.
The district started a COVID-19 support program for both groups, opening up free, virtual and confidential therapy sessions for students in 6th through 12th grade, and all staff members, including support staff, teachers and administrators.
Dawn Miller, the district's wellness and support coordinator, said the program is open to anyone who needs help, even if they aren't mentally ill.
"(You can) maybe learn a couple coping strategies, or really just disconnect from school and work and the stresses that are happening in the community right now, and just have someone to hear your story," she said.
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Miller also said the program has helped students and staff who still feel uncertain about how they'll learn, whether its in-person, hybrid or distance.
"Kids are at home a lot more than they used to be, so these types of mental wellness supports, I think, really enhance people's lives both in school and out of school," she said.
So far, 10 students and six staff members have taken the program according to Miller.
