Frenship’s Mental Health Minute features a monthly theme and challenge. For October, the focus is on building meaningful connections with others. 

Students this month are challenged to think of three ways to make connections with other students. They are also encouraged to identify one person they could try to make a new connection with this school year. Families are challenged to consider ways to build connections within their own family, neighborhood, and community. Often, even a small gesture of kindness can create the strongest bonds. 

Elizabeth Rogers, Counselor at Aspire Learning Academy, emphasized the importance of connection in helping students feel seen, valued, and supported. 

“When I think about the theme of Connection, I think about ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Students are most successful when they know they have people in their corner, both at school and at home. My goal is always to help students build meaningful connections with trusted adults, positive peers, and their families so they have a strong support system they can rely on,” said Rogers. 

Rogers explained that connection extends beyond relationships between students. Building partnerships among teachers, families, administrators, and community resources helps ensure students receive the support they need to succeed. 

“For me, connection is not just about relationships between students. It's also about creating partnerships with teachers, families, administrators, and community resources. When all stakeholders are working together and communicating effectively, we can better meet the needs of the whole child. I want students to know that they are not navigating challenges alone and that there is a team invested in their success,” said Rogers. 

Teaching students how to build meaningful relationships is an important skill that supports their growth both in and out of the classroom. Rogers shared how connection helps students develop a sense of belonging while learning to communicate effectively and support one another. 

“Teaching students to make meaningful connections is important because it's a lifelong skill that impacts every area of their lives. At Frenship, we want students to learn how to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and support one another. When students feel connected, they develop a stronger sense of belonging, which helps them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. That's what the Frenship Way is all about: choosing to Smile, Engage, Respect, Volunteer, and Encourage. By helping students practice these values every day, we're not only creating a positive school culture, but also preparing them with relationship skills they will carry into college, their careers, and their communities,” said Rogers. 

For students working to complete this month’s challenge, Rogers encouraged them to start with small, intentional acts of kindness. 

“My encouragement to students would be to remember that connections don't have to start with something big. Sometimes a meaningful connection begins with a simple smile or wave, introducing yourself, inviting someone to sit with you, or asking a classmate about their interests. Small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact,” said Rogers. 

Rogers also encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones and remain open to getting to know someone new. 

“I would also remind students that stepping outside of their comfort zone can feel intimidating at first, but that's often where growth happens. The challenge isn't about making a best friend overnight. It's about being intentional and open to getting to know someone new. Every student wants to feel valued and included, so taking the first step can make a difference not only for you, but for the other person as well,” said Rogers. 

Connection also plays an important role in Frenship ISD Counseling Services, which supports students' academic, social-emotional, and future planning needs. Through collaboration with families, teachers, and administrators, counselors help students build a strong network of support. 

“I believe our Counseling Services plays a key role in helping students feel connected, supported, and successful. My goal is for every student to know they have a trusted adult they can turn to for academic, social-emotional, or future planning support. Through collaboration with families, teachers, and administrators, we help create a network of support that reinforces the Frenship Way. When students feel connected and valued, they're more likely to engage in school, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential,” said Rogers. 

Through this month’s Mental Health Minute, Frenship ISD encourages students, families, and staff to be intentional about building connections and creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported. 

For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute and Counseling Services, click here.