The Orbit April 2025

APRIL 2025

UNSUNG EPIC HERO PHIL CROSS

Bart’s Blog WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE OF THE ORBIT! When it comes to excellence, there are so many examples to point to at Epic.

Whether that’s a superstar student achieving their academic goals, a once-infant program coming into its own or finding new and effective ways to bring families together, excellence abounds in this school.

In the second of our unsung heroes stories, we delve into the extraordinary life and career of Epic News Network’s Phil Cross, who joined Epic in 2019. Since then, he has taken a fledgling student-run journalism program of just 30 students and grown it into one of the premier course offerings of its kind in the state now serving some 350 would-be writers, editors and photographers. Phil’s Emmyaward-winning talent has taken ENN to new heights and I couldn’t be more proud of the work he and his students are doing.

We also take the time in this issue to catch up with one of Epic’s most successful students, Audrey Bewley as she waits patiently to find out if she will become a National Merit Scholar and which college she’s going to attend. The excellence and compassion this young woman brings to everything she does is truly inspiring.

I would also encourage each of you to make plans to attend some of the great Epic-sponsored events happening around you. Epic’s Second Annual Color Run is being combined this year with our End-of-Year Celebration. Our annual Senior Day will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating seniors, while Epic’s Future Ready Employee Fairs will help students looking for jobs find them by putting them in front of some of Oklahoma’s biggest employers. Find out about all of these events and more in this month’s issue.

As always, thank you for reading issue of The Orbit. If you have interesting student stories, want to share some exciting news or have questions, please let us know by contacting theorbit@epiccharterschools.org.

Until next time, Bart Banfield, Superintendent, Epic Charter Schools

FROM EMMY TO EDUCATION ENN’S PHIL CROSS HAS FOUND HIS CALLING At first glance, turning a love of theater into a successful career in investigative journalism might be a dif ficult connection to make. However, Phil Cross managed to do exactly that. Epic’s director of student journalism and creative media said it was his passion for theater, an interest in law and a drive to succeed that led him to win an Emmy in 2017 in the categor y of politics and government.

“I’m a middle child so I’ve always looked for a way to stand out,” Cross said. “ When you’re in high school and you love theater, do you go and be a statistic along with the other kids who didn’t make it in Holly wood? I had that fear of not succeeding.”

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The husband and father of two began his career path at Missouri Southern State Universit y in Joplin, where he earned his communications degree and star ted working at the college television station, learning videography and editing. The result was his first on-air broadcast assignment.

“It was a 30-second station promo called “Campus in Snow,” with Christmas music from our librar y underneath it,” he said laughingly.

From there, he worked at stations in Joplin, Mo. and Des Moines, Iowa before taking a job as a par t-time repor ter and producer at the local FOX af filiate in Oklahoma Cit y.

He was eventually promoted to the station’s senior investigative repor ter. He par ted ways with the station in 2018 for several reasons, which included shif ting trends in the industr y but mostly because of his family.

At the time, Cross said he was working through a personal crisis. His desire to succeed and the 24-hour demands of television news put him at a crossroads.

“For tunately, my kids were young enough not to remember how much I wasn’t present even when I was there,” he said. “My oldest daughter remembers all of our daddydaughter bir thday dates but she doesn’t remember the time she was on my shoulders at the zoo feeding a giraf fe while I was on the phone talking to an inmate on death row.

There were just a lot of times I was always on.”

Two months to the day af ter leaving FOX, Cross joined Epic Char ter Schools and was instrumental in creating the state’s first-ever student-led high school journalism program, with just 30 students in its first semester. Now in its sixth year, Epic News Network boasts a roster of some 350 students, expanded specialt y course of ferings and dozens of student journalism awards to its credit. In fact, ENN captured nearly 10 honors at this year ’s Oklahoma Scholastic Media Awards, including recognition for its website and bi-annual print publication: The Comet.

“I look at ever y thing we of fer as a work in progress,” he said. “Let ’s find a way to do more for more students with what we’ve got.”

Cross never intended to become an educator, even though his mother and two sisters are both teachers. However, in addition to ENN, he also holds an adjunct teaching position at Rose State College, teaching one class a semester – media production in the fall and video journalism in the spring.

Reflecting on ENN’s grow th and success, he shared stories of students whose lives have been changed by it. From the student who overcame a speech impediment by learning how to speak on camera to the bullied kid who found an outlet to write about and explore his experience, Cross said being able to give them the resources to connect with themselves and each other has been incredibly rewarding.

“It ’s great to know that there are kids who are doing this just because it ’s fun and then realizing, kind of like I did, that you can do something that is fun and engages your unique abilities, and you can make a career out of it,” he said. “ To see that switch flip is just really exciting. That ’s what keeps me going.”

For more information about ENN, visit https://www.epicnewsnetwork.org.

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CATCHING UP WITH AUDREY BEWLEY

ONE OF EPIC’S RISING STARS GETS READY FOR HER NEXT CHAPTER When The Orbit spoke with Epic senior Audrey Bewley last August, she was a young woman who had already accomplished so much. A founding member of Epic’s Key Club with a stellar GPA and clear plans for achieving her goal of becoming an architect, she has since added a litany of accolades to her already impressive list of accomplishments.

Bewley was recently named a finalist for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship program and holds the distinction of being the very first Epic student to become an Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic All-State winner. She is also a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.

Further, she has applied to such prestigious schools as MIT, the University of Pennsylvania and the Georgia Institute of Technology, which she will tour in April and could possibly walk away with a full scholarship.

Despite her exceptional performance and wide range of opportunities, at the end of the day,

Bewley is really no different than a great many high school seniors this time of year: she’s waiting to see what happens.

“I’ve been working on beading my graduation cap,” she said of trying to keep busy as her future unfolds. “I’m hanging out with friends, going to work and trying to keep my mind off the looming deadlines.”

Bewley came to Epic in the third grade and as a result of her work with Epic Collegiate Academy, will graduate this year with 53 college credits plus a handful of Advanced Placement credits. Perhaps most impressive is that she’s done all this by the age of 16.

“We actually had to carefully lay out her classes to make sure she still had a required class this year so she could take advantage of those college credits,” said her mother, Nicole Beal. “She’s had some great teachers but she is intrinsically motivated. She’s got things she wants to accomplish and nobody is going to get in the way.”

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS COLLEGE ADVISING PATHWAY If you haven’t finished your ICAP, now is the time to do it before state testing ends. Your CCA is available for daily ICAP sessions. Also, check with your CCA to schedule your appointment for 8th grade testing, which is open now.

REGIONAL DATES TO COMPLETE ICAP SESSIONS Region 6 - Wednesday, April 2 2-4 p.m.

Meeting Link for Region 6 Evening options are available in small groups.

COLLEGE PATHWAY TEL: Calling all TEL students! You have worked so hard in your TEL courses and the end of the semester is just around the corner. The Future Ready course ends on May 2, and the rest of the TEL courses end on May 16. Please be sure that you are working hard to finish strong!

ECA: ECA Eagle for a Day is scheduled for April 11. Further, Epic Collegiate Academy applications for fall are open! If you will be in grades 9-11 in fall 2025, please apply here.

If you are interested in earning a significant amount of college credit for no out-of-pocket costs, this is the way to do it Area College: If you are taking concurrent courses at an area college and you have not already requested that your concurrent bill be sent to our invoice department, NOW is the time to do so. Please read the information in this resource for Epic invoice information and a mandatory action step that you will need to take.

Region 2 - Wednesday, April 24 4:15-6 p.m.

Please note the potential out-of-pocket verbiage on the resource document that is linked.

Region 4 - Wednesday, April 24 5-6:30 p.m.

If you have questions please email shannon.starr@epiccharterschools.org.

Meeting Link for Region 2.

Meeting Link for Region 4.

Region 1 - Tuesday, April 29 7-8 p.m.

Meeting Link for Region 1.

Region 3 - Tuesday, April 29 7-8 p.m.

Meeting Link for Region 3.

Region 5 - Reach out to your CCA to set your

meeting time. There are many evening and daytime opportunities available.

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Also, there is a FREE Summer STEM Academy available for students in grades 8-12 (current grades 7-11).

Check out the information and registration page for more information.

College Planning: If you missed our virtual College Information Session series, you can find all previously held college planning sessions here.

Also, if you’re searching for summer camps, check out the exciting opportunities held by the University of Oklahoma here and Oklahoma State University here!

GET A JUMP ON GRADUATION WITH SENIOR DAY 2025 TWO EVENTS TO HONOR SENIORS’ ACHIEVEMENTS

Epic Charter Schools and its College and Career Readiness team are calling Class of 2025 graduating seniors to attend one of two Senior Day events designed to honor individual student accomplishments and the soon-to-be graduates to make sure they have everything ready for their big day.

The first event will be held Thursday, May 1 from noon-3 p.m. at the Glenpool Convention Center, 12205 S. Yukon Ave. in Glenpool. The second will be held Thursday, May 8 from noon-3 p.m. at Epic Charter Schools, 1900 N.W. Expressway, R3, in Oklahoma City.

The fourth annual event of its kind, all graduating seniors are welcome to attend, return school assets, purchase caps and gowns, pick up honor cords and other regalia, and take school pictures.

Additionally, each event will feature an awards ceremony to honor those students who have: o Received an institutional or CareerTech scholarship. o Completed the Epic Collegiate Academy associate degree or Plus One program. o Earned 30 or more college credits through concurrent enrollment. o Obtained a CareerTech certification. o Gained a Virtual Internship certification. o Enlisted in the military.

“We want to highlight all the work our graduating seniors have done throughout high school,” said Epic College Planning Counselor Brianna Strickler.

“It’s more than just college. There are so many postsecondary pathways so we wanted to make sure that we’re individually recognizing all students.”

Graduating seniors are invited to attend one or both parts of each event but those wishing to take part in the awards ceremony should register by Friday, April 11. Doing so will serve as their RSVP for that portion of the event they attend.

“We’re trying to make sure that all graduating seniors have the chance to participate, which is why we have two events in two locations, just like we do with graduation,” Strickler said. “We look forward to celebrating our graduating seniors and can’t wait to shine a light on their achievements.”

For questions about these events, please contact brianna.strickler@epicchartershcools.org.

Scholarships: As we approach the end of the spring semester, here are a few key reminders to keep you on track: 8th-11th Grade: Don’t miss out on

Oklahoma’s Promise! This program covers college tuition for eligible students. You must apply before June 30 of 11th grade to qualify. Learn more and apply here.

11th Grade: If you’re thinking about

college, now is the time to start applying for scholarships! Get ahead by exploring more under “Scholarships” here.

12th Grade: FAFSA or Opt-Out Form

REQUIRED to Graduate! To ensure a smooth transition, submit your FAFSA or Opt-Out Form by May 1. Start your FAFSA application or complete your Opt-Out Form today!

Need help? Contact Micah Burk at micah. burk@epiccharterschools.org.

Dates to Remember: Wednesday, April 9 - 9-10 a.m.

National Merit Scholarship Program: “What is it and how does it work?” | Zoom

Wednesday, April 9 - 10-11 a.m.

Oklahoma’s Promise | Zoom

Wednesday, April 23 - 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Timeline for College Scholarships:

“What should students be doing in grades 9-12?” | Zoom

COLLEGE PATHWAY Work-Based Learning: Goodwill of

Central Oklahoma is offering FREE short-term certification programs including OSHA Certified VR Forklift, Network Cable Installation, Warehouse Inventory and Logistics and Unarmed Security Phase I & II. Spring is the perfect time to begin the search for summer employment! Hours worked from June 1 can be applied to a fall 2025 Work-Based Learning course.

Chick-Fil-A of North Oklahoma City is hiring!

Epic students are some of their favorite team members. See details here.

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City is hiring for multiple positions! Benefits include competitive pay, flexible schedules and a free YMCA membership. Apply Today!

Tulsa Welding School Information Sessions Join us for one of two information sessions to learn more about the trade school training and degree programs available at Tulsa Welding School. Most programs are 7-9 months long and they offer monthly start dates. Learn Welding, HVAC/R, Electrical and Line Worker skills and certifications.

Dates to Remember: Wednesday, April 9 - 3-4:30 p.m.

Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop | Zoom Link

Tuesday, April 15 - 6-7:00 p.m.

Tulsa Welding School Information Sessions | Zoom Link

Thursday, April 17 - 2-3:00 p.m.

Tulsa Welding School Information Sessions | Zoom Link 10

Virtual Internship: Unlock

your leadership potential with the Aspiring Leaders Program (ALPS)! As the spring semester winds down, now is the perfect time to start planning for next fall. ALPS is designed specifically for students in grades 11 and 12 who are eager to develop leadership skills that will set them apart. Through hands-on leadership training, ALPS challenges students to step up, take initiative and refine critical skills—such as communication, teamwork, problem solving and decision making—that are vital for success in any career. Whether you’re looking to lead in school, work for your community, ALPS gives you the confidence and experience to make an impact. Learn more about this opportunity here!

CareerTech: We’re thrilled

to share that more than 300 applications have been processed for Epic students applying to CareerTech programs across the state for next school year. If you’re still interested, there may be openings available at your local tech center.

Have questions or want to explore your options? Reach out to hadley.walters@ epiccharterschools.org.

Additionally, tech centers have been notified about students’ testing schedules to help coordinate any potential conflicts.

GET READY, GET EMPLOYED

FUTURE READY EMPLOYEE FAIRS COMING IN MAY In the set of guiding principles that drive everything we do at Epic, making sure our students are future-ready and in demand is among the most important. Setting students up for success, ensuring they have the marketable skills needed to build momentum that leads into adulthood is what we are all about.

With that in mind, Epic is proud to announce a pair of Future Ready Employee Fairs – Tuesday, May 6 in Oklahoma City and Tuesday, May 13 in Tulsa – designed to put our students in front of potential employers, including such industry giants as INTEGRIS Health, YMCA, Care Careers Oklahoma, OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark, Tulsa Ports and many more. Click either of the links below for a full list of attending employers and to register.

OKLAHOMA CITY

TULSA

Epic students who are 17 and older not only have access to these events but also to Prepare U: Career Fair 101, a preparatory session designed to to help students with resume preparation, what to expect, how to make a great impression and how to follow-up after an interview.

Whether you’re just looking for a summer job or the beginning of a lifelong career, being ready to put your best foot forward is essential.

It’s been said that if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. Making your own opportunities is part of being a successful adult, and Epic’s mission is to make sure each of our students has every chance to succeed, grow and thrive, both professionally and personally.

We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to engage with Oklahoma employers who could be looking for you to join their ranks. For more information or questions, please contact nicole.brown@epiccharterschools.org.

FUTURE READY

EMPLOYEE FAIR JUMP-START YOUR FUTURE! Free networking event for students age 17+. Meet with recruiters from top Oklahoma employers.

Oklahoma City:

May 6 4-6 p.m.

50 Penn Place 1900 NW Expressway, Floor R3 (Boardroom)

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Tulsa

May 13 4-6 p.m.

Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity, Tulsa Community College 910 S. Boston Ave.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

WHAT TO BRING Copies of your resume.

Questions for employers.

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A positive attitude.

SMILE!

Register for Epic’s Spring Picture Days Grand Life Photography will be on-site April 23 & 25 with Epic caps and gowns available for senior portraits. Alternatively, you may schedule a private session at their Oklahoma City studio by visiting https://grandlifephotography.com.

Siblings are also welcome to participate in photo sessions. However, we kindly ask that you register them in advance.

When registering, please use the email address where you would like to receive your student’s photo proofs and ordering information. Grand Life Photography will send a link to view the proofs and instructions for placing your order online.

Epic Learning Center students will have picture days scheduled at their respective sites.

If your student misses their designated picture day, you may register them to attend this session instead.

CLAREMORE MICRO SITE April 23, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

EPIC OFFICE 50 PENN

April 25, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER IMPORTANT: Do not use your student’s Epic email address, as it does not accept external emails. Using a personal email address ensures you receive all necessary communication.

PLEASE NOTE: Rescheduling or cancellation may occur due to unforeseen circumstances or low registration numbers. If changes are necessary, we will notify you via email. Be sure to check your inbox for updates as the event date approaches.

TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE TESTING

State testing can be a stressful time for students. As parents, you can help your child manage worry and perform with confidence. Some nervousness before a test is normal but too much anxiety can interfere with focus and performance. By teaching calming strategies, promoting positive thinking and establishing healthy routines, you can help your child feel more in control.

Why Do Kids Feel Worried or Stressed about Tests?

Children may feel ner vous about tests for many reasons, including: • Fear of failure – Worr ying about disappointing parents, teachers or themselves.

• Pressure to perform well – High expectations from school, family or self.

• Lack of preparation – Feeling unprepared or unsure of study habits.

• Past experiences – Struggles with previous tests causing fear of failure.

• Time constraints – Feeling rushed and unable to focus.

• Perfectionism – Believing any thing less than perfect isn’t good enough.

• Comparing to others – Worr ying about how they measure up to peers.

• Unclear expectations – Not knowing what to expect on test day.

What are some signs that my child may be feeling nervous about the test?

• Physical – headaches, nausea, rapid heart rate.

• Emotional/Cognitive – feeling over whelmed, being irritable, feeling fearful, racing thoughts, dif ficult y concentrating.

• Behavior – Fidgeting, avoidance, procrastination, trouble sleeping, seeking reassurance.

As parents, we want to support our children with strategies and skills to help them navigate challenges with confidence—including testing. With the right tools, students can learn to manage stress and perform their best. Here are a few simple techniques you can start practicing now to help alleviate worr y and build confidence before test day.

By practicing these simple techniques, your child can develop confidence, manage stress and approach tests feeling prepared. Remember, success isn’t just about the test. It ’s about helping them build lifelong skills to handle challenges with confidence.

BRE ATHE Calm The Body and Brain Calming strategies help regulate emotions so they don’t take over. Simple breathing and relaxation techniques can bring the body back to a relaxed state. Try this with your child: •

Deep Breathing Exercise: Inhale through the nose for four counts, hold for four, then exhale through the mouth for four. Repeat until they feel calmer.

•

Visualization: Close your eyes and picture a peaceful place, like a beach or a favorite park, to create a sense of calm.

•

Tense & Release: Tighten dif ferent muscle groups for five seconds, then release to relieve tension.

BELIE VE The Power of Positive Thinking How we think affects how we perform. Negative thoughts can increase anxiety, while positive self-talk can improve focus and confidence. Parents play a powerful role in shaping a child’s mindset. Encouraging effort, preparation and positive thinking can help students feel more confident and less anxious about testing.

•

Model Positive Thinking: Be a supportive presence and use praise that supports hard work, grow th and ef fort.

•

Help Reframe Negative Thoughts: Help your child recognize when they ’re using negative thinking.

Ask, “ What is another way to look at the situation? ”

•

Encourage Positive Self-Talk - Examples: “I am prepared and can do this,” “I just have to tr y my best ” and “If I get stuck, take a deep breath and keep going.”

ACHIE VE Set The Stage for Success Healthy routines can help your child’s brain and body feel prepared. Set them up for success with: •

A Good Night ’s Sleep: 8–10 hours of rest improves focus.

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A Healthy Breakfast: Nutritious foods fuel the brain.

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A Consistent Morning Routine: Predictabilit y reduces stress.

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Movement Breaks: A short walk or stretch can ease ner ves.

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END THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR

EPIC’S SECOND-ANNUAL COLOR RUN GETS BIGGER Epic Charter Schools’ Annual Color Run is back for its second year and is combining with the traditional End-of-Year Celebration on May 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Dr., in Edmond. The tandem event seeks to get Epic families excited about exercise and to celebrate as the 2024-25 school year nears its end.

“It’s a lot of work and it takes a lot of people to do both of these events,” said Marsha Martin, Epic’s family engagement healthy habits specialist. “So, this year, it just made sense to have them both in the same place.”

In addition to both events being combined, this is the first year Epic is including Learning Fund vendors. Nearly 20 vendors showcasing everything from tutoring to dance will be on-hand offering demonstrations, activities, candy, prizes and more. Also, there will be a DJ and student performers from Epic’s Got Talent.

“It’s just a time for families to come out and celebrate, meet other Epic families, meet new vendors and wrap-up the year, said Shannon George, Epic’s family engagement social activities specialist.

The event kicks-off at 11 a.m. with the Color Run, which offers either a 5K or one-mile

walk/run, with the End-of-Year Celebration starting at noon. The day’s itinerary and registration link can be found HERE. There will be food trucks – including New York Dog House & Italian Kitchen, Some Like It Tot and Kona Ice – for families to purchase refreshments.

Martin emphasized the event is an excellent opportunity for Epic families to socialize and meet teachers, fellow students, principals and others who may have never met face-toface.

“It’s not just for students,” she said. “We want everyone to come out and have a great time.”

The walk/run events are wheelchair and stroller accessible as the course is completely paved. During a Color Run, which is a noncompetitive event, runners are showered with colored powder at various points along the course.

For more information or if you have questions about the Color Run, contact marsha. martin@epiccharterschools.org or shannon. george@epiccharterschools.org regarding the End-of-Year Celebration.

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TULSA AREA: Friday, April 11 | 7-10 p.m.

Glenpool Conference Center 12205 S. Yukon Ave., Glenpool

OKC AREA: Saturday, April 12 | 7-10 p.m.

Sam Noble Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman

Tickets are $55 each and are only available to currently enrolled Epic students under 21 as of August 1, 2024. Students may purchase one additional ticket for a guest under the age of 21 when registering. Space is limited. students may only attend one from each. Tickets cover entry to the event, the amazing exhibits, music, dancing and light refreshments..

Registration Schedule: Thursday, Jan. 23, for Epic juniors and seniors only.

Thursday, Jan. 30, registration will be open for sophomores if tickets remain.

Thursday, Feb. 6, registration will open for freshmen if tickets remain.

Please review the policies and cancellation policy posted on the webpage and registration before purchasing tickets.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

GRADUATION 2025

TULSA AREA

MAY 24 12 P.M. & 6 P.M. UNIVERSITY OF TULSA OKC AREA

MAY 31 12 P.M. & 6 P.M.

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

EPIC CARES | COMMUNITY OUTREACH

During the month of April, we are collecting new, unopened diapers and wipes from staff, students and families at designated locations.

Donate Virtually: CLICK HERE

Drop-off Locations: OKC 50 Penn Place 1900 NW Expressway, Floor R3

Tulsa Logan Building 3840 S 103rd East Ave., Floor 2

Medical Minutes

OU Telehealth Services

Spring is wonderful for some and hard for others. If you’re battling with asthma, eczema, allergies or any other illness, we are here to help!

• Same-day appointments available.

• In-Person assessment with an RN. • Prescriptions at time of visit.

• No insurance necessary.

Epic Charter Schools is proud to partner with OU Health to bring telehealth services to those we serve. Whether that means virtually or in person, trained medical staff are available for a variety of health services, including prescription refills and flu testing.

This service is available for all Epic students and staff families between the ages of 4-18.

TELEHEALTH VISIT REQUEST FORM To schedule your appointment or for more information, contact us at healthservices@ epiccharterschools.org. We’re thrilled to bring this valuable service to our Epic community, helping ensure that students and staff have convenient access to healthcare.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND STUDENTS As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we are reminded that mental health is just as important as physical health. It affects how we think, feel and act, influencing relationships, stress and academic performance. Nearly one-in-five people experience a mental health condition each year, with half of them developing symptoms by age 14. It’s crucial to create a supportive environment where mental health is openly discussed, helping students thrive. Join us in spreading awareness about mental health and explore how we can support one another! Below, are some suggestions for developing a solid foundation for mental health in school: Building a Supportive Environment: •

Open Conversations: Encourage children to express their emotions and ask for help. Treat mental health like any other health issue.

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Promote Healthy Habits: Exercise, good nutrition, sleep and mindfulness all support mental wellness.

•

Recognize the Signs: Look for mood swings, withdrawal or behavior changes. Seek help if needed.

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Support at School: Our school counselors offer social, emotional and mental health support, including wellness check-ins and crisis intervention.

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Resources for Families: We partner with community mental health providers to ensure support, both at school and in the community, including teletherapy or in-person services.

What Parents Can Do: •

Talk: Make mental health a regular topic of conversation at home.

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Trust: If you think your child is struggling, trust your instincts and seek help.

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Role Model: Show that caring for mental health is important by taking care of your own.

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Ask for Help: Seek professional support if necessary.

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Connect: You’re not alone. One in five children experience mental health challenges. Reach out for support.

Talking to Your Child About Mental Health: Starting a conversation about mental health can be challenging but it’s essential for creating a supportive environment. Here are some tips: •

Ask open-ended questions, such as, “How are you feeling?”

•

Offer support. “I’m here to listen—how can I help?”

•

Address safety concerns if necessary and use age-appropriate language.

•

Choose a comfortable time, be patient and let them express their feelings freely.

For Young People Seeking Help: Mental health issues affect children and teens, too. If you’re struggling, talk to a trusted adult who will listen without judging and help you figure out what to do next. Signs to watch for include changes in sleep or eating, withdrawal or loss of interest in activities. Remember, you’re not alone.

Tips for Mental Wellness: •

Take breaks from electronics, stay active, get enough sleep and spend time in nature.

•

Connect with others and get involved in activities.

•

Seek professional help when needed.

Together, We Can Make a Difference Mental health is personal. What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to find what fits your needs. Keep in mind that conditions are treatable and early treatment can save lives. It may take time, so be open to different strategies and seek professional help, which is a sign of strength. If your child is struggling, reach out to the Student Wellness Team for support and resources. Let’s work together to prioritize mental health for a healthier future for our children!

BLASTING OFF FOR NOW.

EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS SEE YOU NEXT TIME!