VONA: SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Another School Year in the Books- Happy Summer, Staff and Families!

From us at Vona, we want to share our deepest appreciation to all families and staff we have had the pleasure of working with this school year. Thank you for your continued dedication in supporting children's mental health.

As summer begins, children benefit from the 3 Cs: Connection, Consistency, and Creative opportunities to play and explore. Even when schedules change from school year to summer, predictable routines like regular mealtimes and bedtimes help children feel safe and supported. Summer is also a great time to build and maintain relationships through simple moments together. Time with trusted adults, friends, family, and community activities helps children feel connected socially. Continue to check-in about their days even while out of school. Outdoor play, movement, creativity, and time in nature also support physical and emotional health while creating opportunities for fun and connection.

Some summer activity ideas:

• Write positive sidewalk messages or draw art outside using chalk.
• Go on a nature scavenger hunt.
• Play board games.
• Volunteer or encourage random acts of kindness around the community.
• Go on walks.
• Read books or let children create their own comic books (themes can be random or related to summer activities, reflection of how last school year went, or goals for next year, etc.).
• Start a new hobby.
• Encourage free play that does not involve screen-time. Bring out items they can use such as flashlights, clothes, art supplies, cardboard boxes, pillows, or other materials you allow/safe to help them learn how to problem-solve, resolve conflicts, stay creative, and use their imagination outside of TV or mobile devices.

We encourage you to use the summer months as an opportunity for rest, reflection, and connection. Thank you for trusting us to walk alongside your children in their growth and learning. We look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead.

-Vona School Based Mental Health Team

Click here to learn more about the VONA program.

To apply your student for services, please click here.

Or call (763)225-4052