Elevate: Stronger Connections, Stronger School

Fall marks new beginnings for students and families each year, and one of the exciting opportunities we look forward to is being part of the energetic start to the school year with our BSD partners.

This school year BHS Elevate, our new wellness campaign centering youth substance use prevention and mental health support for Burlington high schoolers, started off the fall with the first messaging phase emphasizing, “Stronger Connections, Stronger School.” Building and maintaining positive connections with peers, trusted adults, and community can help young people better manage stressful or challenging situations.

In this first 6 weeks of school, the campaign focused on engaging students through fun activities and prize giveaways centered around exploring the supports and connections in their lives that improve their wellbeing. As one example, in our lead up to Mental Health Awareness Week, our Elevate team worked with students to identify BHS staff students saw as an adult they felt supported by in the school. We invited those “Trusted Adults” to share a story or reflection about an adult that had made a difference in their own life as a teen. We’ve shared their stories at BHS and online and it has been special to see how the students are positively engaging with and responding to these stories. We are very appreciative of the authenticity and vulnerability of these staff to share their stories!

In the next phase of the campaign we’ll be sharing and engaging students in vaping education. If you are interested in reaching out to learn more if you’d like to support our work and be involved. 

Heather Washburn, SAP at Burlington High School tables during lunch periods.