Wellness

Intellectual wellness is at the heart of our academic counseling and guidance programs, designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Through personalized academic counseling, our school counselors guide students to explore their interests, set meaningful goals, and create pathways to post-secondary success. Programs like Naviance, AP Coursework, Seals of Biliteracy and Civic Readiness, along with BOCES career programs help students navigate career exploration and post-secondary planning, ensuring they are well-prepared for life after graduation.

Beyond academics, intellectual wellness involves creating a culture that values growth, creativity, and problem-solving. We are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to take risks, learn from challenges, and celebrate their successes. By addressing the intellectual needs of our students, we empower them to become confident, capable, and engaged learners.

K-12 Counseling
The Eastchester School District’s counseling program supports students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on academic achievement, social-emotional development, and career readiness. Counselors provide individualized guidance to help students navigate challenges, set goals, and develop skills for lifelong success. By fostering strong connections, counselors empower students to reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Physical wellness plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of our school community. At Eastchester, we prioritize health and safety through a range of programs and initiatives. Our dedicated health services team, including nurses and school health professionals, ensures that students receive the care and support they need to stay healthy and active.

We are committed to creating a safe environment through Title IX initiatives, compliance with Erin’s Law, and the work of the School Safety Committee, which focuses on preventative measures and crisis readiness. Physical wellness also encompasses education on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and fitness, ensuring that students understand the importance of taking care of their bodies as part of their overall success. By focusing on physical wellness, we aim to cultivate a school environment where every individual can thrive.

Health (Nurses)
Our school nurses play a critical role in maintaining the health and safety of students and staff. They provide medical care, manage health plans for students with chronic conditions, and promote wellness through education and preventative measures. By addressing both immediate and long-term health needs, the nursing team ensures a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

Title IX
The Eastchester School District is committed to upholding Title IX regulations to ensure a learning environment free from discrimination based on sex or gender. Our Title IX initiatives include training, awareness programs, and clear protocols for addressing complaints. We strive to create a safe, respectful, and equitable school community for all students and staff.

School Safety Committee
The School Safety Committee collaborates to create and maintain a secure environment for all members of the school community. This team addresses safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and proactive measures to prevent crises. By prioritizing safety, we aim to foster an atmosphere where students can learn and thrive without fear.

Emotional wellness is fundamental to academic and personal success, and the Eastchester School District is proud to lead with innovative programs that support emotional health. Our adoption of RULER, an evidence-based approach from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, empowers students and staff to understand and regulate emotions effectively. Programs like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Second Step further enhance emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills across all grade levels.

We also utilize the Panorama survey to gather insights on school climate and student well-being, enabling us to address needs proactively. Additionally, we are working to establish a Student and Family Health Center to provide mental health services, bridging gaps in care and fostering a strong support network for families. These initiatives reflect our commitment to emotional wellness as a core component of student success.

RULER
RULER, an emotional intelligence program from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, is embedded into our curriculum to help students and staff recognize, understand, label, express, and regulate emotions. This approach enhances emotional well-being, improves decision-making, and strengthens relationships. By integrating RULER, we cultivate a school culture grounded in empathy and emotional awareness.

DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are taught to students to build emotional resilience, improve relationships, and manage stress. These evidence-based strategies help individuals regulate emotions, navigate interpersonal challenges, and make mindful decisions. DBT aligns with our commitment to supporting student mental health and fostering a positive school climate.

Second Step
Second Step is a social-emotional learning program that teaches critical skills like empathy, emotion management, and problem-solving. Designed for all grade levels, it helps students develop healthy relationships and make responsible decisions. By implementing Second Step, we equip students with tools for success both in school and beyond.

Panorama
Panorama is a school-wide survey platform used to assess student well-being, school climate, and engagement. The data gathered informs our decisions to better support students and address their needs. This feedback-driven approach ensures we are continually improving the educational experience for all.

Student and Family Health Center
The Student and Family Health Center, currently under development, will provide accessible mental health and wellness services to students and their families. It will serve as a bridge for counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and restorative support. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing mental health needs in a compassionate and inclusive way.

Collaboration is key to building a robust wellness program, and Eastchester School District partners with leading organizations to expand our reach and impact. Our partnership with White Plains Hospital and the Student Tutorial Program provides students with real-world learning experiences in healthcare. Through the Sandy Hook Promise, we cultivate a culture of inclusion, safety, and kindness.

The JCK Foundation partnership supports mental health awareness and resilience, while the CARE Coalition of Eastchester and the Harris Project provide innovative solutions to address substance use and mental health needs. The RECOVS Grant through New York State funds critical wellness initiatives, and the Loukoumi Foundation engages students in community service and leadership. These partnerships and programs highlight our commitment to empowering students and enriching the entire Eastchester community through meaningful connections and resources.

White Plains Hospital Tutorial Internship
The White Plains Hospital Tutorial Internship offers students unique, hands-on learning experiences in the healthcare field. Through this program, participants gain valuable insights into medical careers while developing professional skills. It is an enriching opportunity for students to explore their passions and prepare for future careers in health sciences.

Sandy Hook Promise
The Sandy Hook Promise initiative focuses on preventing violence and fostering a culture of inclusion and kindness. Through programs like "Start with Hello" and "Say Something," students learn how to build connections and identify signs of potential harm. This partnership underscores our commitment to safety and empathy within our schools. Sandy Hook Promise also offers a secure reporting system that allows community members to submit anonymous concerns to help individuals who may harm themselves or others. The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System can be accessed HERE.

JCK Foundation
Our partnership with the JCK Foundation promotes mental health awareness and resilience through storytelling and education. The foundation's programs empower students to build connections and reduce stigma around mental health challenges. Together, we foster a supportive community where students feel seen and heard.

CARE Coalition
The CARE Coalition of Eastchester addresses substance use prevention and mental health awareness through education and community partnerships. By engaging students, parents, and community members, the coalition works to create a healthier and more informed school environment. Their efforts promote prevention and early intervention strategies.

Loukoumi Foundation
The Loukoumi Foundation inspires students to engage in community service, leadership, and acts of kindness. Through various projects and initiatives, students learn the value of giving back and making a positive impact. This partnership nurtures empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement among our youth.

RECOVS Grant
The RECOVS Grant funds innovative wellness initiatives across the district, including mental health programming and professional development. This grant supports our commitment to fostering resilience and recovery within the school community. It enables us to expand resources and provide comprehensive support to students and families.

TEDx Eastchester
The TEDx Conference in Eastchester this April will feature inspiring talks and innovative ideas from students, staff, and community members. This event highlights creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, showcasing the best of what our district has to offer. It is a platform for sharing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful connections.

Harris Project and CODA Curriculum
The Harris Project partnership integrates the CODA (Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness) curriculum to address the intersection of mental health and substance use. This innovative approach equips students with knowledge and coping strategies to navigate challenges. By fostering awareness, we aim to build a community that supports wellness and prevention.