Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us of an essential truth: mental health is part of our overall health. It affects how we learn, how we connect, and how we show up in the world. At the School District of Lancaster, we are committed to not only acknowledging that truth but also creating space in our schools to nurture mental well-being for students and staff alike.
This year, that commitment came to life in a new and impactful way at Wheatland Middle School. With leadership from school social worker Caryneri Burgos, Wheatland held its first-ever Mental Health Awareness Fair, a schoolwide event designed to center mental wellness through creativity, movement, and open conversation.
“This is for the whole school,” said Burgos. “We’ve broken it up into rotating activities so every student can experience something different and hopefully take something away that speaks to them personally.” That meant students moved throughout the day between various wellness stations:
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Pet therapy gave students a calming moment with certified therapy dogs, offering the kind of connection that words alone can’t always provide.
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Art therapy sessions encouraged creative expression as a tool for self-reflection and emotional release.
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A guest speaker shared their own journey, helping students see that they’re not alone and that healing takes many forms.
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Zumba sessions invited students to move their bodies and relieve stress through music and dance.
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A cooking demonstration highlighted how preparing and enjoying food can be an act of mindfulness and care.
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Local community organizations were also invited to provide resources and information bridging the gap between school and the wider support network available right here in Lancaster.
Burgos emphasized the significance of hosting this event during Mental Health Awareness Month but also made it clear that its impact goes beyond a single day. “So many of our students are struggling, and there’s still such a heavy stigma around talking about it. This is a way to say, ‘It’s okay to talk. It’s okay to ask for help.’”
In planning the fair, the goal was not just awareness, it was action. Students had the opportunity to learn new coping strategies, explore what mental wellness looks like in real life, and discover local resources they can turn to when they need support. For staff, it was a moment to pause and reflect on their own mental health needs, to remember that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves.
And while the logistics of the day were complex, and not without their surprises, Burgos shared a deep sense of fulfillment in seeing it come together. “This has been months of preparation. We had a few bumps this morning, but seeing the students excited, engaged, and genuinely enjoying the experience—it’s everything we hoped for.”
The fair was was an intentional step toward changing the culture around mental health in our schools. At SDoL, we understand that behind every statistic is a student with a story. Consider this:
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4 in 10 students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless
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2 in 10 have seriously considered attempting suicide
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3 in 10 experience poor mental health regularly
These aren’t just numbers. They reflect the lived realities of our youth. And that’s why Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t just about posters or slogans. It’s about creating meaningful opportunities like the one at Wheatland for students to be seen, heard, and supported.
The Board of Directors of the School District of Lancaster has officially recognized May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, and invites our entire community to join in this effort by:
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Learning more about mental health and the support systems available
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Speaking openly and respectfully to help reduce stigma
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Reaching out for support and encouraging others to do the same
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Supporting organizations focused on mental wellness
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Building environments, at school and at home, that prioritize emotional safety and care
Mental health matters today, tomorrow, and every day after that. And thanks to the dedication of educators like Caryneri Burgos and the team at Wheatland Middle School, our students are learning that they don’t have to carry their challenges alone. They are building trust, learning tools, and finding hope in their classrooms, in their communities, and in themselves. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.