MCP Directory

by Randy Rice - MCDONALD COUNTY DIRECTORY Like many school districts around the country, McDonald County has seen a rise in mental health concerns among the students. But one incident, in particular, spurred McDonald County High School Principal Angie Brewer into action. "Tragically we had a student take his life last year," Principal Brewer noted. "And I think desperation sometimes breeds great ideas. We all were devastated and it just got us thinking: what can we do for these kids to prevent this in the future?" So Principal Brewer went before the school board to propose creating school community liaisons and a mental health center at the high school to offer free on-site counseling. The board approved the proposal and, partnering with Access Family Care, Ozark Center and Ozarks Community Hospital (OCH), Principal Brewer moved forward. Originally the district committed to hiring two liaisons, one for the high school and one that would travel around to middle schools. But Principal Brewer knew that wouldn't be enough. Fortunately, State Representative Dirk Deaton reached out to her about that time and asked if she was in need of any help. "He was able to get us funding from a group called Communities in Schools," Principal Brewer said. "With that we were able to hire two more liaisons. So now we have one liaison on-site at the high school and three more who split up the county." Lastly, they needed a space where they could put everything together. "So, we found this long thin room with two big closets," Principal Brewer said. "We cleared it out put up some room dividers and partnered with Freeman Health Systems to get some sound proof modules so counselors could talk in private." In addition to counseling modules, the center has a clothing closet where students can go if they don't have the clothing they need and a food pantry where they can get food for themselves and their family. The program also offers seminars on life skills. "Take something as basic as a drivers license," Principal Brewer explained. "Some students don't know how to get one or how to study for the test. They don't have a ride to go take the test. If they get a license, they don't know how to shop for or buy a car or get insurance. The list goes on to other life skills like how to get a job, an apartment, apply for college. We try to address these issues in our seminars." Erica Campbell Price, the high school liaison, was instrumental in the creation of the program. "We have an awesome team," Principal Brewer said. "Led by Erica and myself, everyone is laser focused on the student and really invested. Our school resource officers and juvenile team have also been essential to making this program a success. And I've learned that everyone has good ideas to offer. Sometimes the secretary in the front office sees things that nobody else sees. Same goes for the custodian. And fortunately for me, they aren't afraid to speak up." Sometimes those ideas even come from the students themselves. One student, while working through a traumatic experience, had the idea for kids to help other kids. "She took the idea to Erica who had actually been thinking about that herself," Principal Brewer said. "So they decided to form a group and put the word out. She now has a core team of about ten kids and they even have a podcast they put out on mental health and self-esteem issues." It's been only one year, but Principal Brewer feels they are already making a difference. "We have some kids who have gone through absolutely unimaginable things. But now we see them coming to school and playing sports. And you're like 'wow, that's amazing that they are even getting up out of bed and coming to school in the morning.'" Community liaisons helping students thrive 2022 MCDONALD COUNTY DIRECTORY | 25 The team: counselors Courtni Smith, Micheal Shaddox and Huston Brady(not pictured); Front office staff Tracy Owen and Susan Colville; Liaison Erica Campbell Price; Principal Angie Brewer; Assistant Principals LaDonna McClain and Shawn Mayes The Center for Personal Growth and Wellness Liaison Erica Price

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