PURPOSE?
FALCONnections is a parent organization housed within the SRHS Foundation intended to provide mental health support and connections and to expand awareness of mental health resources among the SRHS Community through parent workshops, student assemblies, organized activities, and other types of campus outreach.
WHY?
FALCONnections was inspired by the tragic loss of SRHS ’21 Alumni, Carson Baranek, who took his own life in 2023 in response to mental health challenges he was facing while away at college. Carson’s smile lit up a room and he cared for others deeply, however, he concealed the depth of his mental health struggles from his family, friends and teammates. FALCONnections was established to honor Carson and support other SRHS Community members who may struggle in silence with mental wellness.
PARENT PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES- We want to help parents and caregivers learn tools to cope with the stresses of raising teens and share mental health resources that are locally available. FALCONnections plans to sponsor Parent “Real Talk” presentations and events with speakers on mental wellness topics focused on how to help your student build resilience and tools for combating mental health challenges.
October 10th, 5-7PM, SRHS Library – “What I Wish My Parents Knew”
This special event helps parents to better understand the issues students are facing. The event begins with an introduction from Principal Lawson, followed by a student panel featuring six current students who will speak candidly about the issues they are facing in high school. This will be followed by two community presentations. The first presentation will be Ms. Lisa Ringel, from Internet Crimes Against Children who will speak to the issues our teens face as it relates to the Internet and Social Media. The second presentation will be given by Mr. Joshua Quichoco from San Diego County Office of Education who will be speaking on Vaping and Current Drug Trends.
Future “Real Talks” Coming in January, March and May
Please join our e-mail list at srhsfalconnections@gmail.com to receive organizational updates on events and mental health resources. If you have any topics or resources you would like to see brought forward to the SRHS Community through FALCONnections or if you are willing to volunteer to support or expand our mental health support offerings, please reach out using the above e-mail address.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources for srhs Parents and Students – The following is a list of mental health and wellness links which can offer guidance and support.
San Diego County Office of Education- Parent Guide to Mental Health: https://www.sdcoe.net/students/health-well-being/mental-health-supports#fs-panel-252783
San Diego County Office of Education – Mental Health and Wellness Webinar Series (Recorded and Scheduled): https://www.sdcoe.net/students/parent-and-community-engagement
San Diego County Office of Education - Teen Guide to Mental Health and Wellness: https://www.sdcoe.net/students/health-well-being/mental-health-supports#fs-panel-21210
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services Support: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs.html#:~:text=*Confidential%20and%20free%20of%20charge%2C%20the%20San,crisis%20intervention%2C%20community%20resources%2C%20mental%20health%20referrals%2C
Talking to Teens about Mental Health Struggles: https://www.npr.org/2021/03/24/980776808/how-to-talk-and-listen-to-a-teen-with-mental-health-struggles
Up2Us Signs of Mental Health Challenges: https://up2sd.org/topics/mental-health
NBC 7 San Diego Video “Kids in Crisis: Mental Health and Youth”: https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/health/kids-in-crisis-mental-health-and-youth/3302090/
Rady Childrens’ Mindfulness Video for Youth: https://vimeo.com/902065607
California Health and Human Services Mental Health Resources for Youth https://www.chhs.ca.gov/youthresources/
San Diego County Mobile Crisis Support Team https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs/mcrt/MCRT%20Fact%20Sheet%20Eng%204.08.24.pdf
You Matter Mental Health Resources: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/outreach/you-matter/you-matter-mental-health-resource-page/509-7d1372af-1197-42a4-8b77-4ec59960e7e5