Dear Fairbanks Parents and Guardians, 

Student well-being is critical to the success of all students. If we want students to grow academically, personally, and socially, we must support their holistic development. As parents and  educators, we know that students will not meet their potential if we do not care for them by building strong relationships and supporting their development as people. 

Over the last two weeks, I have spoken with students, staff, and parents throughout our community regarding student well-being in our schools. We all care deeply for our students. It is important for our schools to share the work we are doing and coordinate that work with our parents to support every child we serve. 

Our schools have several programs and practices to support student well-being. Examples of this on-going work are the PAX program at our elementary school, Advisory at our middle school, and community partnerships in our high school. We continue to plan and implement steps to support student well-being. Over the next twelve months, you will see the following steps taken: 

  • Continue staff training including mental health first aid and Nationwide Children’s Hospital evidence-based programming

  • Strengthen community partnerships with the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County 

  • Utilize state student wellness funds to provide school mental health services supporting students, families, and staff

  • Implement Nationwide Children’s Hospital Signs of Suicide Program for the 2020-21 school year in our middle and high school More information can be found here

  • Develop a Student Gatekeeper program equipping students with skills to listen, care, and report situations to trusted adults

In Fairbanks Local Schools, we recognize the value every child adds to our school district. Their individual talents, skills, and personalities make our district a better place. To foster their growth, we want to partner with our parents and community, to meet their needs. We will continue to focus on the development of the whole child, work to make sure every child has a trusted adult in our schools, and equip our school community with skills to support all kids. 

If you have questions about these programs or planning, please feel free to contact me, your school administrator, or school counselor. My email is adhamschirg@fairbankspanthers.org. Additionally, we will be having a Town Hall on November 13 at 7:00 pm in the Middle/High School Media Center. We will be discussing this topic along with many others. Please consider joining us. Thank you for your partnership and everything you do for Fairbanks!!

To view a video about this message, please click here.

Sincerely,

Adham Schirg

Fairbanks Local School District

Superintendent