The seemingly unstoppable growth of mental health crisis in society has the public education system in a tight spot.
Because of this, schools have been working to create a more extensive support system for students struggling with mental health. Though it is a limited system, IHS and its student body have been working incredibly hard to do this.
Through the guidance office and various parts of the student body, light is being shone on the current state of mental health and many activities are taking place to show endless support. IHS’s leadership holds fundraisers and projects almost monthly for this cause.
At IHS, there is a wide range of verbal support and guidance for all students. The school guidance office offers an open ear always and helps within the school itself.
School counselor Mrs. Katie Smith states, “We make referrals to outside parties if issues go beyond our training. We also provide school-based counseling, which is when someone comes to our school to help.”
In-school therapy is an option for students that wish to speak to someone regularly–typically every Friday–within school hours. This can be a great opportunity to receive further counseling than what the school guidance can give.
Aside from the guidance center, IHS’s Leadership Seminar members, more specifically, the mental health committee, work hard to make sure all students feel heard and not alone in their struggles.
Several projects and fundraisers take place during the school year meant to shine a light on resources available to students.
Currently, the green bandana project has begun, representing those who are here to help and provide further resources to get outside help. Students may approach those wearing green bandanas around the school to get more information or help.
Sky is a senior and first-year reporter for the High Arrow. She is involved with the IHS Orchestra and has a passion for literature and arts, including journalistic and creative writing. She spends the majority of her time reading classic literature and practicing her writing skills.
By Emma Buterbaugh Many IHS students made the trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, this year to compete at the Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference (SLC). They competed for the chance to go to the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Anaheim, California, in June. FBLA is a
By Gabi Isenberg IHS welcomed a new attendance officer this month, Ms. MarCha Ellis. Ms. Ellis will be the new friendly face students encounter when they walk into the attendance office. Ms. Ellis, an IHS alumni, has joined the staff as the attendance officer, a change from her previous occupation
By Cheyenne Rayba IHS is welcoming Mrs. Stephenie Armstrong as the new administrative assistant in the main office. Armstrong joins the staff at the beginning of February and is excited to be part of our school community. Mrs. Armstrong grew up not far from Indiana, in Homer City. She graduated
By Gabrielle Isenberg IHS students are dedicated to the cause of raising money for childhood cancer. Several students are members and organizers of the non-school-affiliated nonprofit Cancer Kids First, which aims to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer through fun activities. Cancer Kids First (CKF) is a nationwide, student-led
By Zoiee Cornelius A wonderful 20 years of teaching at IHS is coming to a close for beloved teacher Ms. Dawn Davies. During her time at IHS, Ms. Davies was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Along with teaching, she also always ensured that her classroom was
By Gabi Isenberg After being taken off the club list this year, Athena Club is being revived at IHS. New English 10 teacher, Mrs. Deanne Magolis has dedicated time and effort to restarting the women’s leadership organization for the school, which will meet once a month on Wednesdays during tenth
By Emma Buterbaugh Many IHS students made the trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, this year to compete at the Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference (SLC). They competed for the chance to go to the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Anaheim, California, in June. FBLA is a
By Gabi Isenberg IHS welcomed a new attendance officer this month, Ms. MarCha Ellis. Ms. Ellis will be the new friendly face students encounter when they walk into the attendance office. Ms. Ellis, an IHS alumni, has joined the staff as the attendance officer, a change from her previous occupation
By Cheyenne Rayba IHS is welcoming Mrs. Stephenie Armstrong as the new administrative assistant in the main office. Armstrong joins the staff at the beginning of February and is excited to be part of our school community. Mrs. Armstrong grew up not far from Indiana, in Homer City. She graduated
By Gabrielle Isenberg IHS students are dedicated to the cause of raising money for childhood cancer. Several students are members and organizers of the non-school-affiliated nonprofit Cancer Kids First, which aims to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer through fun activities. Cancer Kids First (CKF) is a nationwide, student-led
By Zoiee Cornelius A wonderful 20 years of teaching at IHS is coming to a close for beloved teacher Ms. Dawn Davies. During her time at IHS, Ms. Davies was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Along with teaching, she also always ensured that her classroom was
By Gabi Isenberg After being taken off the club list this year, Athena Club is being revived at IHS. New English 10 teacher, Mrs. Deanne Magolis has dedicated time and effort to restarting the women’s leadership organization for the school, which will meet once a month on Wednesdays during tenth
