Mental Health and Wellness
School District 189 wants to ensure that all students are at school every day - healthy, supported, and ready to learn. We focus on fostering a positive culture and climate with welcoming environments and high-quality instruction that supports the health and social-emotional well-being of every student.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know it is okay to ask for help. Many of us need additional emotional or mental health support. Help is available. School District 189 has caring, trauma-informed adults at each school ready to meet student needs. Students who need someone to talk with should ask for the School Social Worker. Additionally, School District 189 students can view these numbers on the back of their student ID cards when more resources are needed:
- If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- If you feel suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
- If you want help via text, text HOME to 741741.
- If you want to explore complicated issues ( like mental health, trauma, bullying, substance abuse or challenges with friends) freely and confidentially, visit the Ripple Effects site through your Clever app.
- If you need Chromebook or Skyward help, call 618-646-3322.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
In order to meet the needs of the whole child, the Illinois State Board of Education developed social-emotional learning standards, which must be implemented in all schools. These standards are designed to explicitly teach the skills students need to develop self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, responsible decision making, and positive relationships with adults and peers. The social emotional learning standards prepare students to engage within the learning environment, to increase overall academic gains. Research has found students who have received explicit instruction in the SEL competencies, have seen an average increase of 11 percentile points on standardized assessments when compared to students who did not receive the additional instruction (Durlak et al., 2001).
SPEAK UP 189!
Are you concerned about the safety of yourself or a friend or classmate? You can report bullying, planned fights, weapons at school, students in crisis or other urgent situations by emailing speakup@estl189.com or by calling/texting 618.515.2165 and sharing your concern. Reports are confidential so nobody will know you made the report. Let's keep our schools safe.
Safe2Help Illinois
Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program where students can use a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) to "Seek Help Before Harm."
Trained youth mental health professionals are available in real time 24/7 to address youth in crisis. Always available. Always confidential. In English and Spanish.
They support students dealing with bullying, depression, eating disorders, drug abuse, LGBTQIA, suicidal ideation and more.
Call: 844-4-SAFEIL
Text: SAFE2 (72332)
Email: HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
Website resources: Safe2HelpIllinois.com
School social workers are at school to assist with advice, support and resources for you and your family to help solve problems that may negatively impact your learning. They also have confidentiality rules and cannot disclose what you share with them unless you talk about hurting yourself, hurting someone else, or child abuse and neglect. Even then, they only share on a need-to-notice basis in order to get you the help you need!
These staff are available to help:
Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center
Tori Kruel 618.646.8243
James Avant Elementary School
Antaniece Carter 618.646.6919
Charles Jennings 618.646.3870
Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School
Aquilla Dover 618.646.6618
Nicole Young 618.646.6613
Annette Officer Elementary School
Duane Gill 618.646.7905
Dr. Tamiko Timberson 618.646.7918
Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School
Betty Tidwell 618.646.6812
Jovonda Winters 618.646.6819
Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence
Chea Wyatt 618.646.7519
Lynneshea Walls 618.646.7563
Mason/Clark Middle School
Monica Allen Delores Ballard-Enlow - 5th grade - 618.646.2026
Nichole Sailor - 7th grade - 618.646.2021
Alena Armstead - 8th grade - 618.646.2085
Lincoln Middle School
Michael Turner - 5th grade - 618.646.5026
Latosha Carter - 6th grade -618.646.5028
Joy Walker - 7th/8th grade - 618.646.5023
Jay Ashford - 618.646.5030
Gordon Bush Alternative School
Catrice Johnson 618.646.4012
Ariel Mosley 618.646.4023
East St. Louis Senior High School
Kenyawna Love - 9th grade - 618.646.1019
Avia Brown - 10th grade - 618.646.1016
Octavia Scott - 11th and 12th grades - 618.646.3319
Mental Health Days
Illinois Public Act 102-0321 (Senate Bill 1577) went into effect January 2022. This act allows students to take up to five mental or behavioral health days per year. In these cases, a student is not required to provide a medical note. They will be expected to make up any schoolwork missed during such absences. Following the second claimed mental health day, a student may be referred to a school social worker. Read the Illinois State Board of Education's Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
