Student Wellbeing Must Come First

As a high school counselor, I’ve had the privilege of watching students grow, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. And while grades and test scores certainly matter, one truth becomes clearer: when students feel like they belong, everything else begins to fall into place. Belonging isn’t just a feel-good concept. It’s a basic human need, right up there with food and safety. When students feel connected to their peers, teachers, and school environment, they are more likely to engage in learning, show up to class, take healthy risks, and develop resilience. More importantly, they are less likely to struggle with chronic stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation—issues that are all too common among teenagers today. That’s why prioritizing student wellbeing must be more than a nice idea; it has to be a core mission. And thankfully, schools have so many tools at their disposal to make this happen. I’m honored to share a couple of things we are doing at Santa Cruz Cooperative School (SCCS) to foster belonging and well being within our school community. 

Wellbeing in Action: Incorporating Wellbeing Within the Curriculum

At our school, we’ve embraced a whole-child approach. This means recognizing that students are more than just learners; they are people navigating friendships, identity, pressure, and change. To support them, we’ve introduced a range of programs designed to boost mental health, foster connection, and build community.

One of our newest and most exciting additions is a Happiness and Wellbeing course, which helps students explore mindfulness, gratitude, stress management, and the science of happiness. It’s not about ignoring real struggles, but about equipping students with tools to navigate them. It has been an elective for high school students and many have enjoyed it!

We also integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into our weekly schedule through our advisory program. These lessons give students space to reflect on their emotions, develop empathy, and practice healthy communication. SEL may sound simple, but it’s foundational. When students can name what they’re feeling and talk about it, they’re less likely to be overwhelmed by it.

Outside of the classroom, we focus on building connections through clubs, student leadership, and interest-based groups. Whether it’s a robotics team, drama club, cultural group, or a lunchtime chess game, these spaces help students find their people. For many, joining a club becomes the reason they look forward to school. That also reflects directly on student attendance and absenteeism. 

Athletics and movement also play a big role in student wellbeing here with the SCCS Jaguars. Sports not only build physical health, but they create tight-knit communities. Even students who aren't on teams benefit from recreational sports, movement breaks, and opportunities to stay active. Physical activity is one of the most effective, and underused, tools for managing anxiety and boosting mood.

And then there are also the little things that go a long way: welcoming committees for new students during transition, weekly advisory check-ins, and even simple daily greetings at the door. These moments may seem small, but they signal to students: You matter. You are seen here.

A Culture of Care and Fun at School

In addition, the school recently hosted a long-lived tradition for international schools in Bolivia. After more than 25 years, our Cultural Convention came back! This vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and connection goes beyond traditional academics and sports. All four international American schools in Bolivia participated, with students from La Paz and Cochabamba visiting SCCS, which proudly hosted the event after a 25-year pause. In a unique format, teams were mixed with students from all schools, so they competed with one another rather than against each other. Students enthusiastically participated in a wide range of activities including robotics, chess, debate, gaming, ping pong, and knowledge bowl. These competitions encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and friendly rivalry, all in a fun and inclusive environment. The event aimed to support students’ overall wellbeing by fostering joy, building strong peer relationships, and offering meaningful opportunities for expression and collaboration. It was a day of shared passion, laughter, and learning that left lasting memories and stronger bonds within the school community.

Creating a culture of belonging isn’t about one program or event; it’s about a consistent message we send every day: You are not alone. This school is your community. We are here for each other. We come here to learn, have fun, and care for each other. As counselors, educators, and administrators, it’s our job to champion that message in everything we do. Because when students feel like they belong, they don’t just do better in school, they thrive as people. Let’s continue building schools where students feel safe, supported, and connected. Because when we take care of their wellbeing, we open the door for everything else to flourish. I hope we continue to think of ways to impact student well being and stay creative, fun, and open to new ideas!