Since the beginning of the new semester, Hays High has started a new program to promote mental health awareness, called Mindset Monday. It has been implemented in every PRIDE Time, and all students are required to participate.

Mindset Mondays started off with an introduction to the Seven Mindsets, some of which include, “Everything is possible,” “Passion first” and “We are connected.” After watching a video and discussing related questions, typically over how to improve their mindset, students are encouraged to write a short journal over the given prompts and questions that they are asked.

“My favorite mindset is ‘Attitude is gratitude,’” English teacher Kathy Wagoner said. “By being grateful for what I have — people and health — I walk each day with purpose and positivity.”

Hays High is actually one of the last schools in Hays to introduce social-emotional learning into its curriculum, but many staff members say they believe that it will be beneficial to have a weekly checkup on the students and that Mindset Mondays are important.

“I think that Mindset Monday will be beneficial to students because it promotes discussions among adults and young adults can create,” Wagoner said.
23mtaggart@usd489.com