Elementary students in Door County received a surprise this week in the name of mental wellness. Every student received a coloring book, crayons, kinetic sand, and some other goodies as a part of a mental wellness kit distributed with help from the United Way of Door County and Stride. Stride was established by the United Way of Door County two years ago to address student mental health with professionals in the buildings at least one day a week and other programs. Gibraltar Student Counselor Brooke Petrie has had to work with her students in grades kindergarten through sixth virtually since the district closed their buildings in March. She says it has taken some time to adjust to help the students effectively.

She says the mental wellness kits serve an important purpose.

Petrie hopes students and families reach out to their schools’ counselor when they need a little extra support.