Pod C.A.R.E – Character and Confidence, Attitudes, Relationships, and Empathy Program

This promising practice highlights the Pod C.A.R.E. Program - a mental health and wellbeing initiative that arose out of a need to build connections and trusting relationships with students. The first week of every month teachers meet with their homeroom class for two periods to discuss issues related to mental health and wellbeing. Meetings begin with a community circle in which the topic for the month is discussed using guiding questions created by teachers. Afterwards, students complete activities related to the topic such as written reflection or role-playing.