Letter from the Principal - February 2019

February 14, 2019

Dear Parents and Guardians:

In the words of Grammy Award Host, Alicia Keys, “Music is our shared global language.” CDH recently witnessed this global language at two extraordinary events. One musical event celebrated the fine arts at CDH and built community. The other event recognized the importance of fine arts in schools and raised awareness of mental health issues.

At the 25th Anniversary of the Lillian Theater on January 18 and 19, alumni, friends, staff, parents, and students gathered to celebrate our fine tradition of musical theater. It was inspirational to share the evening with so many talented CDH artists as they continued to build community. Thank you to Katie Kreitzer for her vision and leadership directing and producing the show and to Chris Hill for the creative energy and support he provided planning and emceeing the event. Through music and theater, the participants and attendees experienced a special and renewed commitment to the CDH Fine Arts community.

The 32nd Annual SEC Music Festival on February 4 celebrated the fine arts and renewed our awareness of mental health issues. This annual event brings together all nine conference schools to share their love of music. Thank you to Donna Novey, Band Director, and Isaac Lovedahl, Choir Director, for challenging and preparing our students for their outstanding performances that day.

At the Grand Finale Concert that evening, the SEC All-Conference Choir performed a moving piece about suicide and depression, “Please Stay” by Jake Runestad.  As stated on Jake Runestad’s website, “Please Stay” was written as “an anthem for hope — an attempt to destigmatize mental illness and challenge all of us to support those who are battling depression and thoughts of suicide.” Through music, we were reminded to care for the teenagers among us who suffer from mental illness. 

CDH supports our own students facing mental illness in many ways. Members of our counseling staff, including our chemical health counselor, Gayle Knopik are available to support students and families as they navigate mental health concerns. Our Student Assistance Team, comprised of counselors, deans, learning lab specialists and our school nurse meets regularly to identify methods to help students. This year we have contracted with FCD Prevention Works in our chemical health efforts. We also continue to work closely with Dr. Jules Nolan from Phoenix School Counseling Group to provide workshops to our teachers and parents.

During this difficult month of February, it is important to remain aware of the signs of mental health issues in adolescents. Please feel free to contact your student’s counselor if you are concerned about your son or daughter. You can also reach out to one of the many mental health organizations. Some are listed below. There are also some listed on Jake Runestad’s website.    

https://nami.org/Learn-More/Know-the-Warning-Signs

https://nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/Children-MH-Facts-NAMI.pdf

https://nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Getting-Treatment-During-a-Crisis

https://www.ramseycounty.us/content/mental-health-crisis-services

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

https://www.crisistextline.org/