Luxemburg-Casco Makes Mental Health A Priority

Tara Zeal. Submitted.

Data that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction published in late 2022 indicated that more than one-third of all Wisconsin students reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for more than two weeks in a row. 

In response to this data, the Luxemburg-Casco (L-C) School District has placed an emphasis on the mental health of its students through policies and practices, enhanced training, increased access to available resources and by encouraging open dialogue.

“The health and safety of students is at the forefront of everything we do at L-C,” said Tara Zeal, the district’s director of special education and student services.

One of those approaches is training its staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid. The course teaches adults who regularly interact with young people how to recognize whether someone needs support and how to best respond. Another program used at the high school is a suicide-prevention program that uses peer leaders to enhance protective factors.

Beyond internal resources, the district also works closely with Kewaunee County health officials, and a Bellin Health therapist visits the district once every week.

Anyone in the community may call the 24/7 Kewaunee County Crisis Hotline at 920.255.1645. The National Suicide-Prevention Hotline can be reached simply by dialing 988.