Yahaira Waters

Director of School Safety & Mental Health

watersy@mygcsd.org

Angela Loy

District Threat Management / Mental Health Coordinator

loya@mygcsd.org

Jessica Velez, LMHC

velezj@mygcsd.org

RESILIENCY

Do you want to become a RESILIENCY COACH?

Resiliency Coach

The State Board of Education is requiring every Florida school district to provide instruction about human trafficking, mental health, sexual health (7th, 8th, and 9th grades), and substance abuse. Aligned to our goals for fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment, this requirement ensures positive support for our students' social, emotional, and physical health.

Currently, the only opt- out option for parents is sexual health education. The other topics listed do not have an opt-out option as this instruction is required by the State of Florida. If you have questions related to this content, please contact your child's principal.

Instructional Components

Being thankful and sharing it with others.

Mental Health is a vital component of every child's experience within our school district.  Gilchrist County School District leaders take the overall wellness of students very seriously.  Mental health awareness is a continued focus.  Please access the links below for more information on a variety of mental health topics. 

• Mental Health Plan

• Resiliency

• 5 Hour Required Instruction

• Suicide Prevention

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Gilchrist County is a “Child Trafficking Free Zone.” For further information click the following links:

Child Trafficking

Child Abuse

Additional Resources

Mental Health Counseling- “Life Skills that build confidence, support mental and emotional health, and enable students to overcome challenges, including self-awareness and self-management, responsible decision making, resiliency, relationship skills, and conflict resolution, and understanding and respecting each other viewpoints and backgrounds.” 

Base Education

Zones of Regulation Social Skills Curriculum For Grades K-5

Overcoming Obstacle

If you would like to have your child seen for counseling, contact their school guidance counselor.

• If you need mental health counseling, please call:

  • Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc: (352) 374-5600

  • Palms Medical Group

  • DaybreakTelehealth

• If you need immediate help, call:

  • Crisis Hotline: (352) 264-6789 OR 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

• Open 24 hours/365 days:

  • Mobile Response Team: (352) 374-5600, Option 1

Need Someone to Talk To? We’re Here to Help.

Gilchrist County Schools is committed to supporting students’ well-being and safety. If you are feeling overwhelmed, concerned about yourself or someone else, or just need someone to talk to, you can use our anonymous student support link at any time.

This link allows students to reach out for help, share concerns, or ask for support in a safe and confidential way. Messages are reviewed by trained professionals so students can be connected with the help they need.

You are not in trouble for reaching out. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

👉 Click here to access student support

If this is an emergency, please call 911 or a trusted adult immediately.