-
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Early intervention on mental health is just as important for students, as new East Elementary counselor Tammy McGrady works on new initiatives to help younger students navigate difficult family situations. High school students developing relationships with younger students is also key to improving mental health. -
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Breckenridge ISD implements more mental health initiatives to ensure students are aware of resources available to them. The theater program led by Cassie Johnson is a good avenue for students to make connections and express themselves. -
(Photo/Alex Kielar) New Breckenridge High School counselor Leah Robertson launches a new online platform through the BISD webpage called Counselor’s Corner, where students have access to mental health and post-high school resources.
In the heart of Breckenridge, where Friday night lights shine bright and small-town bonds run deep, a quiet yet powerful movement is underway inside the halls and campuses of Breckenridge ISD: breaking the stigma around mental health.
From classroom counseling to creative expression, BISD educators are working to ensure students and their parents know they are never alone and that help is always within reach.
Breckenridge High School’s theater arts teacher Cassie Johnson is no stranger to the emotional complexities students carry around the halls, classrooms and beyond. Recently earning her Master of Arts in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling from Angelo State University, Johnson brings a unique blend of artistic direction and therapeutic insight to her work.
“I think theater is a good outlet for kids,” she said. “You get to be somebody you wouldn’t normally be. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a way to connect and grow.”
Johnson’s theater program welcomes students from all backgrounds–those who are bold, those who are shy and those who have yet to find their place anywhere else.
“We take a lot of kiddos in theater that aren’t really involved in anything else. It’s a good way to make friends,” she said. “In high school that’s one of the best things to keep a level head–being surrounded by good friends.”
This fall’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” features students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with older students mentoring younger cast members.
“So our high school kids are getting real-life experience,” Johnson said. “They take care of the (young students) during rehearsals. It teaches empathy and responsibility.”
The spring play, “Irena’s Vow”, will explore the true story of a Polish woman who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
“It’s a survival story,” Johnson explained. “And I think our kids need to see that–how one person’s courage can change lives.”
As Johnson and other BISD staff look to implement new mental health initiatives, the theater teacher described it as a tough task.
“It’s been difficult. There’s a lot of hoops–you don’t have as many hoops as if you’re not certified or anything,” Johnson said. “But there are a lot of good things at Breckenridge that are already in place.”
BHS counselor Leah Robertson recently put a new initiative into place, with the help of new Dean of Students Kaysi Henderson. The pair have become key figures in the district’s mental health landscape. Their online platform Counselor’s Corner–available through the BISD website–offers resources for everything from standardized testing to crisis intervention.
“My door is open to you and I look forward to our visit,” Robertson writes in the introduction.
The site includes links to PSAT, SAT, ACT and STAAR and EOC testing dates, as well as scholarship information and a dedicated crisis support page. In addition, Robertson also promotes new tools like CareerCruising and Transitions, which both provide resources for post-high school planning and exploration.
The dedicated crisis support page features artwork with the words “At BISD, We Care. You are not alone. There is help available. Just ask.” This reinforces the district’s commitment to emotional wellness and several support resources, including:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
West Central Texas Local Area Suicide Hotline (Betty Hardwick Center): 1-800-458-7788
StopBullying.gov
National Runaway Hotline: 1-800-786-2929
A link to homeless student information document
The site encourages students to reach out to trusted adults–like teachers, principals, counselors or coaches–when facing challenges like bullying, substance use or personal issues.
“Remember, we are here to help you and want to do so,” the website message reads. “Please stay close to your school community and let us know how you are doing.”
Johnson agreed with that sentiment.
“I know that right now with the mental health process, I think it's incredibly important that you reach out to someone and that you get it started sooner than later,” she said.
Early intervention and discussion is a key for BISD as well. At East Elementary, new counselor Stacie Anderson is implementing social-emotional learning programs for younger students, especially those from divorced families or households affected by incarceration. Flyers sent home highlight targeted support for children navigating difficult family situations.
Anderson’s efforts include lessons on emotional regulation, social skills and resilience-building for students in kindergarten through third grade. Her presence marks a significant step forward in BISD’s commitment to early intervention.
Whether through theater, counseling, community outreach or other avenues, BISD is working to build a culture where mental health is not just acknowledged–but actively supported.
“I think the mental health process is massive, especially in small towns,” Johnson said. “And I hope that we can get other things implemented. Trying is the start–and we’re trying.”
