CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As we continue to highlight different districts in our back-to-school series, Classroom Challenges, an important topic when heading back to the classroom is mental health.
That's why this year, FBISD transformed their convocation into a health and wellness fair for staff because they realize that they can't pour into their students if their cup isn't full.
It was almost hard to hear Flour Bluff's new superintendent Chris Steinbruck over the fun that was had at the 2024 convocation.
"My goal as a superintendent is to have people enjoy going to work," said Steinbruck.
The convocation treated their teachers and staff to everything from emotional support animals, to free massages. Yep, massages!
"We put together this wellness fair to let them know there is stuff out there for them to do to take care of their health so they can better serve our students," he said.
Steinbruck said their district believes one's overall well-being derives from nurturing their physical health but also their mental health. The district also believes that burn out is very real.
"The focus on mental health is huge. And I think that is really evident at this years convocation," said Executive Director of Communications Kristen Bily.
Bily said this type of momentum is exactly what they need to get through the school year, when their students might be faced with problems that aren't just on the math test.
"Making sure our students' mental health is well, making sure if they are experiencing bullying that they have an outlet and a safe space to go to," Bily said.
Those teenage years can be tough but that should never conflict with education.
District officials have a plan to stop bullying before it becomes an issue, through their anonymous bullying reporting app and they have full confidence in their counselors to spot the signs.
"We also have military counselors, what a lot of people don't realize is that we are purple star designated campuses," she said.
Which means a military family joining the district will have resources to help them adapt.
"It also helps the student that is coming into a new school, new city, get acclimated, feel at home and create a community there," she said.
Bily said they never know what challenges lie ahead of each school year but they are ready for them.
"Making sure that as we go into each year, we are looking at things, trends, social media for example and I think that's what's going to make it such a strong year," Bily said.