UMatter Week: Fostering Mental Health Awareness and Community at Royal Oak Schools
In March, four dedicated school counselors from Royal Oak Schools proudly accepted a $2,500 check as part of the Education Excellence Awards. This recognition celebrates UMatter Week, a program that has made a profound impact on students and the broader community.
What Is UMatter Week?
UMatter Week is an annual initiative designed to promote mental health awareness, foster resilience, and strengthen the school community. Built on the belief that mental well-being is just as vital as academic achievement, the program ensures that students, teachers, and staff feel supported, valued, and connected.
Led by school counselors Samantha Ellis, Carrie Laurence, Michael Betman, and Jim Bowker, UMatter Week provides students with essential mental health education, practical coping strategies, and a safe space for open conversations.
“This is our third year hosting UMatter Week at Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS), and it’s an honor each time,” said Laurence. “As coordinators, our role is to create activities that allow students to learn more about themselves and mental health.”
A Week of Purposeful Themes
Each day of the week is centered around a different theme, such as:
- Self-care: Encouraging students to prioritize their own well-being.
- Empathy: Building understanding and compassion for others.
- Kindness: Promoting positive actions and peer support.
- Mindfulness: Teaching strategies to stay present and manage stress.
- Gratitude: Fostering appreciation and strengthening relationships.
These themes are integrated into classroom lessons, school-wide activities, and community outreach efforts, reinforcing the importance of mental health in everyday life.
Creating a Lasting Impact
The influence of UMatter Week extends beyond the classroom, benefiting students, teachers, and the larger community.
For students, the program cultivates a sense of belonging and self-worth, reducing stigma and empowering students to seek help when needed. “One of the best parts of working on UMatter Week is seeing how it brings students together,” Laurence said. “It’s amazing to watch students uplift each other and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.”
For teachers, the initiative fosters a supportive school culture, equipping staff with tools to model positive mental health practices and recognize when students may need additional support.
For the broader community, UMatter Week strengthens connections between the school and local mental health resources, involving parents and community members in creating a strong support network for students.
“UMatter Week is more than just an event,” Laurence said, “it’s an essential part of the culture at ROMS, promoting mental health as a shared priority for all.”
Looking to the Future
While UMatter Week serves as an important focal point, the ultimate goal is to keep mental health awareness an ongoing conversation throughout the year. However, sustaining and expanding the program requires continued time and resources.
Thanks to grants like the SET SEG Foundation’s Education Excellence Awards, UMatter Week can continue to grow – expanding student engagement, introducing new resources, and strengthening community partnerships. Future plans include:
- Growing student leadership and involvement.
- Enhancing community collaboration.
- Developing a digital platform for mental health resources.
With these initiatives, Royal Oak Schools will continue to prioritize mental health and well-being as a core component of school culture.
Because at its heart, UMatter Week is built on a simple yet powerful message: You matter – unconditionally. And you matter to someone else.