Last year Hastings High welcomed a school psychiatrist, Kimberly Benorden. Benorden came after the introduction of a new mental health grant Hastings High received. The Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education Grant has made lots of positive changes.
“The grant has helped students get mental health services within the school setting. There are two mental health therapists from South Central Behavioral Services that come to our school building two days a week. Right now, I do academic and intellectual testing for students who are in need of special education services. I am also the 504 coordinator, which if a student has physical or mental health limitations, this would provide additional accommodations for that student in the classroom,” Benorden said.
With a world-wide pandemic comes many negative effects, including the decline of mental health. This means that support for those suffering is more important now than ever before.
“More people are struggling financially due to the economy from the effects of Covid-19, which in turn causes more anxiety and depression. Mental health is more at a rise than in years past. I think society is trying to change how mental health is viewed. Mental health has always been seen as a stigma and I feel that our district is realizing it is pretty normal for everyone to have mental health needs, especially with a world pandemic going on,” Benorden said.
Alone with being the school psychiatrist comes many day-to-day responsibilities which include helping students in any way possible.
“Every day in my job is different. I usually have at least 1-2 meetings a day. I write reports for the academic and intellectual testing that I do. I also write reports for the 504 students who also need a plan for their accommodations. I do a lot of consulting with teachers on how to help students in the classroom who are struggling, either emotionally or academically. I am also a part of the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and SIT (School Improvement Team) committees,” Benorden said.
Along with the many positive changes Benoden has brought to Hastings High, her new job has also brought her life many changes. She moved from a small class D-1 school named Walthill on a reservation, which, as one can imagine, is very different from what life and school is like in Hastings. Despite the big differences, Benorden enjoys the changes.
“I am settling in well. I enjoy working at HPS. Great staff and helping with students makes my job more rewarding,” Benorden said.Â
If one ever needs to get in contact with Benorden they can email her @kimberly.benorden@hpstigers.org or visit her in room 258.
