Panhandle ISD Implements HELPme Platform for Student and Family Support

Holmdel, NJ | September, 25th 2024

Panhandle ISD Launches HELPme App for Student and Family Support

Panhandle Independent School District (ISD) has rolled out a new initiative aimed at making it easier for students, parents, and staff to access vital support services. The district has introduced the HELPme app, a comprehensive mental health support tool that connects users with a wide range of resources, from local community assistance to national crisis support.

“The app is so all-encompassing. It has everything from the National Crisis Prevention Line all the way to the First Baptist Food Bank that could be beneficial to folks here in Panhandle,” said Dr. John Sherrill, Superintendent of Panhandle ISD. “Whether you need something on a more national level or you need something local, it really is a one-stop shop.”

The HELPme app offers three main avenues for assistance: self-help resources, a crisis text line available 24/7, and direct help from the school or local community organizations. This flexibility allows users to choose the level of support they feel most comfortable with, whether they are seeking help for themselves or for someone else.

Tiffany Carr, counselor for Panhandle ISD’s elementary and junior high schools, shared how the app is already making a difference. “I was able to make contact with the parents, and the concerns were pretty serious and they were validated. The parents appreciated me reaching out and being concerned for their student,” Carr explained.

As part of the district-wide rollout, Panhandle ISD is conducting training sessions across all grades, from K-12, to ensure that students understand how to use the app effectively. The goal is to have the app fully integrated and accessible on school Chromebooks by the end of October.

School officials believe that by equipping students with this tool, they are fostering a safer and more supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to seek the help they need when they need it.

For more details, you can read the full article on NewsChannel10.