Russell County Middle School

Warrior Wellness: Building Resilience, One Student at a Time
Russell County Schools
Principal: Dr. April Parker
Superintendent: Dr. Brenda Coley

Warrior Wellness: Building Resilience, One Student at a Time was implemented as a comprehensive, schoolwide initiative designed to support the mental health, safety, and overall well-being of students. The program focused on prevention, early identification, and responsive support through a multi-tiered system that integrated counseling services, staff collaboration, and community partnerships. Counselors provided structured, large-group lessons addressing mental health awareness, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and effective communication. These lessons emphasized recognizing trusted adults and encouraged help-seeking behaviors. Targeted interventions were also offered based on teacher referrals, behavioral and attendance data, parent communication, and technology-based alerts. Staff members were trained to identify signs of emotional distress and respond appropriately using established referral pathways. Collaboration among administrators, counselors, teachers, and external partners, including the District Mental Health Coordinator and local agencies, strengthened the support network available to students. Family engagement was incorporated through outreach efforts that increased awareness of student needs and available resources. As a result, the school experienced an increase in mental health referrals, reflecting improved identification of students in crisis and a stronger commitment to ensuring each student was connected to appropriate supports. Warrior Wellness fostered a culture where students felt seen, supported, and empowered to navigate challenges while prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being.