Dillingham-Erin
As communities across the nation recognize Mental Health Awareness Month each May, schools are increasingly stepping into a critical role, supporting not only academic success but also students’ emotional well-being.
At Rossville Consolidated School District, that commitment is visible not only in structured systems and safety protocols, but in the people who carry out this work each day, particularly those focused on student support services.
A National Crisis Driving Local Action
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the urgency of this work. Nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 1 in 5 report unmet mental health needs.
These realities have put schools at the forefront of early identification and support, and Rossville Schools have taken a proactive, research-based approach.
Systems That Support Students
Rossville has implemented the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) alongside tools from Navigate360 to create a structured, team-based process for identifying and responding to student concerns.
These systems allow trained, multidisciplinary teams to assess behaviors, determine levels of concern, and most importantly, connect students with appropriate support, often before issues escalate.
But while these frameworks provide structure, district leaders emphasize that the true impact comes from the individuals carrying out the work.
A Focus on Student Support
Among those leading this effort is Erin Dillingham, Rossville’s Student Support Specialist, whose role centers on working directly with students facing academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges.
Through daily interactions, check-ins, and collaboration with staff and families, Dillingham helps ensure that students have access to the resources and relationships they need to succeed.
Her work reflects a broader philosophy within the district that mental health support is not a single program, but an ongoing commitment.
“Every student has a story, and sometimes what we see in the classroom is only a small part of what they’re carrying,” Dillingham said. “Our job is to take the time to understand, to listen, and to make sure they know they’re not facing those challenges alone.”
Dillingham works closely with administrators, teachers, and support staff as part of the district’s multidisciplinary approach, helping translate concerns into action, whether that means connecting a student with counseling services, coordinating interventions, or simply providing a consistent, supportive presence.
The Power of Daily Connection
Research supports the importance of these roles. The CDC notes that students who feel connected to their school are more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes and academic success.
At Rossville, that connection often begins with small, consistent actions, from greeting students in the hallway to recognizing when something feels off.
Teachers, instructional assistants, bus drivers, and support staff all play a role in this network of care, creating an environment where students feel seen and supported.
Safety Measures Rooted in Care
In addition to relationship-based support, Rossville Schools have implemented key safety measures aligned with the best national practices, including:
· Structured reporting systems for concerns
· Trained staff are able to recognize warning signs
· Multidisciplinary teams using CSTAG protocols
· Access to internal and external mental health resources
These systems are designed not just to respond to crises, but to prevent them, ensuring that students receive help early.
A Culture That Extends Beyond May
As Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on these issues, Rossville Schools’ efforts reflect a broader truth recognized by educators and mental health experts alike: schools are uniquely positioned to make a lasting difference.
By combining research-based frameworks, dedicated personnel like Erin Dillingham, and a culture rooted in care and compassion, the district continues to build an environment where students feel safe, supported, and understood.
And in Rossville, that commitment is not limited to one month. It is part of the work happening every day.