Volume 17, Number 38
Schools make mental health a priority
www.northhavencitizen.com
STRONG SHOWING
Friday, September 23, 2022
Farm to host fall festival By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
North Haven's Ravello Farm, 81 Half Mile Road, will host its first Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 1.
By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff
While the pandemic has put additional stress on people’s mental health, area school administrators say their districts have always put a focus on students’ and staff members’ social and emotional wellness, even before COVID-19.
In addition to hayrides and pumpkin-picking, the family-friendly event will feature music and a variety of local vendors selling honey, handmade soaps, beef jerky, mums, and more.
“Climate and mental health have been components of our strategic plan for several years, well before COVID,” said Aimee Turner, assistant superintendent for special education for Wallingford schools. “Many of the strategies and supports in place now were in place prior to COVID. Although we have seen an increase in the number of students struggling emotionally, the support and systems we have had in place continue to be appropriate.”
Rich DiPalma, who is employed as a teacher, has overseen Ravello Farm since 2021.
In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control found that “more than a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.” “I think since the pandemic, anxiety has been on the rise,” said Jeff Solan, superintendent of Cheshire schools. See Schools, A2
There is no fee to attend.
The property is about six and a half acres. Along with working to accommodate 27 families as part of the farm’s community-supported agriculture program, DiPalma also runs a farm stand. The community-supported agriculture program helps the farm with operating costs over the winter. In return, community members who participate receive a regular share of produce throughout the growing season.
The 33rd Robert M. Neubauer Cross Country Invitational took place Sept. 14 at Sheehan High School in Wallingford. Eight boys teams participated, and North Haven High School's Nico Boyle, pictured, finished second overall with a time of 17:42. Jonathan Law's Liam Fedigan bested the field, shattering the meet record with a time of 16:44. Notre Dame won the boys crown with 61 points, followed by Foran (73), North Haven (95), Sheehan (101), Lyman Hall (111), Jonathan Law (132), Daniel Hand (148) and Coginchaug (172). Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal
DiPalma said weather conditions over the past couple of months caused many of his pumpkins and winter squash to rot. Also, he said it has been difficult being back in the classroom while still managing the farm. See Festival, A2