By: Amy Hall, Ph.D, Student Services Administrator, Florida Virtual School 

Experiencing a traumatic loss in high school opened my eyes to the profound impact that mental health can have on a person’s life. This experience ignited my passion for supporting others during their most challenging times. I became a mental health counselor to help students navigate their emotions, build resilience, and realize they are not alone. 

Now, more than 25 years later, I work at an online school with a team of passionate, talented, and dedicated student service professionals whose job is to ensure students receive the necessary skills and resources to see them through life’s successes and challenges. 

According to a study titled “Mental Health and Academic Functioning of High School Students: The Mediating Role of Positive and Negative Affect,” by University of South Florida Psychology Professor and Licensed Psychologist Shannon Suldon, students who received regular mental health support, including counseling and school-based interventions, showed a 15% improvement in GPA and higher standardized test scores. 

That’s why the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Student Services team is here to provide individualized, wraparound care. Whether a student is excelling in advanced course work, working through credit recovery, navigating life with a disability, experiencing health issues, or living in transitional housing, we are a community of educators, counselors, and specialists dedicated to ensuring that students are successful inside and outside of the virtual classroom.

More Than a Screen: Real Support for Every Student

When people hear the words “online school,” they may think of an isolated and cold environment, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Our supportive teachers and support staff connect with students in many ways.

Our Student Services team consists of school psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, school social workers, behavioral and threat assessment coordinators, student health and wellness specialists, and other specialists who work together to provide individualized support. We don’t just focus on academics; we focus on the whole student and are here to help every step of the way.

1) Comprehensive, Wraparound Support 

The Student Services team offers a variety of opportunities to ensure every student at our online school has the necessary skills and resources to be successful. Some of our key initiatives include:

• Wellness Wednesday: A weekly program designed to promote resiliency and well-being. Through interactive sessions, students learn about topics such as problem-solving, teamwork, stress management, self-care, and coping strategies to navigate life’s successes and challenges.
  
• Small Groups and Individual Counseling: We provide small group support tailored to help students with social skills development and those experiencing challenges like anxiety or grief. We also offer one-on-one counseling using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help students build resilience.
  
• Resiliency Skill-Building: Learning how to bounce back from challenges is crucial, which is why every Florida public school is required to provide students in grades 6-12 with at least five hours of mental health instruction each year. Our initiatives focus on teaching students how to handle adversity, develop a growth mindset, and build emotional strength. Through workshops and ongoing support, we empower students to face life confidently.

• Monthly Parent Sessions: Student success is a team effort, and families play a key role. That’s why we offer monthly parent sessions to provide guidance on supporting students academically and emotionally. Topics range from mental health awareness to effective communication strategies between parents and teens.

2) Case Management and Resource Connection 

If students require additional oversight and support, our case management services meet their needs. We provide ongoing monitoring and personalized plans for students facing significant challenges. We also link families to resources within their communities, helping them access food assistance, housing support, and other essential services.

3) On-Demand Resources for Students and Families 

We also offer a robust online resource hub featuring on-demand recordings of past workshops, mental health resources, resiliency success tips, and family support guides. These resources allow students and parents to access valuable information whenever needed, ensuring help is just a click away. 

FLVS is a place where students can grow, learn, and receive the support they need to succeed in school and life. Our goal is to transform online education into a truly connected, compassionate, and empowering experience for all.

For questions about our services and support, visit the Student Services webpage.