See Something, Say Something

An important way we practice our Comet Culture belief of “Owning the Moment” is by saying something whenever anyone has a safety concern.  Safety concerns can be about someone being bullied, a classmate who has posted something about wanting to harm themselves, an act of racism or bias, or another threat to school safety. The SafeSchools Alert is an anonymous, toll-free tip line that students, parents and staff can access 24/7— any time they need to tip off school administration about a potential crisis.  It’s a confidential, anonymous way to keep our schools welcoming and safe. We encourage anyone to submit safety concerns (even anonymously) to our administration in four different ways:

1. Phone:  513-972-4910
2. Text:     513-972-4910
3. Email:   1059@alert1.us
4. Web:    http://1059.alert1.us 

Prevention & Wellness Designers evaluate building level needs, create and align programming with district rocks, analyze program effectiveness, build capacity of staff, train staff in a variety of mental health topics, and are a front line of support for students in crisis. They work in collaboration with building counselors, administrators, intervention specialists, and contracted clinicians to build a tiered system of intervention to increase access to care. In addition, the Mental Wellness Coordinators assist building teams in developing plans for transitioning students back from clinical care to help ensure a successful reintegration within the school environment.

Mason High School has 9 school counselors who are available to work with students and families on an ongoing basis.  School counselors provide counseling services to help students with social-emotional issues, problem-solving, healthy decision-making, crisis intervention, conflict resolution and substances abuse prevention.  School counselors help keep students emotionally healthy and ready to learn.  Counselors also regularly engage in college and career planning with students and their families.
 

MHS School Counseling Department - 513-398-7896

• Tony Affatato   affatatot@masonohioschools.com  
• Michelle Brinkman brinkmanm@masonohioschools.com
• Sami Cunningham rutowskis@masonohioschools.com
• Katie Hicks hickska@masonohioschools.com
• Seth Johnston  johnstons@masonohioschools.com
• Kristen Macks macksk@masonohioschools.com
• Megan Pay paym@masonohioschools.com
• Danielle Peters petersda@masonohioschools.com
• Jordan Rosenfield rosenfieldj@masonohioschools.com

All of our schools are also serviced by therapists from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.  CCHMC is honored to partner with Mason City Schools to improve access to care within the community.  School based mental health services offer individual therapy services to students in the school setting.  This optional and confidential service is offered in addition to existing services provided by school counselors and psychologists.  Independently licensed clinicians deliver these services in the school setting and are trained to work with various challenges facing youth, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, major life changes and difficulty with social relationships.School-based therapists are available to provide care either through sessions held during the school day or through telemedicine based on family preference.  For those families that select telemedicine services, the patient will receive a secure link that they can access on their computer or tablet to have a video session with their provider.  You will still receive the same level of care from our providers as you'd receive in an in-person clinic visit.

All types of sessions are billed to the student's medical insurance.  CCHMC accepts a wide range of insurance carriers, and families are encouraged to check with their providers about the specifics of their coverage.  Assistance may be available for families experiencing financial difficulty.

Parents, teachers, and students can contact school counselors to make student referrals for services.  The decision to participate in therapeutic services is ultimately that of the student's family.  To discuss services available or with questions regarding services, contact your child's grade level counselor or prevention and wellness designer for assistance.

The district has school psychologists at each school who provide services to students from preschool to grade 12. School psychologists help youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school and the community for all students. Services provided by school psychologists include teacher and parent collaboration, consultation with administrative staff, individual evaluation of students, short-term counseling, and program development and implementation.

Mason High School
Grades: 9-12
Michaela Kramer
513.398.5025 Ext: 30136
Jeff Schlaeger
513.398.5025 Ext: 30111

Mr. Hibbs supports our students in grades 9-12 at Mason High School. When he is not out helping students, Hibbs spends his time in the counseling department. Hibbs loves when students pet him, wearing bowties, and making everyone that he meets smile. He also helps with Hope Squad. When he is off duty, he loves swimming, playing with his stuffed animals, and going for walks at the Cincinnati Nature Center. 

Hibbs was funded in collaboration with Circle Tail and Mason High School Hope Squad.

Hope Squad is a mental health awareness and peer-to-peer suicide prevention program at Mason High School and Mason Middle School. Squad members have been anonymously nominated by their peers. Hope Squad's mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and to promote this message to the community as well as within the schools.

MHS Hope Squad Website

• Cincinnati Children's Psychiatric Intake Response Center for ages 17 and under: 513-636-4124
  • Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-midnight
  • Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m.-midnight
  • Visit the ER during other times
• Warren County Mobile Response & Stabilization Services for up to age 20: 877-695-6333
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (text or call): 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
• Drug and Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
• Mason City Schools Tip Line: 513-972-4910