The V.I. Department of Education is inviting parents and guardians across the territory to participate in a series of workshops next week focused on student mental health, recognizing suicide warning signs, and helping families respond when children experience emotional distress. The sessions will take place October 13–15 on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix, providing parents with practical guidance and information about available support services.
Organized through the Office of the Commissioner and the Office of Parent and Community Engagement and Positive School Climate, the workshops are intended to strengthen families' ability to identify potential mental health concerns, initiate difficult conversations with their children and seek appropriate assistance when needed.
The sessions, titled "Addressing Students' Wellness & Suicidality," will be presented by Dr. Vincentia Paul-Constantin, a licensed professional and mental health counselor whose credentials include certification as a clinical supervisor and National Certified Counselor. The interactive workshops will provide opportunities for parents and guardians to ask questions, discuss challenges affecting young people and learn strategies for supporting their children's emotional well-being.
According to the Department of Education, discussions will cover current trends in student wellness, potential warning signs of emotional distress and suicide risk, and steps parents can take when they become concerned about a child's mental health. Participants will also receive information about resources and support services available throughout the Virgin Islands, along with strategies for creating safer, healthier environments at home, in schools and across the community.
The workshops are scheduled as follows:
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St. John: Tuesday, October 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Julius E. Sprauve School cafeteria.
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St. Thomas: Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium at Charlotte Amalie High School.
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St. Croix: Thursday, October 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School auditorium.
The department is encouraging parents and guardians to attend the session scheduled for their respective island, emphasizing the importance of family involvement in recognizing and responding to challenges that may affect students' emotional health.
“Parents and guardians are among our most important partners in supporting the overall well-being of our students,” said Dynel Lang, Director of Parent and Community Engagement and Positive School Climate in the Office of the Commissioner. “When families are equipped to recognize warning signs, initiate difficult conversations, and know where to turn for help, they are better positioned to support their children. These workshops are about bringing our families together, providing practical tools and resources, and reinforcing that supporting student wellness is a shared responsibility across our homes, schools, and communities.”
The workshops come amid broader efforts in the territory to raise awareness about mental health challenges affecting young people and encourage earlier intervention. In May, the V.I. Department of Health launched its "I Geh You" suicide prevention campaign, targeting Virgin Islanders ages 14 to 26 and providing parents and caregivers with resources to recognize warning signs, discuss mental health concerns and connect young people with appropriate assistance.
That initiative also emphasized reducing the stigma surrounding mental health conversations and increasing awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides access to trained crisis counselors around the clock. Residents can call or text 988 for assistance, including when they are concerned about someone else's emotional well-being.
The Department of Education said conversations about mental health and suicidality can be difficult for families, but addressing those subjects is essential to ensuring students receive appropriate support. The workshops are intended to reinforce the partnership between parents, educators and community organizations while helping families become more informed about services available throughout the territory.
The department said it remains committed to fostering learning environments where students feel safe, valued and connected to adults who can provide guidance and assistance.
Parents and guardians seeking additional information about the workshops may contact Dynel Lang at (340) 423-2991 or [email protected].
