Acton-Boxborough Regional School District

We are committed to the well-being of every family in our community. This page serves as a central, easy-to-access hub for a range of valuable AB Forward Community Wellness resources.

Whether you are seeking support in mental health, social-emotional well-being, or overall family well-being, we have compiled a series of links to trusted information, programs, and services. Please use these resources to help navigate challenges and support a healthy, balanced life for your student and family.

Reach out to your school-based mental health team for additional guidance and support at any time.

Resources

1. ABRSD Mental and Behavioral Health webpage: ABRSD provides comprehensive mental health services designed to ensure students feel safe, supported, and connected while prioritizing their social and emotional well-being alongside academic success. These services are delivered through a cross-department collaboration of staff, including counselors and specialists, who provide a range of support from classroom-based social-emotional learning to crisis response and community referrals. Families can access these resources by contacting their school's counseling department or district mental health leadership.
1. Cartwheel: ABRSD’s telehealth community partner
- Care Solace: ABRSD’s mental and behavioral health community partner referral agency
- Family Guidance for Uncertain Times: Navigating District Reorganization (ABRSD)
- Children's Books for Fostering Resilience and Navigating Change (ABRSD)
- Building Resiliency in the Home: Family Guide (Cartwheel)
- Supporting Students with Disabilities: Navigating District Reorganization (ABRSD)
- Managing Change with ASD Students (ASPIRE)
- Feel Safe in Uncertain Times (Institute of Child Psychology Podcast)
- Fluster Clux podcast series (Lynn Lyons, LICSW)
- The District, Educating AB Together: Episode 6, Wellness (ABRSD)

Navigating Change: Supporting Children Through the AB Forward Transition	Juliana Chen, MD	School changes can bring up a mix of emotions—for both children and parents. In this webinar, Cartwheel’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Juliana Chen, shared practical guidance to help support children through the AB Forward transition with confidence and care. Topics include how to talk about the changes in an age-appropriate way, how to understand what your child may be feeling (and what they may not be saying), and how to foster resilience during times of uncertainty. Parents are provided with concrete strategies they can use at home.
Connection, Co-Regulation, and Coping Skills: Helping Kids and Teens Navigate Big Feelings	Janine Halloran, LMHC	Watch this webinar for helpful strategies you can teach your kids (and yourself) for noticing, welcoming, and neutralizing big emotions before they take over the household.	Rainbow Grounding (Activity) 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding (Activity) Connection, Co- Regulation, and Coping Skills: Helping Kids and Teens Navigate Big Feelings (Article)
How Trauma Affects Youth & Family Mental Health and How to Support Yourself and Your Kids	Chris Smith, LCSW	Watch this webinar to learn more about trauma, common trauma responses, and healing strategies to help support kids and teens, and yourself.
Managing Back-to-School Anxiety and Avoidance	Lisa Damour, PhD & Juliana Chen, MD	As students head back to school, Dr. Lisa Damour helps caregivers and educators unravel the academic, social, and mental health pressures facing today’s teens.	Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens and Teens Podcast Untangling Family Life Newsletter Ask Rosalie - Dr. Damour's AI-Powered Librarian
Talking with Kids About Grief and Loss	Mekel Harris, PhD	Supportive guidance from psychologist Dr. Mekel Harris on talking with children about grief, loss, and big emotions during difficult moments.
Helping Kids Handle Big Feelings and Build Confidence	Alex Hirshberg, PsyD	Big emotions are a normal part of growing up. But when kids avoid hard feelings, those emotions can feel even bigger over time. In this webinar, Alex Hirshberg, Psy.D., will share simple, developmentally appropriate ways to help kids face tough emotions instead of pushing them away. Families will learn practical tools and everyday language to support children when they feel worried, overwhelmed, or stuck — and help build confidence at home and at school.

Downloadable PDF of AB Forward Community Wellness Resources

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AB Forward Strategic Planning Webpage

AB Forward: Community Wellness

Resources

ABRSD Mental Health Supports

Guidance Documents

Podcasts

Cartwheel Webinars

Downloadable PDF of AB Forward Community Wellness Resources