Winter Wellness 2025: Tips from the Gwinnett County Public Schools Department of Health and Social Services

     The Health and Social Services team recognizes that the holiday season, while joyful for many, can also bring added emotional and physical stress. The team takes a proactive approach to supporting the well-being of students, families, and staff during this time.

     “The holiday season can amplify existing challenges that many families face, whether it's financial stress, food insecurity, or feelings of isolation,” says Director of Health and Social Services Crystal Baskerville. “By stepping in with support, we help ensure that students can maintain some consistency and stability, which is critical for their emotional well-being and academic success. It’s also a time when community connection becomes especially meaningful.”

Mental & Emotional Health Support

The team has shared and will continue to share regular mental health reminders with students and families, including:

• Tips for managing holiday stress
• Self-care strategies
• Maintaining healthy routines
• Recognizing signs of seasonal depression

For Students:
     GCPS students have access to school-based mental health clinicians who provide individualized therapeutic support. Although this support is available year-round, the holiday season often increases the need for help as families navigate challenges such as grief, loss, and seasonal affective disorder.

For Staff:
     The Office of Health and Social Services (HSS) supports staff mental wellness through the ELEVATE Newsletter, which shares mental health resources, self-care tips, and well-being articles with support services staff.

     GCPS employees and their families also have access to free mental health care and on-demand resources through MetLife as part of their benefits.

 

Physical Health Support

The office also ensures that students have access to critical physical health resources during the holidays by:

• Partnering with local organizations to offer:
  • Flu shots
  • Basic health screenings
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, soap, etc.)
• Promoting key physical health habits, including:
  • Getting enough rest
  • Eating balanced meals
  • Staying physically active, even during school breaks
• Providing medical assistance to students experiencing homelessness through partnerships with:
  • Good Samaritan Health Center
  • GRN Public Health

 

Community Support Initiatives

In addition to health resources, the team leads and supports several community-driven initiatives during the holiday season. 

     “We want our families to know that it’s okay to ask for help, there’s no judgment, and we’re here to support without barriers,” Baskerville shares. “All requests are handled confidentially, and we do our best to match resources to each family’s unique situation. We encourage families to reach out early, whether through their child’s teacher, counselors, or by contacting the main office at their school.”

Some of the support initiatives include the following:

• Sock Drive for Students Experiencing Homelessness
  In partnership with the Office of Counseling, College and Career Services, the Peer Leaders and Gwinnett Student Leadership Team (GSLT) hosted a sock drive in November to benefit GCPS students in need.
• Gwinnett Gives Holiday Assistance
  Led by the Office of Health and Social Services, this annual program connects GCPS families with essential support through collaborations with district departments and community partners, including Amazon and Capital City Mechanical Services, Inc.
• Food & Clothing Drive
  A joint food and clothing drive is planned to provide additional relief for families during the holiday season.

School-Level Support

     Many schools organize their own donation drives and coordinate local resource efforts to further support families within their communities. These efforts reflect the collective commitment across GCPS to care for our students and families, especially when they need it most.

Learn more about the resources and year-round support the Office of Health and Social Services provides on the district website.

Happy Holidays, students, families, and Team GCPS!