Mind Over Matters 2024-2025 Campaign
#BCPSCares
Mind Over Matters is an ongoing movement to raise awareness about mental health and promote wellness for students and staff in Baltimore County Public Schools. The activities included here coincide with the various themes broken down by months/quarters. There are a host of options for the school community, including those that can be offered virtually. While the themes are broken down by month/theme, feel free to use the activities when appropriate. Please refer to the All-Year Activity Options for additional activities that can be considered throughout the school year.
2024 - 2025 Months and Themes
September & October
Theme: Self-Awareness
Definition: The ability to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.
Self-Awareness could look like:
- Integrating personal and social identities
- Identifying personal, cultural, and linguistic assets
- Identifying one’s emotions
- Demonstrating honesty and integrity
November & December
Theme: Self-Management
Definition: The ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations.
Self-Management could look like:
- Managing one’s emotions
- Identifying and using stress management strategies
- Exhibiting self-discipline and self-motivation
- Setting personal and collective goals
- Using planning and organizational skills
January & February
Theme: Social-Awareness
Definition: The ability to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts
Social Awareness could look like:
- Taking others’ perspectives
- Recognizing strengths in others
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion
- Showing concern for the feelings of others
- Understanding and expressing gratitude
March & April
Theme: Relationship Skills
Definition: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups.
Relationship Skills could look like:
- Communicating effectively
- Developing positive relationships
- Demonstrating cultural competency
- Practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving
- Resolving conflicts constructively
May & June
Theme: Responsible Decision-Making
Definition: The ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations.
Responsible Decision Making could look like:
- Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness
- Learning how to make a reasoned judgment after analyzing information, data, and facts
- Identifying solutions for personal and social problems
- Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions
Source: What is the CASEL Framework?
We encourage staff and students to post pictures of themselves
engaging in the activities using #BCPSCares on social media.