Forest Hills builds community of care
When a school community experiences loss, the path forward requires compassion, courage and a commitment to supporting every student. In the Forest Hills School District, the board of directors helped transform a heartbreaking tragedy into a lasting effort focused on connection, wellness and hope.
Following the loss of a student in 2024, the Forest Hills School Board supported the creation of the Never Alone Campaign, a student-led movement centered on kindness, awareness and belonging. What began as a way to honor a student’s memory and support peers quickly grew into a districtwide initiative that reinforces the message that no student should face life’s challenges alone.
The campaign’s impact extended to younger students through the No Lone Ranger program at the elementary level, helping build a culture of inclusion and support from the earliest grades.
Recognizing the importance of addressing student well-being through a comprehensive approach, the board also championed the development of the Ranger Wellness Program. The initiative connects students and families with counseling services, prevention programs, behavioral health partnerships and community resources, making it easier to access the support they need.
The district’s work has also broken new ground in Pennsylvania. Through the board’s leadership and commitment to student wellness, Forest Hills became the first school district in the state able to offer Community-Based Intensive Treatment (CBIT) for Kids, a school-connected telehealth program that provides intensive behavioral health services. The program is designed to help overcome barriers that many rural families face when seeking treatment, bringing critical services closer to the students and families who need them most.
The Forest Hills School Board’s response demonstrates how school leaders can make a meaningful difference during difficult times. By listening to students, strengthening support systems and prioritizing mental health, the board has helped create a school environment where every student knows they are valued, supported and never alone.
The board was awarded a statewide Innovative School Board Award by the PSBA Institute for its exemplary efforts on behalf of students and the whole school community. Watch a video interview with representatives from the board and learn more at psba.institute.