Teaching Mental Health ToolS
Being a kid isn’t always child’s play.
“We live in a world that’s ever-changing,” says Independence Primary School (IPS) guidance counselor Brooke Gradert. “In this technological age of social media and cell phones, we’re seeing a big spike in a variety of mental health diagnoses and issues.
“If you have a child who’s coming to school in a constant state of anxiety, they’re not learning much,” she adds. “We need to teach them ways that will help them cope and enjoy school like every K through fourth-grader should.”
That earnest commitment to mental wellbeing began in 2022 with the debut of Independence Primary School Mental Health Day at the Civic Center.
During the annual event which takes place in November, elementary school students engage in activities tailormade for their respective age group, including mindful walking, positive self-talk and teamwork exercises.
Participants also create sensory jars filled with glitter in soothing hues, stress balls and favorite objects designed to allay stress when it strikes.
“We teach students that the items in their jars are not toys,” Gradert says. “Instead, we explain to them that they’re tools that will help them calm down if they’re upset, mad, anxious or experiencing other negative feelings they may have.”
TJ Ebert, director of human resources and business operations for the Independence Local School District — and former Independence Primary School Principal — ensures that the steps to mental wellness continue throughout the school year. The IPS curriculum includes lessons offered by Second Step, a nationally recognized, classroom-based program designed to help students develop emotional management, empathy and problem-solving skills.
Gradert and a behavior technician are also available to students needing one-on-one counseling.
Ebert delightedly shares an incident relayed to him recently from a mom responsible for providing snacks to a student baseball team: When she arrived moments before the game began, it dawned on her that she’d driven to the wrong field. As the stress mounted, her daughter piped up from the back seat and said, ‘Calm down mom. Everyone makes mistakes. Take a deep breath and pretend you’re blowing out birthday candles. I like doing that because it makes it seem like it’s my birthday every day.’”
It was an exercise the first-grader learned during a health and wellness class at IPS.
“We’ve always been responsible for teaching reading, math, science and social studies,” Ebert reflects. “But now we’re also including lessons in life skills that our students share with their parents.”
Campus Life
Back in the ’70s, folk singer Janis Ian shared the angst she felt “At Seventeen.”
And although that was decades ago, many students still experience the worry and fear associated with being the last one picked for a volleyball game in gym class or the loneliness of another day sitting by themselves in the cafeteria during lunch.
Kaylee Rauch, director of the Campus Life programs at Independence Middle and High schools, understands how crushing experiences like this can be.
Across the country, bullying is the leading cause of anxiety and suicidal thoughts in students, she explained. “The mission of Campus Life is to reduce these actions and thoughts, be a positive influence inside and outside the school, and inspire positive change that uplifts and enhances the community.”
Created by Youth for Christ, a 65-year-old nonprofit organization with more than 1,000 sites throughout 40 states, Campus Life is open to every student regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs and economic circumstances.
In addition to Independence, six Northeast Ohio school districts — Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Brooklyn, Chardon, Nordonia Hills, Parma and Berea-Midpark — have incorporated Campus Life secular and nonsecular activities into their curricula. Each is designed to help students make good decisions and build positive relationships. Seven area private schools also offer Campus Life events.
Rauch, who became director of Campus Life Independence in 2024, credits Angie Zidanic, the city’s Clerk of Court, with spearheading the introduction of the program to the two schools as an offshoot of INDYAlive!, designed to enhance the safety and wellbeing of all residents.
In addition to conducting faith-based programming and clubs before and after school, Rauch also leads secular homework and craft activities, along with one-on-one and group mentoring sessions tailormade for every grade level.
“We help students from the inside out,” Rauch explains. “In [junior high,] students stress over ‘Will my friends continue to like me?’ and ‘How do I really fit in?’ “In high school, struggles include trying to gain approval of others, and burdens students have in their lives about what school or college they’ll attend and the pressure to perform well and be the best.”
“When kids know they are valued, seen and cared for, and when they receive compassion and kindness, they’ll give it back to others,” she says. “Additionally, we practice coping skills students can use when someone is bullying them — and how they can stop a bully from hurting someone else.”
Rauch also chaperones the annual high school Homecoming dance, serves as a ticket-taker at athletic events and attends student concerts and other special scholastic events in their lives.
Her field trips to popular places including the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cedar Point, along with mini-golf excursions, prove to be invaluable because, she explains, it’s easier to build relationships and open up to each other in a fun setting rather than in a classroom.
“My role is unique,” Rauch reflects, “in that I can talk with students that maybe a teacher, guidance counselor or principal can’t.
“It’s good to be a bit removed but still close in age to the students,” she adds. “That way they can look up to me as a big sister, mentor and friend.”
A World of Learning
Each year, Independence residents travel to 75 countries without leaving “the heart of Cuyahoga County” during the Cultural Fair that is quickly becoming an eagerly anticipated tradition.
Sponsored by the Independence Local School District and the City of Independence, the third annual fete is scheduled to take place on March 19, 2026, at the Independence Civic Center. The day is designed to offer a chance for students, families and the community to come together in the spirit of unity, learning and appreciation for diversity.
The free Cultural Fair is a collaborative effort between the city’s second- and sixth-graders who research various traditions, customs, and heritages from around the world.
The purpose of the event is two-fold, explains former Independence Primary School principal TJ Ebert, now serving as the director of human resources and business operations for the district.
“We feel it’s important to expose our students to different cultures and people,” he says. “Working together on the event also leads to big brother-big sister relationships between the two grades. The partnership makes the transition to middle school much smoother for elementary students because they’re familiar with the school building and the teachers.”
Cuisine from Aladdin’s, Cozumel, Gentile’s, Thai Gourmet, King Tut Egyptian Street Food, Tita Flora’s and Gran Fiesta Mexican Restaurant have also been showcased.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Independence,” says Gran Fiesta co-owner Juan Vazquez, “and love giving back to the community.”
Since it opened in December at the Ramada by Wyndham Cleveland Independence, Gran Fiesta has become a popular gathering place. In addition to popular Mexican fare including fajitas and chimichangas, specialties of the house include tacos de birria, succulent slow-cooked beef smothered in special seasoning, topped with cilantro and a side of salsa and fresh lime. Diners also enjoy kicking back on the restaurant’s patio, which offers views of the Cuyahoga Valley.
“The spirit of unity the Cultural Fair represents is important for everyone,” Vazquez reflects. “It’s also an opportunity for us to share our favorite dishes with people who ove them — and introduce new flavors to those who have never had the opportunity to try Mexican food.”
Schools Independence graduates will be attending:
• Akron General Paramedic Program
• Ashland University
• Baldwin Wallace University
• Bowling Green State University
• Brigham Young University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Cleveland State University
• Cuyahoga Community College
• Do Good Day Hub
• Hiram College
• John Carroll University
• Kansas State University
• Kent State University
• Lake Erie College
• Link Academy (Missouri)
• Miami University
• Northern Kentucky University
• Ohio University
• Penn State University
• The Cleveland Institute of Art
• The Ohio State University
• University of Akron
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Northwestern Ohio
• Ursuline College
• Walsh University
Out of the Country:
• I.I.S. Sausustio Bandini, Italy
• Bismarckschule Elmshorn, Germany (gymnastics)
Meet the Team: Learn more about the new members of the Independence Local School District staff.
Natalie Fior Matthews (top left)
With more than two decades of educational expertise and leadership across diverse school communities, Natalie Fior Matthews has been appointed the district’s new assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessments.
Before joining Independence Local Schools, Matthews held principalships in Wellington Exempted Village Schools and Avon Lake City Schools. Under her leadership, all five elementary school buildings in Elyria City Schools received the prestigious Governor’s Award for the Science of Reading — a testament to her innovative vision and unwavering focus on literacy and achievement.
“Natalie brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” says superintendent Kelli Cogan. “We are thrilled to welcome her to Independence Local Schools, and are confident she will be a driving force in advancing our mission to empower every learner and cultivate a legacy of excellence.”
Haley Mueller (bottom left)
Haley Mueller, a seasoned educator with more than a decade of experience, is the new principal of Independence Middle School. Her career — which began as a middle school social studies teacher at Akron Preparatory School — includes leadership roles as associate principal of A.I. Root Middle School for Medina City Schools, and principal of Northeast Ohio College Preparatory School.
“Haley’s experience, values, and leadership style align directly with the priorities our community expressed,” says superintendent Kelli Cogan. “She brings a deep understanding of middle-level education and a clear commitment to both academic and social-emotional growth.”
Jodie Hughes (right)
Jodie Hughes, an adjunct professor of foundational courses in literacy and assessment for aspiring educators at the University of Akron, has been named the new principal of Independence Primary School. Prior to joining Independence Local Schools, her 20-plus year career included being the director of curriculum, assessment and instruction for Chippewa Local Schools. Hughes’ leadership at Hazel Harvey Elementary was recognized nationally when the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2018.
“Jodie’s passion for education and ability to lead through collaboration, data-informed strategies and strong relationships make her an exceptional choice to lead Independence Primary School,” says superintendent Kelli Cogan. “She aligns closely with the priorities our staff identified, and brings the expertise and heart needed to guide IPS into its next chapter.”
