OMAHA- Some schools in Nebraska are changing up their morning routines in interesting ways. Through the use of federal COVID-19 relief funds, schools are investing in what they call "social and emotional learning," allowing them to not only pledge allegiance, but also to do morning mood check-ins.

The pandemic has caused sizable mental health problems for certain students over the past two years, so Nebraska is focusing on using its federal relief funds to hire mental health specialists, roll out new coping tools, and expand the aforementioned social and emotional learning curriculum.

Justina Schlund, spokeswoman for Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, stated that around one-third of Nebraska schools have allocated COVID-19 funds towards mental health improvement.

Superintendent Josh Weber, of Creighton Community Public Schools, is happy with the new funds and is excited to expand mental health care in the schools he represents. According to Weber, this is the first time the schools have been able to do so, making this a big milestone.

Creighton Community Public Schools is allocating around $25,000 for social and emotional learning programs for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

"One week might focus on being a good listener, and the next they will learn what it means to be kind," said Weber, "I hope it is going to be a really positive program for us."

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 70% of public schools have reported an increase in students seeking mental health support, and around 76% reported an increase in students exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Ralston school district has begun checking in on students daily through morning meetings, which take place in every classroom and include a greeting, a sharing activity, and an activity focused on a specific behavior.

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