Medfield Public Schools
The Office of Social Emotional Learning
Dr. David Worthley, Director
Check this Out!
Congratulations to MHS junior Mason for designing and executing an Eagle Scout project that combines his creative side, awareness of mental health in his peer community, and his love for
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"As you explore The Trustees of Reservations' Rocky Woods this winter season, keep your eyes open for nine wooden reindeer -- hand built by Medfield Troop 89 scouts and friends -- hidden along the trails.
Each reindeer is named after someone or something significant in Medfield's history (plus one special friend referencing a neighboring Trustees' property!).
The Rocky Woods Reindeer Quest is designed to get you outside enjoying the trails with your family and friends. The decreased light and increased cold of the winter months can lead to increased loneliness, and many suffer from a lack of Vitamin D due to spending more time indoors. Mason's project focuses on increasing community connections in nature during this time of year!
The QR code below links to a brochure with information about the nine names."
Each reindeer is named after someone or something significant in Medfield's history (plus one special friend referencing a neighboring Trustees' property!).
The Rocky Woods Reindeer Quest is designed to get you outside enjoying the trails with your family and friends. The decreased light and increased cold of the winter months can lead to increased loneliness, and many suffer from a lack of Vitamin D due to spending more time indoors. Mason's project focuses on increasing community connections in nature during this time of year!
The QR code below links to a brochure with information about the nine names."
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Letter to Parents & Families, 12/25
From Dr. Worthley
Dear Medfield Parents and Families,
I hope that the holiday season is bringing with it joy and happiness. My guess is that while there certainly is some joy, there is also some stress associated with a very full holiday calendar. Below you will find some articles that pertain to managing holiday stress, dealing with family, maintaining routines over the break, and other things that may be of interest during this time of the year.
Also, you will find some information that relates to some work associated with the Mobile Technology Task Force, which is a district-level group of students, parents, teachers, and administration that discusses and looks for action items related to technology use with our kids.
Happy Holidays!
Dave Worthley, Ed.D.
Director of Social and Emotional Learning
Parenting Tips
The Holiday Guide for Mental Health - (3-minute read) Caring for Your Mental Health During the Holidays -Experts share the best ways to manage if your days aren’t all merry and bright
How to Navigate Mental Health and Well-Being Over Winter Break (2-minute read) Tips for kids coming home from college for winter break.
10 tips to boost your mental health during the holiday season (2-minute read) Article out of British Columbia, so the resources are Canadian, but the tips are spot on!
The Hidden Mental Health Impact of the Holiday Season (2-minute read) Tips and strategies for managing the holidays, Seasonal Affective Disorder, etc.
Helping Your Kids Manage Holiday Stress (17-minute Podcast) Cornell Medicine - There are lots of great Podcasts on this site, all dealing with kids and health/MH.
Maintaining Routines: Balancing Festivity and Structure for Kids During The Holiday Season
(2-minute read) The Manhattan Psychology Group gives tips on maintaining structure and consistency over the holiday break.
Navigating Holiday Breaks With Kids and Teens
(1-minute read) Maintaining routines, practicing healthy habits, and coping with stress around the holidays.
Medfield Mobile Technology Task Force News
The "Medfield Talks" series is hosting "Screenagers - Elementary School Age Edition" on January 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM, in the Medfield High School Auditorium. This event is sponsored by the Medfield Mobile Technology Task Force. We will show other versions of the Screenagers series down the road, which is exciting news! Screenagers Trailer
Wait Until 8th (2-minute read) Meet the Wellesley psychiatrist who wants families to ban smartphones before 8th grade. Medfield has a Wait Until 8th Community, too!
What to Know About Australia's Social Media Ban - (2-minute read) New York Times article about Australia's new Federal Law banning social media for kids under 16.
Can you ban kids from social media? Australia is about to, but some teens are a step ahead (4-minute read with a short video about how teens are feeling about the ban) The BBC looks at many sides of the issue.
Kids who have smartphones by age 12 have higher risk of depression, obesity: Study (1-minute read) ABC News study.
Community Events and Education
Some great area events that relate to student Mental Health and Wellbeing are listed below:
Digital Wellness Collaborative- The EDC received funding from the MetroWest Health Foundation to convene a Digital Wellness Collaborative to identify community-led, multi-sectoral strategies to promote digital wellness. There are several roundtable discussions to generate ideas – first with students and parents in December, and then with educators, health care providers, and community organizations in January.
Caught Being Kind
"Caught Being Kind" | extended through December!
Kindness is all around us—but in today’s world, it’s easy to overlook. This fall, Spark Kindness is launching a new initiative to spotlight everyday acts of care and humanity that make our community stronger. Spark’s “Caught Being Kind” campaign invites everyone to share moments of kindness—big or small—to inspire others. Whether it’s a student helping a classmate, a neighbor lending a hand, or a stranger offering a smile—kindness is all around us, and we want to hear about it!
https://www.sparkkindness.org/events/caught-being-kind
Medfield SEL
In the Medfield SEL Website, you will find links to MH Resources, articles regarding MH and students, along with other information and resources. You will also find a Virtual Calming Space with lots of tools, strategies, and activities for students. Enjoy!
Mental Health Resources
During the winter months, especially when school is not in session, should you need any mental health resources, click here for a full list of supports.
I hope that the holiday season is bringing with it joy and happiness. My guess is that while there certainly is some joy, there is also some stress associated with a very full holiday calendar. Below you will find some articles that pertain to managing holiday stress, dealing with family, maintaining routines over the break, and other things that may be of interest during this time of the year.
Also, you will find some information that relates to some work associated with the Mobile Technology Task Force, which is a district-level group of students, parents, teachers, and administration that discusses and looks for action items related to technology use with our kids.
Happy Holidays!
Dave Worthley, Ed.D.
Director of Social and Emotional Learning
Parenting Tips
The Holiday Guide for Mental Health - (3-minute read) Caring for Your Mental Health During the Holidays -Experts share the best ways to manage if your days aren’t all merry and bright
How to Navigate Mental Health and Well-Being Over Winter Break (2-minute read) Tips for kids coming home from college for winter break.
10 tips to boost your mental health during the holiday season (2-minute read) Article out of British Columbia, so the resources are Canadian, but the tips are spot on!
The Hidden Mental Health Impact of the Holiday Season (2-minute read) Tips and strategies for managing the holidays, Seasonal Affective Disorder, etc.
Helping Your Kids Manage Holiday Stress (17-minute Podcast) Cornell Medicine - There are lots of great Podcasts on this site, all dealing with kids and health/MH.
Maintaining Routines: Balancing Festivity and Structure for Kids During The Holiday Season
(2-minute read) The Manhattan Psychology Group gives tips on maintaining structure and consistency over the holiday break.
Navigating Holiday Breaks With Kids and Teens
(1-minute read) Maintaining routines, practicing healthy habits, and coping with stress around the holidays.
Medfield Mobile Technology Task Force News
The "Medfield Talks" series is hosting "Screenagers - Elementary School Age Edition" on January 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM, in the Medfield High School Auditorium. This event is sponsored by the Medfield Mobile Technology Task Force. We will show other versions of the Screenagers series down the road, which is exciting news! Screenagers Trailer
Wait Until 8th (2-minute read) Meet the Wellesley psychiatrist who wants families to ban smartphones before 8th grade. Medfield has a Wait Until 8th Community, too!
What to Know About Australia's Social Media Ban - (2-minute read) New York Times article about Australia's new Federal Law banning social media for kids under 16.
Can you ban kids from social media? Australia is about to, but some teens are a step ahead (4-minute read with a short video about how teens are feeling about the ban) The BBC looks at many sides of the issue.
Kids who have smartphones by age 12 have higher risk of depression, obesity: Study (1-minute read) ABC News study.
Community Events and Education
Some great area events that relate to student Mental Health and Wellbeing are listed below:
Digital Wellness Collaborative- The EDC received funding from the MetroWest Health Foundation to convene a Digital Wellness Collaborative to identify community-led, multi-sectoral strategies to promote digital wellness. There are several roundtable discussions to generate ideas – first with students and parents in December, and then with educators, health care providers, and community organizations in January.
Caught Being Kind
"Caught Being Kind" | extended through December!
Kindness is all around us—but in today’s world, it’s easy to overlook. This fall, Spark Kindness is launching a new initiative to spotlight everyday acts of care and humanity that make our community stronger. Spark’s “Caught Being Kind” campaign invites everyone to share moments of kindness—big or small—to inspire others. Whether it’s a student helping a classmate, a neighbor lending a hand, or a stranger offering a smile—kindness is all around us, and we want to hear about it!
https://www.sparkkindness.org/events/caught-being-kind
Medfield SEL
In the Medfield SEL Website, you will find links to MH Resources, articles regarding MH and students, along with other information and resources. You will also find a Virtual Calming Space with lots of tools, strategies, and activities for students. Enjoy!
Mental Health Resources
During the winter months, especially when school is not in session, should you need any mental health resources, click here for a full list of supports.
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RISE Student Artwork
Medfield Learning Day
Student Advisory
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Challenge Success
We are committed to educating
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RISE Classroom
One Love Foundation
Project Purple
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The Office of Social Emotional Learningworks to maintain and support
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Meet Dr. David Worthley, Director
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Dr. Worthley has spent his career working in the field of psychiatric crisis - whether on adolescent units, in maximum security prisons, or at several schools in Massachusetts. He is passionate about his work with the adolescent population, and understands well the importance and value of a solid educational foundation. |
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