The goal of Northwest Allen County Schools is to partner with parents and empower students to take responsibility for their actions and words by teaching and modeling pro-social skills and empathy. We encourage students to "treat people right and do the right thing" daily, whether in person or online.

Find Resources & Support

To make a report of bullying, contact a building administrator or guidance counselor.

If you believe that you or another student is in immediate danger, contact the Allen County Sheriff's Department non-emergency number: (260) 449-3000

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Good mental health doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time. It means being able to cope with everyday challenges, recover from setbacks, and enjoy life. Just like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life. 

Understanding and knowing about mental health is essential for students to:

• Learn and perform well academically
• Build positive friendships
• Solve problems and make decisions
• Manage stress and emotions in a healthy way. 

When students feel mentally healthy, they are more likely to thrive — both in and out of the classroom.

Recognizing the signs of mental health challenges early can make a big difference. While every child is different, some common signs that a student may be struggling include:

• Emotional Signs
  • Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings
  • Increased irritability, anger, or frequent outbursts
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Behavioral Signs
  • Sudden changes in behavior or personality
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
  • Avoiding school or a drop in academic performance
  • Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
  • Changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Talking about death or self-harm
• Physical Signs
  • Frequent headaches or stomach aches with no clear medical cause
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance

If you notice any of these signs lasting more than a couple of weeks, or if they intensify, please reach out to:

• A trusted adult (this could look like)
  • A family member
  • A school counselor or social worker
  • Principal
  • A trusted teacher or staff member
  • Your family doctor or a mental health provider

Getting help early can make a big difference.

Mental health is just as important as physical health — and support is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please talk to a trusted adult. That could be your:

• School counselor
• School social worker
• Principal
• Teacher
• Or any staff member you feel comfortable with

We’re here to listen, help, and support you — no problem is too small to talk about.

If you're worried about a friend, you don’t have to handle it alone. Here's what you can do:

• Tell a trusted adult — like a teacher, counselor, principal, coach, or any school staff member.
• Use the “Report a Concern” button on the NACS website to share your concerns anonymously.

You won’t get your friend in trouble — you're helping them get the support they might need. Speaking up could make a big difference.

Yes, it’s completely normal to feel a wide range of emotions. Everyone feels sad, stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed sometimes. These feelings can come and go, especially when dealing with school, friendships, family changes, or personal challenges.

But if these feelings:

• Don’t go away after a few days or weeks,
• Start affecting your sleep, appetite, grades, or relationships,
• Or feel too big to handle on your own…

…it’s okay to ask for help. That doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you — it means you’re taking care of your health.

When to Talk to Someone:

• You feel down or anxious most of the time
• You’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy
• You’re having trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating
• You’re withdrawing from friends or family
• You’re thinking about hurting yourself or others

Most of the time, no — when you talk to a counselor or trusted adult about your mental health, it’s private.

But there are a few important exceptions where we may need to share information to keep you or others safe:

• If someone is hurting you
• If you are thinking about hurting yourself
• If you are thinking about hurting someone else
• If you give us permission to share with others who can help

In these situations, we may need to tell other trusted adults — like a parent, school administrator, or mental health professional — so we can make sure everyone stays safe. We care about you and your safety, and we’ll always do our best to support you with kindness and respect.

Children and teens experience a wide range of emotions as they grow — but sometimes, emotional or behavioral changes may be signs of a deeper mental health concern. As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.

Here are some common signs to look for:

• Emotional or Behavioral Changes
  • Ongoing sadness, irritability, or mood swings
  • Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they used to enjoy
  • Intense worries, fears, or panic
  • Frequent outbursts, anger, or aggression

• Changes in Daily Habits
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Changes in appetite or eating habits
  • Decline in personal hygiene or appearance
  • Sudden drop in grades or interest in school

• Physical Complaints 
  • Frequent stomach aches or headaches
  • Tiredness or low energy

• Concerning Thoughts or Behaviors
  • Talking about death or self-harm
  • Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
  • Saying they feel hopeless or worthless

What You Can Do:

• Start a conversation: Let your child know you’ve noticed some changes and that you care.
• Listen without judgment: Be open, calm, and supportive.
• Reach out for help: Contact your child’s school counselor, pediatrician, or a mental health professional. Early support can make a big difference.