Troup Accepts Ice Bucket Challenge

Augusta Lewis Troup School’s administration accepted a challenge — the latest ice bucket challenge, which aims to spread mental health awareness.

The challenge is moving through New Haven Public Schools, reminding staff and students of the importance of taking care of their mental health. 

It marks a revival of a decade-old online phenomenon, which first emerged as an A.L.S. fundraising effort, and has returned as a way to promote mental health. 

Outside of Troup’s 259 Edgewood Ave. building on Thursday, 4th-8th graders joined Principal Eugene Foreman, Assistant Principal Caroline Apgar, and Climate and Culture Specialist Da’Jhon Jett to cheer them through the freezing task. 

The NHPS-based mental health challenge began at John S. Martinez School to kick off May as Mental Health Awareness Month. It has spiraled into a school-by-school challenge, where school staff are nominated and accept the challenge to pour cold buckets of water on their heads and then challenge another school in the district. 

Troup was challenged by Brennan-Rogers Principal Kimberly Daniley. The school in turn challenged Conte West Hills Magnet School. Click here to watch Brennan-Rogers’ video. 

At Troup, students called out from the crowd, encouraging the staffers to take off their shoes and remove their smart watches. 

After eighth graders Shyanna and Nike poured a bucket of water on Jett on Thursday, they said they felt great. They said the challenge is a fun and impactful way to keep mental health on the community’s mind. 

Plus, dumping Thursday’s bucket served as a chance for the duo to ​“give them the aggravation they give us everyday.” 

They concluded that at Troup, taking care of your mental health is a topic frequently discussed. ​“If you’re not OK, they’ll make sure you’re OK,” Nike said. 

Jett added that mental health awareness is particularly important to Troup’s staff because NHPS has several students experiencing difficult circumstances, like homelessness.

Foreman reminded students that there is ​“nothing wrong with getting help.” 

Apgar agreed and noted that student mental health cases have been increasing since January. She said that no matter whether it’s testing stress or issues at home, Troup’s staff handle all mental health concerns with urgency. 

Before resuming the school day, Foreman challenged the district’s central office to take part next. Jett noted that the mental health challenge has provided schools the chance to bond, despite the many difficulties NHPS is currently facing.