Clay Counts Coalition

11/10/2025

It's once again time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

🤣 Dad Joke:
Why don’t eggs tell jokes?
They’d crack each other up! 🥚

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Laughter isn’t just fun — it releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and strengthens social bonds. Watch something funny or share a laugh with someone today.

📞 Resource:
For stress management resources, visit cdc.gov/Stress
from the CDC’s mental wellness page.

Page Not Found | CDC

11/07/2025

Please share!

11/05/2025

What a fabulous day at the Midwest Dream Car Collection! The Clay Center Community High School YLink chapter hosted the annual State Youth Leaders in Kansas (YlinK) convention. Almost 200 students traveled from Garden City to Kansas City to learn about mental health and leadership initiatives. Clay Counts sponsors the Wakefield HS, CCCMS, and CCCHS YLinK programs. The future is bright for these kids!

11/03/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

😆 Dad Joke:
"My computer caught a cold this weekend. It had too many Windows open."💻

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Your brain needs breaks just like your computer! Screen fatigue and constant alerts can drain energy. Try a “20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

📞 Resource:
Need help balancing digital life? Visit ScreenStrong.org
for practical family tech balance tips.

10/29/2025

Screenagersmovie.com is a website that provides practical ideas on how to help our kids manage their cell phones and social media. Hint: It usually starts with the adults! This is a good article that also includes a link to their weekly podcast and Youtube channel.

https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/helping-our-kids-starts-with-our-own-phone-habits?utm_source=TTT+and+Movie&utm_campaign=f66e610c68-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_TTT526_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e0518a1e9b-161980250&mc_cid=f66e610c68&mc_eid=5184808504

I hear from so many parents who feel conflicted about their own phone habits when it comes to modeling healthy use for their kids. They’ll say, “I tell my kids to get off their screens, but then I’m on mine all the time.” Today I introduce two moms who are taking on my One Small Change Chall...

10/27/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

😂 Dad Joke:
Did you hear about the claustrophobic astronaut?
He just needed a little space. 🚀

💚 Mental Health Tip:
We all need space sometimes — and that’s healthy. Taking breaks helps your brain recharge, improves focus, and reduces stress. Step outside, take deep breaths, or sit quietly for a few minutes each day.

📞 Resource:
Learn simple relaxation and mindfulness exercises at Headspace, which offers free educator and teen access: headspace.com

10/22/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

🤣 Dad Joke:
I only know 25 letters of the alphabet… I don’t know Y.

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Curiosity is a great tool for mental wellness! Asking “why” helps us pause before reacting and can turn frustration into understanding. When something feels hard, ask yourself “Why am I feeling this way?” before judging yourself.

📞 Resource:
For national data on mental health, check out Mental Health America’s "Quick Facts" page →

Find general information about mental health conditions, prevalence, information for specific populations, and more in these easily shareable facts.

10/20/2025

Tomorrow is the night! We anticipate a large crowd, so make sure you arrive early. The movie is 75 minutes long, and there will be a Q&A session with Amy Neville following the presentation.

CCCMS and CCCHS parents, your students may hear Amy speak at their school prior to the evening.

10/15/2025

We are proud to sponsor this initiative in USD 379!

10/13/2025

We are starting something new! Who doesn't love a good Dad Joke? And we are pairing it with a Mental Health Tip and a resource for help if needed. Be on the lookout for these each week!

😆 Dad Joke:
Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field! 🌾

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Celebrate your wins — even the small ones. Recognizing what’s going right (not just what needs fixing) boosts motivation and self-esteem. Try writing down one thing you did well today — no matter how small.

📞 Resource:
If you’re struggling to see your own progress, reach out to 211 (Kansas Helpline) for local support groups and counseling services.
👉 Call 2-1-1 or visit 211Kansas.org

10/09/2025

Screenagers Bites - How Excessive Online Activity Hurts Our Judgement | Nicholas Carr

Renowned author Nicholas Carr discusses the effects of heavy online multitasking on our judgement. Citing a significant study from Stanford, Carr explains ho...

10/09/2025

The Youth Leaders in Kansas (YLinK) State Convention is fast approaching! In this episode of the Clay Counts Connection podcast, we preview the event, which is being hosted this year by the Clay Center Community High School YLink and Wakefield High School YLinK chapters.
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

The USD 379 Clay County Youth Leaders in Kansas chapter is hosting the 2025 YLinK State Conference! In this episode, Lori Martin and Andres Mata preview the ...