Back-to-School Resources for Students and Teachers

At Healthy Acadia, we’re committed to building healthier communities across Downeast Maine, and one of the most impactful ways we do that is by supporting the health and success of our young people. Schools are at the heart of our communities, and when students have access to safe, supportive, and healthy environments, they’re better able to learn, grow, and thrive.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with schools to provide a wide range of free, evidence-based prevention and wellness programs. These programs can be tailored to meet the unique needs and developmental levels of students, from elementary through high school. Our goal is to help equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to make healthy choices and build strong foundations for lifelong wellness.

2025 Back to School Focus Areas

This school year, our 2025 Back-to-School Guide highlights the many ways we can support classrooms and school communities. Our main focus areas this year include:

  • Prevention & Youth Wellness Programs – Helping students build the tools they need to make positive choices and prevent substance misuse.

  • Social-Emotional Learning & Resilience – Promoting coping skills, self-awareness, and healthy relationships to strengthen student wellbeing.

  • Youth Empowerment & Peer Support – Creating opportunities for students to lead, support one another, and become change-makers in their schools.

  • HEAL: Healthy Eating, Active Living – Encouraging healthy food choices, increased physical activity, and overall wellness.

  • LGBTQIA2S+ Student Support – Building safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces where every student feels seen and valued.

  • Vape Surveillance Support – Assisting schools with monitoring and prevention strategies to reduce youth vaping and promote healthier environments.

Building Strong Beginnings

Healthy Acadia’s youth engagement team brings together schools, families, and communities to create environments where youth can thrive. From classroom-based lessons to afterschool programs and community-wide collaborations, we provide the resources, training, and technical assistance educators need to support student health. Whether it’s implementing substance use prevention curricula, offering staff development on resilience-building, or promoting policies that foster safe and supportive schools, we’re here to help.

We know that school staff, educators, and administrators are deeply committed to supporting student wellbeing. We’re here to partner with you, provide tools and resources, and walk alongside you in this important work.

Please reach out if you would like to talk more about how we can support you and your students this school year. Thank you for all you do to support the health and success of your students. Together, we can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.

In Washington County, contact Corrie Hunkler at corrie.hunkler@healthyacadia.org.

In Hancock County, contact Dani Robbins at dani.robbins@healthyacadia.org.

POSTTracey Carlsonback-to-school, youth resources, teacher resources, resilience, youth resilience, substance prevention, youth substance use prevention, youth mental health, student support, healthy eating, youth wellness, SPR, SB, HFFA, HPM, BN, HE