Raising kids comes with big rewards, but it also brings tough moments. When a child struggles with emotional or behavioral challenges, getting help shouldn’t mean waiting months on end.

Across Utah, parents face an unfortunate reality: waitlists for licensed therapists can stretch six months or longer. For a family in distress, that feels like an eternity. That’s why Murray City School District continues its partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection to give our families free, confidential access to ParentGuidance.org Parent Guidance. Funded through generous donations to the Murray Education Foundation, this service connects you directly with one-on-one virtual parent coaching—bypassing waitlists entirely.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

This October, we are shining a light on bullying prevention. Bullying isn't just "kids being kids." Studies show it deeply affects a child’s mental health, leading to anxiety, sleep loss, and dropping grades.

Bullying by the Numbers

• 1 in 5 students nationwide reports being bullied at school.
• 49% of bullied students report the experience negatively affects how they feel about themselves.
• Warning Signs to Watch: Unexplained injuries, sudden drop in grades, frequent headaches or stomachaches, lost belongings, or changes in eating habits.
• Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES Data)

Parents play the most important role in stopping bullying before it starts. Experts at ParentGuidance.org Parent Guidance suggest three clear ways to protect and support your child:

• Talk Early and Often: Ask your child about their school day, who they eat lunch with, and how things are going online.
• Teach Digital Safety: Keep open lines of communication about social media apps, group chats, and online gaming.
• Know the Signs: Look for changes in your child’s behavior, such as avoiding school or sudden mood swings.

Join Our Upcoming Family Webinar

Want to learn how to make the most of these free mental health tools? Join district leaders and the Cook Center for a live virtual walkthrough of all the resources available to your home.

• Topic: Supporting Families – ParentGuidance.org Overview
• When: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM MT 
• What to Expect: A guided tour of free courses, including Parent Coaching, the "Ask a Therapist" tool, and live Q&A.

Questions? Reach out to Sierra Marsh for details on the webinar, accessing Parent Guidance services, or general student prevention and support. Our team is here to ensure you never have to walk this path alone.