Many students walk through the halls of Franklin High School carrying more than backpacks; some carry anxiety, stress, or worries they don’t talk about without anyone realizing what they’re dealing with. Because of this, counselors wanted to create a place where students could come without fear of being judged. The new Social and Emotional Support Group was designed to give students a safe, welcoming space to learn about their feelings, to understand common challenges, and get support whenever they need it or not.
Led by counselors Darci Torres and Norma Cabrera, the group is designed to be a safe space where students can drop in, listen, and learn without pressure and can leave midway if they’re feeling uncomfortable. Counselors also mention the only thing they expect is participants come with open ears and an open mind, anyone is welcomed with no registration, no commitment, and no expectation to speak.
Each week, the group will focus on a different topic such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, healthy relationships, or coping skills. Cabrera said the new group will also help students build healthy habits they can use every day, not just during the meetings.
The counselors said they plan to teach small strategies, like deep breathing or staying organized, that can help students feel less overwhelmed at school. Counselors said they hope the students who attend these meetings will be able to gain the tools they need to help them stay calm during tough moments and focus better in class.
The group’s leaders plan to encourage students to support one another, which can then help everyone feel more connected and give students a reliable place to grow and feel stronger emotionally.
According to Torres and Cabrera, any student struggling with the focus topics can find comfort and a safe environment at the group meetings. Cabrera said that students will likely find it reassuring to learn that others feel the same way they do and to learn real coping techniques from counselors who truly understand how teens experience stress. Torres and Cabrera said they will work hard to keep the space confidential and supportive so everyone feels safe asking questions or simply sitting quietly and learning.
Torres said that even for those who don’t struggle personally, the group will provide a chance to understand friends, family members, or classmates better while also providing snacks, friendly faces, and conversation.
Even skeptical students may find themselves staying longer than they expected, Torres added.
Social Emotional Support Group will run weekly until April 14, 2026 during lunch on tuesdays at the franklin zen room next to the counselor’s room, giving everyone plenty of time to drop in, breathe, and take in the reminder that they’re not alone and support is always within reach.
