Sayville Schools Rally Around Men’s Mental Health With Monthlong Movember Push

SAYVILLE, NY — Sayville School District spent the month of November rallying around “Movember,” the global campaign aimed at raising awareness of men’s mental health. Across all five school buildings, students, staff, and administrators joined together to send one clear message: it’s okay to not be okay — and asking for help is a sign of strength.

The initiative, organized by teacher Zachari Gallo and Sayville High School social worker Anthony Calabrese, encouraged staff and community members to grow mustaches throughout the month to inspire conversations about mental health, an often unspoken topic. The district focused on breaking down stigmas and empowering boys and young men to seek support when struggling.

“The stigma surrounding men’s mental health is a battle we must continue to fight so that boys in the Sayville School District learn to face life’s challenges and to seek help when they’re struggling, because asking for help is a true sign of strength,” said Gallo. “I look forward to building on this event and finding new, creative ways to bring this essential lesson to all students in our district.”

Sayville High School rolled out a series of wellness-focused activities throughout November. Daily video announcements featured staff and students discussing mental well-being, while a schoolwide letter-writing activity invited teens to thank influential men in their lives. Posters displaying key facts and statistics were placed throughout the building to further encourage awareness.

The effort culminated in a two-day “Mustashio Bashio” — lunchtime workshops teaching practical life skills such as tying a tie, folding laundry, changing a diaper, and jump-starting a car. Students also received informational wellness pamphlets and fun mustaches to help promote the cause.

At Sayville Middle School, students purchased raffle tickets for the chance to choose the facial-hair style of participating Movember volunteers. The school raised more than $500, splitting the proceeds between the official Movember Foundation and local families in need during the holiday season.

Elementary students learned about Movember through a video produced by the district’s Social Emotional Learning Department. The lesson focused on helping children understand that emotions are real, it’s okay to talk about them, and no one has to struggle alone.

At Lincoln Avenue Elementary, the principal invited students to vote on which mustache style he would shave. The reveal became a schoolwide celebration. Younger students across the district also received fake mustaches to spread awareness and positivity.

“The Movember campaign was aligned with the principles behind our districtwide Wellness Program, STRIDES,” said Jillian Makris, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services. “All the buildings did a great job utilizing fun activities to teach a very important message.”