Every year we ask our students to take a survey to help us understand what they need and how to service them best. Through the results of this survey we are able to drive our program to meet ALL of our students needs. The survey covers academics, career, personal and bullying issues. Students are also given the opportunity to chose a counseling group they may be interested in joining. To take the survey, please click HERE!
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Now is the time to choose your electives for next school year! Students have the opportunity to take a music class or those not interested in music may take various electives. Please click HERE to make your selection for next year. Make an animated movie, learn to code, help solve a science problem, create a video game, share your amazing drawings with friends, find out the best books according to your peers, and more! Go to our Student Resources page under the Resources tab to access all these websites or click here. Have fun exploring!
National School Counseling Week 2016 focuses public attention on the many contributions of school counselors in our school systems.
National School Counseling Week is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and highlights the impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Find out more by exploring #NSCW16 on Twitter. Let's CELEBRATE together with a CHALLENGE. Over the next week your focus is on FRIENDSHIP. As your counselors we challenge each and every student to learn TWO NEW THINGS about someone in your classes that you do not know that well. Stampy and Squid have arrived!
We are thrilled to announce the addition to our counseling office....guinea pigs! It's well know that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant impacts on mental health, and the two of them have already made a lasting impression in just one week. Stampy and Squid have been busy at work calming students down in times of sadness or crisis, lifting spirits and providing comfort. They've already provided students an opportunity to learn appropriate pet care, be responsible and stay motivated. Though their names are Stampy and Squid while they are in Mrs. Potts home, the students are working on naming them for their school home. Stay tuned for the results! WHAT TO DO? 1.) Educate Yourself 2.) Taking Preventative Measures 3.) Substance Abuse Warning Signs 4.) What to Do Next PARENTAL GUIDE: https://www.drugrehab.com/guides/parents/ Know! How To Reduce Holiday Stress
The holidays are meant to be a joy-filled season of gathering with friends and relatives, enjoying festive lights and music, exchanging goodies and giving generously. However, when time and money are stretched, relationships are strained and expectations are not met, what is meant to be a time of celebration may become a time of overwhelming stress, leading many to turn to unhealthy coping behaviors, including alcohol and other drug use. While it is unrealistic to think we can eliminate holiday stress completely, it is vital to our health and well-being to do what we can to keep it at a minimum. 10 TIPS TO EASE HOLIDAY STRESS: Organize and Prioritize: Make a detailed list, check it twice, and then prioritize based on what has to get done now versus what can wait or even be skipped altogether. Don’t Overcommit: You may need to graciously turn down a party invitation, and that is ok. Time is precious and so is your sanity. Keep Gift-Giving in Perspective: While shopping for loved ones is a big holiday stressor, most people cannot even recall what gifts they received (or from whom) last Christmas, kids included. Deal with Family Dysfunction Delicately: The potential for conflict at an upcoming family get-together can create a great deal of stress. Keep in mind this is not necessarily the time or place to address longstanding family issues. Do your best to avoid the drama, but be prepared to politely excuse yourself if needed. Take Social Media with a Grain of Salt: Most people are only going to post pictures that put them in the best light. So you’re sure to see photos of friends at holiday parties posing with big smiles, beautifully decorated tables with picture-perfect food, and happy families gathered in front of the fireplace. There is nothing wrong with sharing or looking at such pictures, so long as you keep in mind that you are only seeing people’s joyful moments in-between their daily challenges of real life. Give Yourself a Time Out: Take a break from the swirl of activities by fitting in some quiet time each day. Try reading, meditating or just kicking up your feet for a bit. Your mind and body will benefit. Make Sleep a Priority: Sleep is food for the soul. Getting plenty of sleep will help to make your spirit bright. Make Time for Sunshine and Exercise: Step outside – it’s amazing what a breath of fresh air and a brisk walk can do for you. Keep it going if you can; regular exercise reduces stress and anxiety. Be Charitable: If you are in a position to give financially to those in need, go for it. Another great way to give back and make a difference is to volunteer with your children at a local charity. Focus on Gratitude: Write down the many things you are thankful for and refer to them often to keep your thoughts positive. May your stress be less and your joy be more this holiday season! Sources: American Psychological Association (APA): Tips for parents on managing holiday stress. Lindsay Holmes, Healthy Living Editor, The Huffington Post: How To Stop Being A Holiday Perfectionist And Have Fun This Year, November 2015. Lindsey Konkel, My Health News Daily Contributor, LiveScience: Holiday Stress Busters, December 2012. Needle: Three Out of Four Consumers Plagued With Holiday Gift Giving Stress, November 19, 2015. In a world driven by technology, sometimes we have resources available at are fingertips that we did not know were there. Research and explore the following applications on any phone or device and take a look for yourself! You may find something you enjoy! Code Blue Breathe Relax Lantern iSleepEasy Optimism More apps are listed in the link below. Mental Health Apps As school counselors, we find it imperative to the success of our program to continuously assess our students' needs. Today the school counselors will address grief and the five stages. After the lesson we'd like our students to take a short survey to help us understand how to best assist them. Please click here to open the survey. |
Brooke Potts
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