We Made It!

Graduation, Testing, and Summer, Oh My! This is the time of year that the pace really picks up as we hurtle towards the finish line, while at the same time, many things are winding down as everyone is looking forward to summer break.

While the end of another school year rushes up to meet us, let's take a moment to celebrate all that's been accomplished.

Hard goals were set, milestones were met, and growth was made as tears turned to smiles and the walks across the stage or onto the next campus that we've prepared for for so long are now the reality we once only dreamed of. Parents- you are a HUGE part of that, and we thank you for your partnership in education. Take a moment to notice all that's been accomplished, all the successes, both big and small that your students (and you yourself as parents) have had this year. Celebrate the work you've done, the tough days that you faced, but you made it, and the laughs, love, and experiences along the way. Congratulations to all for another year completed, and here's to the next step!

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month, and as the school year draws to a close and kids head home for summer, it is more important than ever to tune in to the mental health of your child, and be aware of the resources available. This issue of our Counseling Connection is chock full of helpful videos, link, articles and tips on all things mental health, so take a few minutes to peruse its contents. For even more helps, take a look at our newsletter archives on our Counseling Webpage under "Newsletter Archive" in the left-hand column.

As always, if you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health issue, it is important to act. Start the conversation. Seek help from a trusted adult. A list of area Mental Health resources and hotlines can be found on our district counseling website under Counseling Resources. You are not alone.

Take care of you, take care of each other, and a very Happy Summer to you all!

Ashley Ward, MS, LPC

Coordinator of Counseling and Student Support

Mabank ISD

amward@mabankisd.net

These days it seems that we don't even have to turn on the news to hear of something else that is going sideways in the world. Sometimes every ding from our phone brings deadlines to meet, details to handle, or serves up more emotional turmoil on already full plates. From the daily of pressures of growing up to the mental health crisis plaguing the world and our nation, read on for tips to help our kids, teens (and ourselves).

Momentous Institute has been building and repairing social emotional health for nearly a century. Almost anywhere you look, the research confirms what we know to be true – that people with solid social emotional intelligence are happier, healthier and more successful.

All lessons are built on safe relationships and move up through self-regulation, awareness of self and others, empowering students to be change makers themselves. We wrapped-up Safe Relationships in the first six weeks of school and have moved through Self-Regulation, Awareness of Self, and Understanding Others (More on these in the infographic below), and are on to the next step in our Social Emotional Learning: Becoming a ChangeMaker.

ChangeMaking takes a look at the importance of kindness, compassion, and hope and gives us the tools to become changemakers in our own world. Never underestimate how far a little kindness can go. Compassion allows us to see from another's perspective, and hope gives us the courage to go on. In the midst of life's trials and heartaches, these can make all the difference.

Lets take a closer look at each of these:

Kindness:

What is it?

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Why is it Important?

It’s important to learn that being kind (or unkind) can affect someone for a long time. We may say or do something once, but they will hear your words and remember your actions in their minds for years to come.

Compassion:

What is it?

Compassion is the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s distress and feel motivated to do something to help.

Why is it Important?

When kids feel compassion, they’ll be better able to help others in need.

Hope:

What is it?

Hope is the belief that the future will be better than the present and one has the power to make it a reality.

Why is it Important?

Children’s self-confidence soars when they realize that they have the capacity to bring hope to others. Without hope, the human spirit most often gives up.

This is an amazing scholarship opportunity available to any Texas student who plans to pursue a trade or vocational degree or certification at an accredited community college or nonprofit trade school in the state of Texas. The Life Association Scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books, and equipment. They only have 1 applicant as of April 21st, so please share this great opportunity!

Click the link below to complete the 2022 Universal Application for the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) scholarship opportunities. This allows you to apply for multiple scholarships hosted by CFT in one spot.

A chatbot named ADVi – short for “adviser” – uses artificial intelligence to provide on-demand support to Texans looking to attend or return to higher education. Right now, any student in Texas may access ADVi by texting “COLLEGE” to 512-829-3687 or by starting a freshman application in ApplyTexas.

When students sign up to receive messages from ADVi, they receive:

• The ability to ask questions about college 24/7 via text message,
• Backup support from our virtual advisers if a student has needs or questions beyond what ADVi can provide,
• Student-friendly, accurate, and engaging messages about key college access milestones,
• Information and tips to help with their college applications, planning, and financial aid, and
• Resources to help navigate the transition to college.

Learn more at www.askADVi.org.

Ashley Ward, MS, LPC Coordinator of Counseling

Email: amward@mabankisd.net
Website: https://www.mabankisd.net/page/counseling
Location: 310 East Market Street, Mabank, TX, USA
Phone: 903.880.1300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mabankisd
Twitter: @mabankisd