"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t."

John Green, 2019

Welcome back Athens City Schools! I hope everyone had a great summer. While going back to school can be a very exciting time; it can be a busy, stressful, and anxiety producing time for many students and parents. I put together a few practical tips for families to help reduce some of the stress associated with back to school. These are some simple tips that will make the back to school transition easier for everyone. Wishing each of you a wonderful and enriching school year!

Michael Ross

ACS Mental Health Services Coordinator

Practical Tips

• Spend a few minutes every day talking with your child about their school day. This is a great way to boost your child’s confidence and overall self-esteem.

• Re-establish school bedtimes. We all struggle with getting back into a decent sleep routine after our late summer nights and (for many), sleeping in on summer mornings. Introducing the school sleep routine in advance will make it easier for the kids and parents.

• Eat healthy meals and snacks. This will give your child the energy they need to learn and grow.

• Help your child create a positive mindset. Talk about how school can be a fun and rewarding experience. Help them focus on the positive aspects of school, such as making new friends, learning new things, and participating in extracurricular activities.

• Talk about homework expectations with your child. Make sure they have an adequate, quiet space to do reading and other homework. Build reading and homework time into the schedule every day. This will help promote good habits in your child. Be sure to set limits for the privilege of TV, gaming, and other screen time.

• Build a strong social support network that connects you with family, friends, mentors, therapists, and more. Give your child time to adjust. Work with your child's teachers to build new routines that will help make strong connections and a successfully transition from home to school.

988 is now the active phone number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This shorter number is easier to remember, and it provides free and confidential support for anyone in distress.

Athens-Limestone Counseling Center

Mental health screenings and treatment resources https://www.mhcnca.org/

Limestone County Health Department
COVID Vaccinations, Clinical, Environmental and Home Health services https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/limestone/

Caring House
Grief Support services https://hhcaringforlife.org/caring-house

United Way
DIAL 2-1-1 from your phone or search the database online to get help with non-emergency needs. https://www.uwca.org/get-help/2-1-1-call-center/

Limestone County DHR

https://dhr.alabama.gov/county-office-contact/

Limestone Child Advocacy Center
Prevention and intervention services for children and families https://www.limestonecac.com/contact

Family Resource Center
Housing, Rent, Utilities, Clothing, and Counseling https://alcfamilyresourcecenter.org/

Happi Health
Medical and Behavioral Health Services https://www.happiinc.com/

My goal is to provide and assist families with mental health resources within the community. Reach out if you have any questions!

Mental Health Services Coordinator

Email: michael.ross@acs-k12.org
Website: https://www.acs-k12.org/Domain/2168
Location: 100 U.S. Highway 31, Athens, AL, USA
Phone: 256-233-6600