From the Desk of Mrs. Kelly Hilton
What a wonderful time of year as the leaves change to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows! The crisp air brings scents of pumpkin spice and apple cider! Just as the seasons are changing, so is our guidance team as we welcome our new school counselor, Mr. Fearn. He’ll be focusing on connecting with our freshman and junior students and their parents throughout this school year.
Fall also brings transition for our Marian Central students including the beginning of second quarter, college application season, preparations for the fall play, and the end of the fall athletic season – to name a few. As much as these changes can be exciting, tensions run high as our students are pushed to their limit navigating the many obligations in their lives. It is so important, especially as stress levels increase, that we keep an eye on our students’ physical and emotional well-being. I encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about their experiences and feelings – open dialogue can make a world of difference! Be mindful of changes in their behavior - increased or lack of sleep and appetite, lack of focus, and signs of isolation. Students who are struggling with their mental health often appear “down” and report feelings of sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, and lack of motivation.
If you are concerned that your teen might be experiencing mental health struggles, there are options for support. Mr. Fearn, myself and Father Warren are available to consult with parents and meet with students – we are simply an email or call away. Additionally, there are outside resources including the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that allows students to call, text or chat for access to professionals. Locally, the MCHelp app which was developed by the McHenry County Mental Health Board connects teens with trained counselors 24/7. It is important to us at Marian Central that none of our students ever feel hopeless, alone, or isolated. Let’s help them embrace this season of change by encouraging them to seek out support and lean on their faith in God.
Kelly Hilton
Director of Guidance
