Mary Meredith K-12 School
October Newsletter School Year 2024-2025
From the Principal:
Let me begin by thanking you for participating in the Parent Teacher Conferences. If you are unable to connect with your student’s teacher and would like to meet with them, please email him/her to set up a time. I cannot believe we are about to close out the first quarter. Please remind your student to get any missing assignments turned in. Please remember your student can play sports at his/her home school. Have them contact Mr. Adam for information if they are interested. The end of the quarter is Thursday October 3rd followed by fall break next week. Please take time to relax and hopefully enjoy much anticipated cooler temperatures.
"Welcome to October! A month of transformation and new possibilities." — Unknown
Mustang's Staff Spotlight:
My name is Dr. Katie Casanova, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social and Doctor of Behavioral Health. My experience includes working as an American Sign Language interpreter in K-12 settings prior to returning to graduate school in 2015. Post graduation, I worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals and detention centers. I specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and anger issues. I work with students to identify their strengths and discover the answers within. We utilize a variety of techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused intervention to integrate brief techniques into daily routines that enhances confidence and connection
Some of the things we work on together include:
Learning: Explore behavior interventions that assist in focus and self-control in the learning environment.
Social Skills: Implement strategies to help students build and maintain relationships both at school and within the community.
Problem Solving: Utilize solution-focused techniques students can use anywhere to assist with conflict resolution.
Skill building: Develop coping to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or anger that effect daily living and interactions.
Safety & Security: Develop strategies and explore resources to help students, family or friends stay safe.
If you would like to speak with me, you may call the school at 520-232-8200 or email me.
From the Counselor Desk
Keeping teens safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids
Social media can be a valuable tool for teenagers’ development, offering opportunities to build social skills and stay connected. However, it also presents risks, especially for developing brains, making it crucial for parents to guide and monitor their teens' usage. This article outlines research-based recommendations to help families foster healthy social media habits, including setting limits, encouraging open discussions, and modeling good behavior. By being proactive, parents can help teens avoid harmful content while maximizing the benefits of social media, ensuring a positive and balanced digital experience. To learn more, read the Keeping Teens Safe on Social Media article.
Deborah Valerio
Mary Meredith K-12 – School Counselor
Contact Debrah Valerio by email520-232-8266
Important Dates
October 4th, 2024 – No School – Grading Day
- October 7th – 11th 2024 – No School – Fall Break
- October 16th - McDonald's School Fundraiser
- October 23rd, 2024 – No School – Professional Learning Day