Wiss Well-being

Click "open this email in a browser" for the best display. To translate or use ADA features, click the Translate icon at the top. Tap any image to enlarge it.

최상의 표시를 위해 "브라우저에서 이 이메일 열기"를 클릭하십시오. ADA 기능을 번역하거나 사용하려면 상단의 번역 아이콘을 클릭하세요. 이미지를 탭하면 확대됩니다.

Para traducir o usar las funciones de ADA, haga clic en el ícono Traducir en la esquina superior derecha. ¿Teniendo problemas? Haga clic en "abrir este correo electrónico en un navegador" para ver la barra de herramientas de Traducción/ADA en la parte superior. Toca cualquier imagen para ampliarla.

• How and why to create screen time structure in your house
• Social media’s effect on anxiety and mental health
• Communication and miscommunication in a digital age
• Cyber bullying - how to spot it and what to do
• Online predators - how they work, who they target, and what you can do
• Inappropriate posting and your digital footprint
• Additional tips, best practices, and resources available to help

There will be two presentations as follows:

• Wednesday, January 22 at 6PM in the WHS Audion (parents/guardians of middle school and high school students)
• Thursday, January 23 at 6 M in the WHS Audion (parents/guardians of elementary school students)
• Note: During the school day on January 22, all 6th and 7th graders are also participating in a presentation by Mr. Hackenson and on January 23, all 5th graders are participating.

Did you know there are dedicated staff in every school to support students with mental health needs? We have WSD counselors, psychologists and case managers, as well as contracted staff from Aldersgate and Child and Family Focus who provide individual and group therapy for students at the middle school, high school and Wissahickon Virtual Academy. These sessions are paid for via a state grant.

In addition, Child and Family Focus can provide individual therapy for students through their out-based program. These sessions take place on-site during the school day, but families must schedule directly with Child and Family Focus, using their insurance or an out-of-pocket payment.

WSD also has over 35 staff members in various positions across the district who have been trained as a Mental Health First Aid Responder to assist students who are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Students may identify a Mental Health First Aid Responder if they have a koala on their door.

Watch our video below to meet some of our staff and learn more!

This January, the district's theme for social emotional learning is goal setting. Making realistic and attainable New Year's resolutions as a student (or adult!) involves setting clear, achievable goals that align with personal and academic priorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help:

1. Reflect on the Past Year

• Reflect on what went well and what could improve academically, socially, and personally. Think about resolutions that will have the most significant impact on your personal and academic growth.

2. Make Resolutions Specific and Measurable

• Instead of saying, "I want to do better in school," say, "I will spend 30 minutes reviewing notes after school every day."

• Divide larger goals into manageable tasks. For instance, if the goal is to "read more books," start with a goal like "read one chapter a day." Use a planner, app, or journal to record achievements and setbacks. Celebrate your small wins along the way to stay motivated!

Examples of Resolutions for Students:

• Academic: "Complete all assignments at least two days before the deadline."
• Health: "Exercise for 20 minutes three times a week."
• Time Management: "Limit social media usage to one hour per day."
• Personal Growth: "Read one non-fiction book per month."
• Extracurricular: "Participate in one new school club or activity."

No matter what your goals are for the coming year, healthier sleep will help you get there. Check out these resources provided by our partner, Wake Up and Learn, to support healthier sleep to achieve your goals.

Dream Big, Sleep Well Handout
Time Management Tips
Creating a Wind Down Routine

Beginning this January, all students in grades 7-12 are invited to participate in a Sleep Week contest sponsored by our partner, Wake Up and Learn (WUAL).

Students are challenged to create a poster with a phrase, acronym or short poem about sleep geared toward a teenage audience. Their creations should highlight why healthy sleep is important, provide guidance on improving sleep, or inspire others to prioritize sleep. Read Submission Guidelines

Winners will be announced for Sleep Week (March 9 – 15) and will receive a prize from WUAL. Their submissions will be displayed in the WSD schools and on social media and newsletters.

Students, YOU have a voice.

The Safe2Say system is an anonymous way for you to submit a tip to your school. You do not need to share your name, phone number or anything unless you want to.

What types of things should I report?

If it makes you uncomfortable, submit a tip. It will be up to your school to determine what the next steps are. Do you think someone is going to harm themselves? Did you see something scary that concerns you online? Submit this kind of thing.

Safe2Say Something is the easiest way to let someone know that there is a problem and let them handle it. The best part is, they will never know who it was that submitted it. It’s that simple. Home - Safe2Say Something (safe2saypa.org)

Don't forget! ALL students are eligible for FREE breakfast at WSD, regardless of income! Starting the day with breakfast is crucial because it provides the body with essential nutrients and energy, helping to kickstart metabolism and cognitive functions. Skipping breakfast can lead to sluggishness and reduced focus, making it difficult to perform well throughout the day.

The easiest way to view menus and nutritional information is to download the Nutrislice app to your mobile device. You can see the list of items for breakfast and lunch including the daily alternate meal choices and vegetarian options. You may also view the nutrition information for all items. If you have a voice enabled device, just ask what’s for lunch!

All students and families are invited to explore what makes you feel like you belong or your sense of home through a poetry contest sponsored by Wissahickon Valley Public Library (WVPL). Submissions for "Where We Belong: Celebrating the Poetry of Home" will be accepted February 15th.

There is a kid, teen, and adult age category with individual prizes for each age bracket. The contest culminates with a reading during National Poetry Month on April 26 at the Ambler Branch of WPVL. Posters with selected poems will be displayed in several Ambler storefronts during the month of April. For more information: https://www.wvpl.org/poetry-contest

As a reminder, the district is continually adding new well-being resources to our website to support our students and families. Well-being tips are also shared on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages every other Wednesday.

Wiss Wellbeing webpage

Mental Health and Social Emotional Support

Family Resources