MacFarland Wellness Team!

Empowering Minds, Energizing Bodies, Enriching Lives.

💡 The MMS Wellness Team's Commitment 💡

MISSION

Our mission is to enhance students' well-being by offering proactive support and resources, fostering resilience, and promoting a culture of respect and care. We aim to engage students, families, and staff in creating a positive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

VISION

To cultivate a school community where every middle school student thrives through balanced mental, emotional, and physical wellness, creating a foundation for lifelong success and well-being.

📌 THIS MONTH'S WELLNESS DISCUSSION 📌

**October: Emotional Awareness**

Teaching students to recognize and express their emotions effectively. Behavior is communication. The idea that individuals express their feelings, needs, and thoughts through their actions and words.

📄 Here's What the Wellness Team is Doing This Month!

First Wellness Spirit Week!! (Oct 21-25)... see below details
Reviewing & Assigning Wellness Referrals
Scheduling Staff Wellness & PD opportunities
Identifying Fun & Interactive Student Engagement activities
Kicking off Our Minds Matter Wellness Student Leadership Club!
Crisis Response Planning and Procedures
Assessing Needs and Gathering Input... please complete Wellness Needs Assessment

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Yes, it's a thing! Shorter daylight hours in the winter can lead to a type of depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons, usually in the fall and winter.

Symptoms include:

Energy: Feeling tired, lethargic, or slowed down
Mood: Feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or guilty
Sleep: Sleeping more than usual, or finding it hard to get up in the morning
Appetite: Increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates and sweets
Concentration: Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Social withdrawal: Staying home more and avoiding socializing
Physical aches and pains: Headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
Thoughts of death or suicide: Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

pdf

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Trastorno-afectivo-estacional-algo-mas-que-la-tristeza-invernal.pdf

Spanish resource

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WELLNESS MONTHLY THEME

OCTOBER: National Bullying Prevention Month

Spirit Week: October 21-25

Highlighting positive behaviors, positive reinforcement publicly.

Oct 21 Monday: “Positive Message Day”

Theme: Wear clothing with positive slogans or messages.

Activity: Create a wall of positivity where students can post encouraging notes.

Oct 22 Tuesday: "Teaming Up against Bullying"

Theme: Wear Sports Team Appeal or Athletics Wear

Activity: Host workshops that teach students about conflict resolution, empathy, and effective communication skills.

Oct 23 Wednesday: “Pajama Day”

Theme: Students wear their pajamas to promote comfort and a safe environment.

Activity: Host a cozy reading session where students can share stories about kindness.

Oct 24 Thursday: “Unity & Empathy Day”

Theme: Everyone wears ORANGE to show solidarity against bullying.

Activity: Collective effort for no fights, no ISS, no consequences.

Organize a group photo to promote unity and display it around the school.

Oct 25 Friday: “Self-Expression Day” (appropriate dress down)

Theme: Wear clothes that express your personality, such as favorite band shirts or unique styles.

Activity: Host a talent show or open mic where students can showcase their talents and share personal stories.

October is Bullying Prevention Month: How We Can Make A Difference - School Mental Health

The month of October is recognized worldwide as Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge the impact of bullying and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive community for everyone. Bullying has been a social issue that affects millions of people, particularly students in schools.

dcpsmentalhealth.org

Bullying Prevention at DCPS - School Mental Health

Bullying has become a significant issue with young people nationwide. It affects students at every level, from elementary to high school. To proactively address the issue of bullying the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has created a Bullying Prevention Policy. The policy clearly outlines, the definition of bullying and the steps required by schools to [...]

dcpsmentalhealth.org

Understanding Maladaptive Behavior

Using this perspective can enhance relationships and promote a more supportive environment.

1. **Understanding Triggers**: Recognize what may be causing certain behaviors, whether they stem from stress, unmet needs, or social challenges.

2. **Observing Patterns**: Pay attention to consistent behavior patterns, as they can reveal underlying emotions or needs.

3. **Nonverbal Cues**: Consider body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice as important components of communication.

4. **Responding Appropriately**: Instead of reacting to the behavior itself, seek to understand the message behind it. This can help in addressing the root cause.

5. **Creating Safe Spaces**: Foster an environment where individuals feel safe to express themselves, reducing the likelihood of negative behaviors.

6. **Teaching Alternative Skills**: Encourage the development of appropriate communication skills, enabling individuals to express their needs verbally instead of through behavior.

7. **Collaboration**: Involve students, staff, and families in discussing and interpreting behaviors to create a more comprehensive understanding.