The 2024-2025 school year will be underway soon! It was so exhilarating seeing all of our new and returning Mavericks at Prep Day and at our 6th Grade Open House. Students were buzzing with excitement and ready to reconnect with friends, teachers and everything else that a new school year brings. Whether this is your child’s first year or last year in middle school, we are here to support you and your child.

As counselors, we serve in many capacities. We provide responsive services to students in times of need when they are going through a personal crisis. Additionally, we offer group counseling throughout the year on a variety of different issues. Students can simply refer themselves to us and we will provide counseling services as needed or provide resources for outside counseling if necessary. We also provide individual planning to students allowing them to explore their future and academic opportunities. Your child not only works with us in the office but also in the classroom throughout the year while we present guidance lessons that address the four student skill goals. Finally, we offer system support which addresses parent education, staff development for educators, community outreach and other areas.

First Day of School-August 19th

Success Assemblies-August 21st

8th Grade Open House-August 27th (4:30-6:00)

7th Grade Open House- August 27th (6:00-7:30)

Labor Day- September 2

Fall Pictures- September 12th

Throughout the year Straus Counselors offer different groups on topics such as divorce, stress/anxiety, coping skills, managing anger, grief and transition. Counselors meet with students once a week during the day for 6-8 weeks. If you are interested in having your child participate in group counseling or individual counseling, please reach out to your child's counselor.

Counselors will be in the classroom for a Howdy Visit with our Mavericks in September. During this time, we will introduce ourselves to the students and speak to them about what services are available to them. We also answer any questions they may have about their classes, services, or any other concerns they may have.

Counselors will continue to work on schedule change request throughout the next few weeks.

We continue to grow as a campus and will be registering new families over the next several weeks. Please understand that elective spaces are limited. Counselors will be working on correcting any scheduling errors first, i.e. students not in the right level of a course, students needing an advanced course, etc. Please know that student schedules are being updated daily and are subject to change as we balance classes.

If you have questions about your child's schedule, please contact the counseling office at 210-398-2582 or email your child's counselor.

Start the school year off right with a virtual summit featuring community health experts and a focus on various mental health topics. All are welcomed - students, teachers, and parents! This event is VIRTUAL and will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 8:30 am – 12 pm

RSVP

Managing the workload of 7 classes a day with homework and daily assignments can be a daunting task for any middle school student. When students are unorganized, they are less likely to be successful in school. According to Family Education, here are their top ten tips for helping your child stay organized.

1. Use a checklist. Teach your child how to create a "to-do" list which will help them feel a sense of accomplishment as they check off tasks that have been completed.

2.Organize homework assignments. Help them to prioritize assignments by completing the easiest ones first and harder ones later as well as by date the assignment is due.

3. Designate a study space in your home where your child can consistently do homework or study every night.

4. Set a designated study time so that studying can take place at the same time daily but not directly after school so they have some time to unwind.

5. Keep organized notebooks by using color coded notebooks to differentiate the subjects or dividers to separate the classes. Have your child separate work to be turned in and work to be completed with pocket folders.

6. Conduct a weekly cleanup by helping your child go through their backpack every week and clean out debris and graded assignments.

7. Create a household schedule by having a consistent dinnertime and bedtime which will help your child fall into a pattern at home.

8. Keep a master calendar with all family activities and commitments to avoid scheduling conflicts.

9. Prepare for the day ahead by packing school bags the night before, laying out the next day's outfits and charging devices away from the bedroom.

10. Provide support by setting a good example and giving them reminders about filling out calendar dates.

"10 Ways to Help Your Kid Get Organized for the New School Year." Family Education, Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities, 10 Sept.1999, https://www.familyeducation.com/life/getting-organized/ten-ways-help-your-child-get-organized. Family Education.

Self-Care helps to reduce anxiety and depression, reduce stress, and frustration. In addition, it also increases energy and happiness and improves overall mental health. Below are some ideas for including self-care in your daily life that won't take much time to implement.

If you broke your leg or came down with the flu, would you try to brush it off and deny yourself treatment? Of course not! Most of us would go to the doctor or treat minor injuries as they happen. Emotional and mental health, as well as everyday physical health practices, are just as important. Self-care is a great way for parents to make sure their own needs are being met. You can't care for others if you don't take care of yourself!