Counseling Newsletter
Bernice Ayer Middle School / Sept. 2024 / Vol. 2, Issue 2
Happy September, Breakers! 📝
We hope you've gotten into the swing of things and are feeling comfortable and happy so far this school year! We have a couple announcements for you in September, so let's get right into it.
Content Warning: This newsletter contains discussions of potentially activating subjects such as suicide and self-harm. If you do not feel comfortable reading about these topics, please feel free to skip that section.
Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 - Oct. 15
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. From art and music to science and literature, Hispanic culture has enriched our society in countless ways. Let's take this opportunity to learn more about our diverse community and appreciate the vibrant traditions and heritage of Hispanic and Latino people.
We have several fun events and activities coming up this month, so stay tuned!
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide so you know what to look out for:
- Sense of hopelessness or no hope for the future
- Frequently talking about suicide or death
- Negative sense of self
- Isolation or feeling alone
- Substance use
- Aggressiveness or irritability
- Engaging in self-harming or risky behaviors
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, dial or text the suicide and crisis lifeline: 988 OR dial 911
Further resources:
Watch this TED Talk for actionable ways to prevent suicide:
Student of the Month 🗓️
Student of the Month is back! Starting in October, a new character trait will be chosen each month and teachers will nominate students who they feel displays that trait. If you're chosen, you'll receive a personal certificate and note from your teacher!
The October character trait will be announced soon 🍁
Breaker Breakfasts are back! 🥞
We are so excited to be bringing back our much-beloved Breaker Breakfasts this school year!
For those of you new to BAMS or those who just want a refresher, Breaker Breakfasts are an opportunity for teachers to recognize students whom they feel display exemplary behavior and character. Every quarter, each teacher will choose two students to honor based on the behavior theme of that quarter and invite those students to join them at a complimentary breakfast before school! Students will have the chance to hear from their teacher why they were chosen, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and even have the chance to win a prize! We'll be sending out more information about our Fall Breakfast in our October newsletter.
Our first Breaker Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, October 22nd.
The Counseling Department would like to extend a special thank-you to the Forster Ranch Education Foundation (FREF), who have generously offered to fund our Breakfasts this year! FREF is an incredible organization that funds so many opportunities for our students, both here at BAMS and at Truman Benedict Elementary School, and we are so grateful for their support. If you would like to learn more about FREF or donate to the organization, you can visit their website HERE.
Need to refer a student/yourself? Fill out the counseling referral form!
Office Hours 🕰️
Office hours: 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Students can come and see us:
- Outside of class: students can drop in before school, at break, or during lunch!
- During class: students must get a hall pass from their classroom teacher or receive a call slip from their counselor
- Emergency: Tell a trusted adult right away
Counselor Contact Information
BAMS Counseling Office
Website: BAMS Counselors' Corner
Location: BAMS Front Office
Phone: (949) 366-9607
Instagram: bams_counseling
This newsletter is kindly FUNDED BY FREF.