page background

West Genesee Counseling Newsletter

Summer/Fall 2024

West Genesee Counseling Newsletter Summer/Fall 2024

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! As summer winds down and we gear up for the exciting year ahead, the West Genesee Counseling Department is here to support your family every step of the way. In this newsletter, you'll find valuable information about community resources, upcoming events, and just a few of the programs we offer to help your child succeed both academically and emotionally. We’re excited to partner with you in making this year a positive and rewarding experience for your child. Here's to a school year filled with growth, learning, and new opportunities!

Upcoming Counseling Department Events

Senior Seminar

Counseling Presentations in Classrooms

Wednesday, September 18

West Genesee High School


Senior College Parent Presentation

Thursday, September 19 at 5:45 pm

West Genesee High School Auditorium


Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Optional Career Assessment for Interested Students in Grades 11 and 12

Thursday, October 3 at 1:00 pm

West Genesee High School

Click Here for Program and Registration Information


SAT Exam

Saturday, October 5 at 8:00 am

West Genesee High School

Click Here for Exam and Registration Information


Financial Aid Night

Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 pm

West Genesee High School Auditorium


PSAT Exam

Optional for Grade 11

Saturday, October 26 at 8:00 am

West Genesee High School

Registration Information will be Emailed

Community Partnership Spotlight: Helio Health Crisis Center

In each newsletter we highlight a resource in our community that provides invaluable support to our families and students. We are excited to share information about Helio Health's Crisis Center, a 24/7 service provided to children of all ages who require immediate mental health support. The center offers a comfortable and safe space to children as they receive professional care for behavioral health issues.


Additional information about other community agencies and their services is available through our counseling website at: https://westgeneseecsdny.sites.thrillshare.com/o/wghs/page/mental-health-resources

Erin's Angels Power Pack Program Supports West Genesee Students

Erin's Angels is a local nonprofit organization focused on reducing food insecurity in Central New York. The West Genesee School District is fortunate to work with Erin's Angels to provide Power Packs to students who may benefit from bringing home snacks to eat during the weekend when they do not have access to breakfast and lunch at school. Power Packs consist of foods such as instant oatmeal, granola bars, applesauce, and fruit snacks. Last year Erin's Angels provided school counselors and health offices with over 140 power packs each week to distribute to students.


Please contact your child's school counselor if you are interested in having your child receive a Power Pack. If you would like to donate funds to support the Power Pack program, visit https://erinsangels.com/west-genesee-program.

Introducing SchooLinks for College and Career Readiness in Grades 7-9

SchooLinks is a modern, college and career readiness platform to prepare students for what comes after graduation. The online program helps students begin to discover their interests and strengths, and begin to explore colleges and careers that match those interests and strengths.


All of the SchooLinks features are designed with students in mind to help them become career, college, and life ready. SchooLinks features are incredibly user-friendly and the content can be easily navigated by all users.


Using SchooLinks, students and their parents can:

  • Access career interest, strength and mindset surveys

  • Explore 2-year and 4-year colleges

  • Take virtual reality college campus tours

  • Explore traditional, fast-growing, and military career fields

  • Start creating digital portfolios / resumes


SchooLinks will be presented to students in grades 7-9 this fall during counseling classroom presentations. Parents will also be given information about accessing SchooLinks once students have created their accounts.


10 Simple Tips to Help Your Child Transition from Summer to School

Returning to school after summer break can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience for students and families. New routines can have an impact on a child's ability to effectively manage their time, stay organized, and regulate their emotions. Here are some friendly tips from Scholastic Parents about strategies caregivers can use to facilitate a smooth transition back to school:


  1. Reintroduce Routines: Start easing your child back into a school-friendly schedule by gradually adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times.
  2. Get Organized: Work with your child to prepare their school supplies, backpacks, and even outfits to avoid last-minute stress.
  3. Talk About Expectations: Discuss what the upcoming school year might bring, including new subjects, teachers, and friends, to set positive expectations.
  4. Ease Anxiety: If your child feels nervous, acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that it's normal to have jitters.
  5. Practice the Route: For younger kids, doing a practice run of the commute to school can help reduce first-day anxieties.
  6. Plan Fun Activities: Balance out the structure of school with fun after-school activities or family time.
  7. Stay Positive: Encourage a positive outlook on the new school year by sharing your own excitement and optimism.
  8. Healthy Habits: Reinforce the importance of a nutritious breakfast and good hygiene to start the day right.
  9. Set Goals: Help your child set realistic academic or personal goals for the school year to foster motivation.
  10. Stay Involved: Keep communication open with teachers and stay involved in your child's education to provide the best support possible.


We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to seeing all of our students soon!

Helpful Websites for Parents and Caregivers

Parent Teen Connect

Learn more about connecting and communicating with your teenager. Topics include helping your teen navigate independence, responsibility, communication, and screen time.

Talking to Kids You Love

This video collection from The Family Institute explores how to handle difficult moments as a caregiver. Videos include but are not limited to: facing fears, promoting self-esteem, helping to heal, and making amends.

Common Sense Media

This website is for caregivers of preschool through teenage children. Learn about a variety of issues related to online communities, including but not limited to: internet safety, gaming, social media, news media, life skills, and mental health.
Click Here to Follow Our Career Center on Facebook
It is never too early to start learning about about career and college readiness opportunities! Read about local job and volunteer opportunities, career exploration programs, and college majors.

Mental Health Resources in Our Community

The following agencies are available to families looking for support with mental health care.


Contact Hotline

  • Call 315-251-0600
  • Visit the website
  • Confidential, anonymous, free 24-hour/7-day a week telephone counseling, suicide prevention, and crisis counseling hotline.


988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

  • Call or Text 988
  • Online chat at 988lifeline.org
  • Available for free 24-hours/7-days a week. Provides a direct connection to caring support for anyone in mental health distress.


ACR Health

  • Call 315-475-2430
  • Visit the website
  • Preventative and youth health-related services.


ACCESS

  • Call 315-463-1100
  • Available 24-hours/7-days a week.
  • Support with identifying and connecting to community resources.



West Genesee Mental Health Resource Website

  • Click here for more information about agencies and support services.

Translation Options Available At The Top Of This Page

WG Counseling Department
WG is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters