Counseling Newsletter
Bernice Ayer Middle School / Feb. 2024 / Vol. 1, Issue 7
Happy February, Breakers!
Welcome to February! We have several major events coming up this month: Black History Month, an amazing assembly by African Soul International, Lunar New Year, National School Counseling Week, and more! Read on for more info and resources:
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. This month provides an opportunity for reflection on the struggles and triumphs of the Black community, acknowledging the pivotal role they have played in shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscape of the United States and beyond. It is a time to honor the legacy of inspirational figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and countless others who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice, equality, and civil rights. Black History Month serves as a reminder to embrace diversity, foster inclusivity, and continue the journey towards a more equitable society for all.
We have a special assembly planned for this month that you will not want to miss: African Soul International! This organization uses the arts to empower, educate, and bring the joy of African culture, history and music to students and adults alike. They have performed with Beyoncé, Michelle Williams, and Kelly Rowland, and been in an Adidas commercial (below). Check out their website HERE and linked below to learn more about them. They will be performing at our school on Wednesday, February 21st, and we could not be more excited!
Resources:
- African Soul International
- The History Behind Black History Month – Learning for Justice
- Five Things Not to Do During Black History Month – Zaretta Hammond
- It’s Black History Month. Look in the Mirror. – The NY Times
- Black History Month Isn’t Racist, It’s a Form of Reparations – Jenn M. Jackson
- Why we still need Black History Month in the US -Aljazeera
- 4 Reasons why it’s critical to teach black history -SheKnows
- America Is Losing the Real Meaning of Black History Month -TIME
February 5-9: National School Counseling Week
Hey Breakers! This year, National School Counseling Week is from February 5th through the 9th and we, your counseling team, are excited to celebrate and connect with our wonderful community. It's a time for us to express our gratitude for the privilege of supporting our students in their academic and personal journeys. We're here to guide, encourage, and assist our students in navigating the complexities of middle school life. It means the world to us to be a part of their growth and success. So, here's to a fantastic week of recognition and appreciation for the essential role of school counseling in fostering a positive and inclusive environment at Bernice Ayer Middle School. Thank you for entrusting us with your feelings, your thoughts, and your goals!
Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated by millions around the world. Countries that celebrate Lunar New Year include mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Vietnam, and Korea, among others. It's a time for family gatherings, delicious feasts, colorful decorations (especially red), and traditional performances. This year, we invite you to learn more about the rich cultural traditions associated with Lunar New Year and join in the festivities as we usher in prosperity, good luck, and happiness for the year ahead. Try wearing red, to symbolize good fortune and joy, and cleaning out your room, to symbolize sweeping away any bad luck from the past year and making room for new blessings.
Wishing you all a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year!
Student of the Month: February
February's student of the month character trait is LEADERSHIP. Leadership is when you’re in a position to influence, motivate, and guide others toward the achievement of a goal. For example, when your friends are distracted during class time, but you decide to encourage them and lead by example by focusing on finishing your own work. Let’s strive to be a great leader!
"Success is empty if you arrive at the finish line alone. The best reward is to get there surrounded by winners." - Howard Schultz, Starbucks
Family Resources
The Wellness and Prevention Center offers the following resources for our families:
- Support groups in both English and Spanish
- Case management and resource referrals
See the flyers below for more information:
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
Ms. Bordelon: Last names A-K
Ms. Wu: Last names L-Z
Mrs. Tilley: Support Counselor
BAMS Counseling Office
Website: BAMS Counselors' Corner
Location: BAMS Front Office
Phone: (949) 366-9607
Instagram: bams_counseling