STC Newsletter

Meet the Family Advocate, Jayne Whitson at school during school hours or by appointment. She is available to help students and families succeed with resources, referrals and donated items to help during a family trauma, crisis or setback.

The best way to reach the family advocate is via cell, 612-202-7366.

Remembering the "reason for the season" can help when holiday stress seems overwhelming. While shining a bright light for all to see this season is worthy, celebrating the humility and simplicity of the king born in a manger can calm a heavy and busy heart. If holiday stress steals your joy for the season, it may not be worth the hassles. Consider your blessings and aim to share those with others. If you treasure keeping Holiday traditions but your schedule is full, consider which traditions can be celebrated in alternating years to take a load off of your schedule. Be selective and simplify your schedule. It's okay to say no to adding additional parties and gatherings to your schedule now and make alternative plans in the New Year. Be responsible with your spending, gift giving and time. Find a way to honor the loved ones lost; perhaps a new tradition. Embracing grief makes room for the empty chair and helps that feeling of loss seem more manageable. And finally, be respectful of others who may not celebrate the same beliefs or traditions that you do. Finding common ground and minimizing conflicts will help to keep the peace at social and family gatherings.

The Holiday blues are common at this time of the year, but if you or a loved one are experiencing extreme anxiety or depression, it should not be ignored. There is help available. Talk to your primary care doctor; therapy, counseling and medication are tools that can help manage many mental health challenges. Call or text 988 to reach a crisis lifeline for support if you or someone you love is experiencing severe emotional or mental struggles.

Just in time for the Holidays! Talk about solutions and resources at your finger tips! This new on line Resource Center is available 24/7 and it is FREE! This can help you navigate some of life's biggest challenges like mental health, crisis, disasters, violence, abuse, discrimination and supporting loved ones who may be experiencing these things. We really are all in this together. Be kind and offer your assistance to someone when they are in a valley. Need to talk to someone immediately? Call or text 988. Chat live at 988lifeline.org. Please call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Each month at Waterville Elementary, the family advocate discusses a strength building character word with K-2nd graders. In December the word is "Caring". We will discuss different ways to care for ourselves, others and our things/property. Part of caring for others is" putting ourselves in their shoes" to understand how they feel, that is empathy. Caring and empathy are important character traits that helps build relationships with others and can contribute to feeling better about ourselves too. Parents can help by reinforcing the lessons we learn at school by practicing and talking about them at home too! Click here to download the parent flyer. Thanks for your support!

If your family or someone you know experiences a life altering situation and needs assistance to pay utility bills this season, help is available. Applications for LIEAP will be accepted through March 31. Income guidelines apply. Complete the application online. Call 1-877-369-4777 for assistance.

Learning to be grateful for the BIG and little things can be tough for kids, especially at this time of year, while we gear up with excitement for the holidays! There is always something or someone to be grateful for. With our children being grateful for something may be as simple as a favorite color, book, food, or pet. While they grow to appreciate the little things, adults can set the example by discussing what we are also thankful for: jobs, paying the bills, having food to prepare, clean laundry, new tires on the car, our health, our family members etc.

Being thankful and thanking others not only changes our attitude towards things, it will help change others too! No body likes feeling taken for granted, or imposed upon. Students made Thank You cards to share with someone who makes a difference in their life. Some were made to be given to Mom, Dad, Sibling, Friend, Teacher, Neighbor and more! Encourage each other to be grateful and show your appreciation with kinds words and gestures.

Check out the Colts Closets at your school or the Mustang TradIn for clothing needs for any school or special occasion! Coats, shoes and dress outfits are available. These closets are open during school hours and by appointment with the Family Advocate.

Christmas programs and Holiday parties are just around the corner....check out what nice clothing items are available for your student to wear to special holiday events, family gatherings, family photos and more. They grow so fast! Check out your school's care closet for dress shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, winter coats and more!

KAYs and Schools That Care are seeking donations to help provide a Christmas Meal Box to families and students in the VH community in December. If you'd like to refer a family you know who would benefit from a family meal box we'd appreciate your input here. Please provide your name and contact information and the name and contact information of the family you refer. Schools That Care will contact the family your refer to make arrangements with the family to receive a food box if they don't have plans for a Christmas meal. https://bit.ly/ChristmasMealReferAFamily If you'd like to donate food or cash for Kays to purchase food items for meal boxes, please bring them to VHHS by Dec. 10. Write Christmas Meal Boxes in your check memo to indicate the purpose of your donation please. If you prefer to make and bake pies to donate for the Christmas Meal Boxes, please sign up here https://bit.ly/VolunteerPieBaking Pies baked at home may be delivered to the Methodist Church in BR on Dec. 13, please let us know if you plan to do that.. For more information or to ask questions, please contact our Family Advocate.

To apply for Free/Reduced meals at VH schools for your student(s) please use this button!

Use This Button to apply for Kansas Food Assistance SNAP for your Family.

Use the button below to apply for energy assistance.

This season there's a reason to teach your family to give with a loving heart! Schools That Care provides necessary items for VH families through out the year during cases of emergencies, crisis, tragedy and just coming up short...There are no income requirements to meet. But we can't do that with out your support! This Holiday Season is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to choose giving! In place of an advent calendar, you can give and prepare for the holidays in this way. Select an empty crate, tote or laundry basket to fill with items from our needs list above. Each day through the duration of the holidays, you and your children can choose one item to add to the basket. Talk to them about the importance of having the item, what it is used for, it's value to your family and that if your family has an emergency or crisis, Schools That Care will help you and your family too! Click to download and print your copy!
Happy Holidays from the heart! Thank you for your support!