Counselor's Chronicle

Monthly Newsletter

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.The best way to raise awareness for mental and behavioral health issues is to reduce the stigma by talking about these issues.

There are almost 450 million people living with a mental illness, yet 66% of individuals never seek help or treatment.

Mental, behavioral and emotional disorders includes:

Depression
Anxiety
Mood Disorders and Personality disorders
Psychotic disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress disorder

Take part in mental health awareness month by doing the following:
1. Take care of yourself. Be aware of how you are feeling and seek treatment.
2. Check up on your loved ones to provide support and encouragement.
3. Talk about mental health with your peers.

Too often people do not seek treatment because discussing mental health is not normalized. Clarity Child Guidance Center provides a great article about the Five Common Myths About Mental Illness for parents.

Summer Credit Advancement

Summer Credit Advancement is an opportunity for Rising 9th graders (current 8th graders) to earn credit for a required high school credit class. This year through the Summer Credit Advancement program students can earn a .5 credit for Health. Registration ends May 17th to sign up for this summer course! The cost of this course is $150 for the summer semester. Contact your child's counselor if you would like to register. See the flier below for more information or click this link .

Event Information

Mega Food Bank Distribution

Please arrive at start time, 9-10. Food will be available while supplies last. Limit 2 households to receive food per vehicle, both must be registered. San Antonio Food Bank Services can be accessed every 14 days if needed.

Registration

When?

Thursday, May 16, 2024, 09:00 AM

Where?

Gustafson Stadium, Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX, USA

location_on Open maps

Important Dates

Teacher Appreciation Week-May 6-10

MAPS Testing (ELA)-May 15

MAPS Testing (Math)-May 28

8th Grade Dance-May 24

8th Grade Awards-May 30

End of the Marking Period 4- June 6

Preparing for Next School Year

If you have not already, please review your child's courses for next year to make sure they are ready for next year. Students are able to view their requested courses for next year in HAC. Click top tab labeled Classes. Then, click on the Schedule tab and scroll down to 2024-2025 Course Requests.

We encourage you to discuss and verify the course selections listed below with your child. If you would like to request a change to the courses selected, your student must fill out this google form with your approval: Change Course Request Form This form will only accept NISD email addresses.

For specific information on courses, please visit the Middle School School Course Selection Catalog: https://www.nisd.net/schools/catalogs

The deadline to request changes is May 31st. If you would like to talk to a counselor, feel free to email your child's counselor (see below).

Please remember that students who require an Acceleration Individual Plan AIP (if they fail ELA and/or Math) will need an additional Math or Reading State Compensatory Class for support. These students will be removed from an elective to be able to provide that support. These changes will be made after test scores are received.

Summer Reading is Here!

Parent Pointers: Understanding Triggers for Kids with a Mental Illness

Clarity Guidance Child Center recently held a discussion regarding triggers in children who have a mental illness. In this discussion, Andrea Tristan, Licensed Professional Counselor, discusses typical triggers, creating a safe environment, and building resilience and coping skills.Click the link below for the article.

Understanding Triggers for Kids with a Mental Illness

Self-Care Corner

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!