Student well-being is linked to academic success!

Tips to Boost Mental Health and Wellness:

• Eat healthy
• Get plenty of sleep
• Be active
• Build a strong social support network
• Engage in hobbies
• Disconnect from negativity
• Help others
• Reward/Treat yourself

Mindfulness breathing exercises can help with stress, increase concentration, and build resiliency. Deep breathing is a positive coping strategy and can be done anywhere!

Follow the Action for Happiness October calendar. A day-by-day guide to focus on optimism. How many days can you complete?

https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar

In an effort to promote awareness of school bullying, the month of October is designated as Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying can cause school absenteeism, mental and physical stress, poor school performance, and poor self-esteem.

An Upstander is someone who takes action when they witness bullying. Even one person’s support can make a big difference for someone who is being bullied.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/

The Family Resource Center in Ware offers free programs, support groups, assessment services, information, and referral resources.

They offer:

• Counseling and wellness resources
• Parenting workshops
• Self-help groups
• Education programs
• Youth programs
• Help with accessing other services

How They Help:

The Family Resource Center offers an array of services through its experienced and knowledgeable staff.

• School Liaisons help families work with school systems to ensure their children are receiving the support and resources they need.
• Family Support Workers are knowledgeable on community resources and how to locate opportunities for families.
• Clinicians and Family Partners work with families to develop a support plan that best meets their needs and supports their goals.

Family Resource Center

(413) 277-6601

https://www.bhninc.org/services-and-programs/frc

THE EFFECTS OF ORGANIZATION

Staying organized can have powerful effects on your academics, but did you know it can also benefit your mental health? Disorganization can cloud one's headspace. Research has found that by decluttering your workspace your brain is able to focus more on studying or completing the assignment at hand, rather than the clutter in your space. Finding an organization system that works for you and keeping it up, may make completing tasks easier because you know where to find what you need and are able to spend more time on your work. Organizing yourself can also be a great self-care technique and a good stress reliever!

CREATE A HOME LEARNING STATION

• Get comfortable: Some students work well standing up, completing school work on the kitchen counter. Others like to work on the living room couch, with the help of a lap desk.

• Be able to spread out: Most students work best when they have ample space to spread out their materials. The dining room table is a good option. Also, consider an L-shaped desk. It allows students to have a place for their chromebook and a separate place for writing.

• Work in different locations: Moving locations increases novelty, which can improve focus.

• Use timers to start homework: If students lack the motivation to start an assignment, try setting a timer for 10 minutes and getting to work for this brief period. This can help students realize the task isn’t as overwhelming as they anticipated.

ORGANIZE YOUR HOME LEARNING STATION

• Assemble a school supply kit: Place in a see through plastic container everything needed to complete assignments - pens, pencils, calculator, dictionary, etc. With this system it doesn’t matter where students choose to work. They can take their supplies with them.

• Create a filing system: Create a color coded filing system, with a color assigned to each subject. This way all work can be easily found in one place. Keeping a three-hole punch on the work space will also allow students to keep important papers in a binder.

• Provide a place for everything: Keep a holder for device chargers, a shelf for books, a bulletin board for announcements, a bin for completed papers, etc.

• Set a clean up time: Schedule a time each night to clean up the work area, so it’s organized for the next day.

How to Set Up an Affective At-Home Learning Station - and Get Your Child to Use It.

Anne Dolin, M.Ed

Ways to improve your study skills:

• Keep assignments in an agenda/calendar/on your phone
• Schedule a specific time to do homework/study
• Find a quiet space without distractions
• Give yourself brain breaks while studying
• Use a homework/study binder
• Break up large assignments into smaller pieces
• Use flashcards
• Set a timer
• Use a study buddy
• Discuss lesson topics with parents/guardians
• Ask your teacher for clarification if you don't understand an assignment/upcoming test or quiz.

Growth mindset or fixed mindset—can the way we think about ourselves and our abilities shape our lives? YES! The way we think about our intellect and talents not only affects the way we feel, it can also affect what we achieve, whether we stick to new habits, or if we will go on to develop new skills.

A growth mindset means that you believe your intelligence and talents can be developed over time. A fixed mindset means that you believe intelligence is fixed—so if you’re not good at something, you might believe you’ll never be good at it.

A fixed mindset: in this mindset, people believe that their intelligence is fixed.

A growth mindset: in this mindset, people believe that intelligence and talents can be improved through effort and learning.

Guess what?

Your talents and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence!

The way you talk to yourself matters!

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR WORDS YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR MINDSET!

Time management is the ability to use one's time effectively or productively.

Including:

• Planning
• Prioritizing
• Scheduling
• Setting goals
• Self-regulation
• Flexible thinking

Benefits of Good Time Management:

• Better decision making skills
• Better performance at school
• Increased responsibility and independence
• Reduced anxiety

Set SMART Goals for yourself!

Establishing SMART goals allows you to clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, use your time and resources wisely, and increase your chances of achieving your future career and life goals.

Your School Guidance Department website can be found here: https://whs.wareps.org/for_parents/guidance

237 West Street

Ware, MA 01082

(413) 967-6234