OLCA Newsbytes - October Edition
Upcoming items from the Oklahoma Learning Coach Academy
The WHY behind the OLCA
We believe that every student can succeed here at OVCA. Behind every successful student is an amazing Learning Coach. Thank you for becoming your child's Learning Coach, teacher, biggest supporter, super hero, and cheerleader. You have decided to walk beside your child as they learn and grow, become independent and successful students through online school. How does that make you feel? Excited? Intrigued? Hopeful? The OLCA is designed to strengthen our community, one Learning Coach at a time.
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Upcoming Items:
Mental Health
Identifying and understanding the impacts of trauma on ourselves and family members can be challenging. The effects may catch us by surprise in the way they present in our lives and relationships. Trauma rarely impacts one and is often a family experience. It may not come easy, but accepting support is always a good idea; friends, family, professionals. Parents "have to be strong" but not alone. We know the impact of childhood trauma is profound when unaddressed. Children experiencing trauma often have difficulty with their emotions and may internalize or externalize their stress. To support your child - be available and consistent, communicate, validate their story, help them identify feelings, channel energy, and get help.
- For more information about parenting a child impacted by trauma, click HERE.
- If you're struggling with the impacts of trauma at home, whether your own or your child's, let the SFRC team help you. Complete THIS FORM and an SFRC will contact you for support.
Mental Health Series
LC Mental Health Series continues the second Wednesday of every month @ 3:00-4:00PM ET, followed by a guest moderator session in the National Learning Coach community in the k12 app. Designed for Learning Coaches, Parents, and Guardians, staff are welcomed to register and join as well.
Community
OCTOBER: Domestic Violence Awareness
Every October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At OVCA, our Student Family Resource Coordinators (SFRCs) can connect OVCA students and families who may be experiencing domestic violence to help. Any staff member at OVCA can submit a referral to SFRCs.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can speak to a domestic violence advocate by calling the Oklahoma Safe Line at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233). The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788 for help, or chat at this link: https://chat.thehotline.us/v2/index.html?dkey=783ea42e-3aa0-42f4-9899-ad886e4995b4&skill=g1b
Connect with students in your community! There are many outings and community events to check out and be apart of!
Physical Health
Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is not just about making your body stronger. It can also make you feel happier, sleep better, and help with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. People who exercise regularly feel more energized, have better memories, and are more positive about themselves and their lives. Exercise changes your brain in positive ways, reducing inflammation and promoting feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases chemicals that make you feel good. Exercise can also give you a break from negative thoughts and help you feel better.
Exercise is a good way to help with anxiety. It can make you feel better and give you more energy. Paying attention to your body while you exercise can make it even more helpful. You can focus on how your feet feel when they hit the ground, how your breathing sounds, or how the wind feels on your skin. This can help you feel better physically and mentally, and it can also stop you from worrying too much. Exercising can help break the cycle between your mind and body caused by stress. It releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good, and it helps relax your muscles and relieve tension in your body.
Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing can help reduce symptoms of PTSD. Regular physical activity can improve your mood and well-being. Exercise provides many benefits, including better memory and thinking, higher self-esteem, improved sleep, increased energy, and stronger resilience. You don't need to spend hours at the gym or run long distances to enjoy the benefits of exercise. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week is enough. If you don't have a lot of time to exercise, start with just 5 or 10 minutes and slowly increase your time. The more you exercise, the more energy you'll have, so eventually you'll be able to do a little more.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
7 Mindsets for Learning Coaches
October: Bully Prevention Awareness
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