MCMS Counselor Corner MAY 2016
Nicole Outram & Michele Ramsey, MCMS Counselors
May Is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Remember to take care of yourself and relieve stress in a positive way! Put something that makes you smile in your plan book or top desk dresser. Read, walk, try yoga, enjoy your favorite music, aromatherapy, etc. whatever helps you relax! Get plenty of rest. Know how much sleep your body needs and give it that much. May 20th will be here before you know it!
Mental Health In The Classroom
Educators are often the first to notice mental health problems. Here are some ways you can help students and their families.
What Educators Should Look For in Student Behavior
Consult with a school counselor, nurse, or administrator and the student’s parents if you observe one or more of the following behaviors:
- Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
- Seriously trying to harm oneself, or making plans to do so
- Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
- Involvement in many fights or desire to badly hurt others
- Severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
- Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make oneself lose weight
- Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
- Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still that puts the student in physical danger or causes problems in the classroom
- Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
- Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Drastic changes in the student’s behavior or personality
What Educators Can Do in Classrooms and Schools
You can support the mental health of all students in your classroom and school, not just individual students who may exhibit behavioral issues. Consider the following actions:
- Educate staff, parents, and students on symptoms of and help for mental health problems
- Promote social and emotional competency and build resilience
- Help ensure a positive, safe school environment
- Teach and reinforce positive behaviors and decision-making
- Encourage helping others
- Encourage good physical health
- Help ensure access to school-based mental health supports
Event Information
5th Grade Orientation
When?
Thursday, May 5, 2016, 10:15 AM
Where?
Bulldog Cafe
Event Information
Mentor Picnic
When?
Thursday, May 12, 2016, 11:30 AM
Where?
MCHS Track
Event Information
MCMS Honors Day
6th 9:00 a.m.
7th 11:15 a.m
8th 6:00 p.m.
When?
Thursday, May 19, 2016, 09:00 AM
Where?