Building Bridges
MS Counselor Newsletter- December 2020
" What's the Scoop" at Palmyra Middle School?
Each division shared their academic, personal/social and career goals for the 2020/2021 school year. In addition to this, each division also shared the change in services that are being provided to students due to the pandemic and our unique learning environments.
Following the presentation, Allen Norton (Workforce Development Executive of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry), presented on high demand careers for PA students.
The advisory council will meet again in the spring to review the goals and to address other needs within our schools and the community for our families.
Middle School Goal 2020-2021
Middle School Goal 2020-2021
Middle School Goal 2020-2021
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Presentation from Allen Norton- PA Chamber of Bus and Ind
Other News @ PAMS......
2020 Virtual Career Fair
Holiday Help 2020
If you or your family is in need of any holiday assistance this Christmas, please contact your child's counselor directly or our school social worker Lindsay Knepp at lindsay_knepp@pasd.us.
December Spotlight- Mental Health(y) Holidays
It is not a secret that holidays, in general, can cause stress for our youth. December's spotlight focuses on the awareness of holiday stress on tweens and teens.
There has been numerous research studies done on the effects of holidays on our mental health. Not only do the holidays impact us as adults, but there is also a signifiant effect on our children. What causes this? Here are the most common causes of disruption to tweens and teens during the holiday breaks:
1.) Lack of routine- as they are starting to get used to the daily routine provided in the school year, our youth normally stray from their regular routine. Their sleep patterns are off, their eating times are changed and their overall activities can be either increased or decreased during the holidays. There is then the expectation that when the holidays are over, everything can go back to "normal". This is not always the case.
2.) Change in traditions- this is going to be very common for the 2020 holiday season. As it is recommended that transitional gatherings be changed, the usual holiday traditions may not be as expected. This uncertainty and "change" can cause anxiety with both adults and children.
3.) The expectation that the holidays are supposed to be "happy". There are a lot of different expectations put on us during the holiday season, and our children can sense that. Some children are not happy during the holiday season, but feel they need to be to make others happy.
As parents, educators and adults, here are some things that we can do to help promote a very mentally healthy holiday season for our children:
* Set a calm example.
* Check in with your child to gauge how they are doing.
* Avoid over scheduling.
* Monitor their mood and what they are eating.
* Be open to trying new traditions.
* Be open and honest with your child.
Here are some amazing articles/tips for any adult in how to promote a positive holiday experience for their children........
December's Challenge- Build a Relationship
More so than ever, building relationships is important! Whether it be with a school staff member, a coach, a community leader or a neighbor down the street, continue to build those relationships. Research shows that when children are connected, they feel more loved, more supported and are better- adjusted.
For December's Challenge, we are challenging you to build a relationship. If you are an adult, think about someone that you could build a relationship with/mentor for the New Year. If you are a student, think about some of the adults that you encounter each day in your life and who could serve as a mentor to you. The more that we connect, the more we thrive.
Happy Holidays Everyone!!
Piece of the Pie
The Circle of Support
Relationship Building- Where Do You Stand??
Upcoming Events...
Meet the Counseling Staff!
Jen Garrison- Grade 6
Sara Dorwart- Grade 7
Michelle Waiter- Grade 8
Counseling Secretary- Janine Burrows
Website: https://www.palmyraportal.org/website/school_secondary.php?schoolid=2765&deptid=256
Location: 50 West Cherry Street, Palmyra, PA, USA
Phone: 717-838-1331
Twitter: @PAMSCounselors