Family Engagement Newsletter
Calhoun County Schools: December 2021
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Can you believe that it's already the most wonderful time of the year!? The holiday season allows us time to reflect on family, friends, and all that we are thankful for. In last month's newsletter we asked for some of your favorite traditions or activities your family does together! Many of you sent in your family traditions and we can't wait to share them with you as well as local events your family may want to check out. Though the holidays are filled with bright lights, joyful singing, and good food, it can also be a time of stress, grief, and sadness. Calhoun County Schools Mental Health Services Coordinator, Amber Butler, provides a few tips on how you and your family can maintain mental wellness and manage the "holiday blues".
Just a reminder that our schools will be closed for winter break beginning December 20, 2021 until January 3, 2022. Students will return to school on January 4, 2021. We hope you and your family have a happy holidays and a very merry Christmas!
Family Traditions
Sight Seeing
Movie & Popcorn
Get Outdoors
Connection
Arts & Crafts
Making Treats
A Word from the Mental Health Services Coordinator...
For many families, the Holidays are tough. Stress and anxiety oftentimes are exacerbated by all that comes with the holiday season, leading to more trauma and heightened symptoms. Here are a few tips to maintain your mental health and manage those “holiday blues”:
Find ways to keep yourself safe, healthy, and comfortable: Set your boundaries and do not feel bad for enforcing them. Comfort looks different for everyone, so expect and give that respect.
Prioritize your time: You do not have to go to EVERY outing or party that you are invited to. It is okay to say no to plans that do not bring you peace or fit into your schedule comfortably.
Be realistic: Even the “best families” on social media or television have their struggles and flaws at one time or another. Do not pressure yourself or your family to keep up with what everyone else is doing. Know that you ARE ENOUGH. A lot of what we see in the media is fictional, yet we try to mimic that perfection, and in doing so, we create unnecessary stress and sadness for ourselves.
Set your limits: family dynamics can be tough. Know your role and stick to it. Limit your exposure to those who you know will trigger you mentally or create more challenges for you.
Practice relaxation and self care: Do some deep breathing among the hustle and bustle. Step back and create time for yourself to recharge so that you can be your best self when around others. You cannot give energy that you do not have.
Find support: Whether it is counseling/ therapy or just talking to a friend, find that hub of POSITIVE support. If you find that you have become exceedingly overwhelmed and you do not have a therapist, it may be time to find one. Reach out. There are LOTS of people who would love to help you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. SAMHSA’s Hotline (1-800-662-4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
As always, we are here to help in any way we can. Please reach out to me, your Mental Health Coordinator if you have any concerns or if you would like to know more about how to get help. My number is 256-741-7421.
Give some grace this season and know that we are all doing the best we can. Your best looks different from your neighbors’ best, and that’s okay.
Blessings to you all!
-Amber Butler, Calhoun County Schools Mental Health Services Coordinator
Community Events:
Anniston Public Library
Santa at the Library
Thursday, December 9th at 4pm
Anime Club
Thursday, December 9th at 4pm
Cozy Christmas Movie
Wednesday, December 15th at 4pm
Sensory Storytime (ages 0-5)
Tuesday, December 21st at 10am
Tuesday, December 28th at 10am
Jacksonville Public Library
Teen/Adult Holiday Craft Program
Thursday, December 9th at 4:00pm
Oxford Performing Arts Center
The center has multiple Christmas movie viewing the week of December 20th. In lieu of admission, guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items which will be provided directly to local charitable organizations.
Parent/Family Engagement
Parent/Family Engagement Specialist
Elementary Homeless Liaison
Email: kfargason@ccboe.us
Phone: 256-741-7423