The Counselor Connection @ STEM
(Vol. 2, No. 3) March 2020
Dear Students, Parent, Faculty, & Staff,
It goes without saying that a lot has changed since our last newsletter in January. With the advent of COVID-19, the school counseling department is in a unique position of reaching out to our students and offering our counseling services online. While our teachers are moving to online instruction in virtual classrooms, the school counseling department is looking for the best ways to help support you during this endeavor as well. Since students can no longer personally speak to us in our offices, we will be offering different options for them to communicate with us during individual counseling sessions via phone, virtually, or via e-mail. Whatever our student’s personal preference, we want to make sure they know we are here to support them and talk to them about all of their concerns during this time. We will be also offering all of our classroom lesson via google classroom. Look for a lesson with a fun activity each Monday!
One of our upcoming lessons that we will be posting discusses "perspective." I often times encourage my students when they are facing some of their most trying times with a quote. One of my favorite quotes is by John Lubbock, “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.” Our perspective will be critical during this period and I know we will all rise to this occasion. As you are already aware, the look and feel of our counseling services are evolving as we are continually seeking the best possible way to support you. However, we are still just as committed to helping and supporting you socially, emotionally, and academically as we always have been. We will be keeping you abreast of any new changes via this newsletter, direct emails and numerous other communication channels that we currently use. Please search and follow The STEM Academy-School Counseling Office on Facebook @stemacademycounseling
Everyone stay safe and healthy and we miss you all!
-The STEM Counseling Department
Rachel Newsome (Students Last Names Ending in A-K)
Email: rachel.newsome@sccpss.com
Stacy Hall (Students Last Names Ending in L-Z)
Email: stacy.hall@sccpss.com
You may reach us via email.
Dinner Assistance Request by Monday, April 6th @ 12 noon!
A local organization is interested in assisting some of our students and their families by providing care packages with dinner items. The organization would like to get an estimate of the number of students/families who may be in need in order to determine how to best be of service. Please complete the form below if you need assistance with dinner. At this time, this will be a one time event.
School Counseling Classroom Guidance Lessons posted via Google Classroom:
7th Grade Code: xru23ks
8th Grade Code: 44fwgqw
Rising 7th & 8th Grade Apps Online Registration!
6th Grade Google Class Code: omq3577
7th Grade Google Class Code: 3lppg42
Rising 9th Grade (High School Registration)
Lottery Update (Rising 9th)
Virtual Coffee and Tea with the Counselors!
Counseling & Community Resources
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL): 1-800-715-4225
My GCAL App and Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/
Meals: Twelve sites throughout the district from 10 a.m.-12 noon for students 18 years old and younger. Children must be present. Visit the following site for additional information: https://spwww.sccpss.com/Pages/SCCPSS-will-Offer-Meal-Service-to-Students-While-Schools-are-Closed.aspx .
Internet: Comcast and Hargray are providing free services. Comcast is allowing families to access their services through hotspots. Please see the attached.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Child Mind Institute Tips and Resources for Parents and Educators: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
COVID-19, School Cancellation, and Trauma (5 minute read)
By MATT RAY | MARCH 13, 2020
In times of crisis, it is critical that parents, teachers, and all caring adults are prepared to serve as sturdy, nurturing foundations that children can lean on for love and guidance. Regardless of the nature of the traumatic event, there are some universal factors we must always consider that are at play with how kids perceive events, and how those perceptions may impact their reactions and behavior.
Children fear many things, but illness, going to the doctor/hospital themselves, or the illness or death of a parent or loved one are among the top of those fears. You may not hear a child verbalize worry or fear, but they may show it through changes in sleep, eating, or behavior – so if there are changes, explore what might be causing those changes.
How we can all help our children:
- The most important thing a parent/adult can do is to remain calm themselves. Children will mirror the reactions of adults. So, pay attention to what you say and do! They will pick up on changes in your tone of voice and non-verbal body language.
- Answer their questions (even if they are repetitive and don’t make sense to you). Answer in a way that is direct and calm.
- Give children the facts in a developmentally appropriate way. If you do not, they will imagine something on their own that may be far worse as to what the crisis really is. Try not to engage in gossip or conversations sparked from social media panic.
- During a pandemic, remember these responses:
- “Yes, we do need to be careful about washing our hands and staying away from others who may be sick.”
- “The likelihood of one of us getting the virus is not high – but if we do, doctors will take care of us.”
- [Concerning COVID-19] “It seems scary, but it is very rare to die from this virus.”
- “It is okay and normal to be worried, scared about this—of course you are. We all are, and that is why we are doing everything we can to keep you safe.”
- Above all else, this is an opportunity for lots of quality time. Make new connections with your children or students (if possible). Play! Lighten up expectations (behavior, communication, academics, etc.) when children are worried or scared.
The Traumatic Impact of School Cancellation
Above and beyond the panic and trauma that comes from pandemics, we’re facing an undetermined amount of time when school, and consequently the only structure and sense of safety for many kids across the nation, is taken away. For many, school provides safety, food, routine, socialization, connections, and stimulation. Any change from routine is stressful. And, if parents now have to look for childcare or are worried about money/income, etc., stress levels go up. When stress levels go up in parents, behavior changes usually occur in children.
So what can educators do to help kids feel safe during this time? It really depends on what communication channels you have available with your students, and much of that is certainly being worked on in each district. Trust and support your administrations, and make clear that everyone is unified in their efforts to be there for each child. Beyond that, anything you can do to make a loving and supportive connection to your students while they are at home can be what they need in a time of uncertainty.
What the world is enduring right now is of universal concern. This will be stressful for even non-traumatized parents/children. For children and parents who already experience ongoing toxic stress, this will be an additional stressor on their already very worried minds/bodies. Remember, the most important thing we can do for our kids is to simply be that loving adult who is there to support and comfort them.