News from Student Services
Nature Hill SMORE Addition
News from Student Services
Nature Hill Student Services Staff:
Brenda Barker, 6-8th School Counselor barkerb@oasd.org
Peihua Reinke, 5-6th grade School Counselor reinkep@oasd.org
Nicole Mara, School Social Worker maran@oasd.org
Heather Olwig, School Psychologist olwigh@oasd.org
Does your student need some support and want to schedule a meeting with someone from Student Services?
Parents/Guardians, please share this link with your student(s). The purpose of this link is to allow students to request a meeting with one of the student services team members. This link is a confidential link that will only be viewed by the student services team. If you have concerns or would like to request that your child is seen by one of the SST members, please send an email to the individual you wish to connect with.
Link to request form: https://forms.gle/cBkR8SBZxP17a6pV8
High School Scheduling for 8th Grade
It is already time to begin transitioning our 8th graders to the high school! Early next week the high school counselors will be visiting our Language Arts classes to discuss the scheduling process with our 8th graders. They will explain the steps involved in building a freshman schedule and introduce students to the Academic and Career Planning Guide, which explains all the courses and programs offered at the high school. https://www.livebinders.com/b/2411298
The counselors will be coming to Nature Hill for these initial visits on Monday, December 7th and Wednesday, December 9th.
We look forward to supporting your student as they make decisions related to scheduling and the academic and career planning process. Please reach out with any questions you have.
Classroom Guidance
This month the Nature Hill 5th graders learned about the importance of being grateful. They discussed how taking the the time to slow down and noticing the good things that are happening around them helps gratitude to grow. They also learned about some benefits that come with practicing gratitude which include healthier friendships, improvements in health, increased kindness, and improvements in self-esteem and mental strength. Being grateful doesn't always come naturally. Practicing it by intentionally seeking out opportunities to be grateful and sharing gratitude with others will help create the positive benefits.
Online Safety during a Pandemic
The attached article shares possible online threats for teens and tweens, tips to stay safe online, warning signs that your teen may be participating in risky activity, and some parental controls you can set up to monitor things online. https://www.safewise.com/resources/internet-safety-for-teens/
This organization's mission is ensure something often overlooked at, such as shoes and winter boots, never is a barrier in a child's attendance or self-esteem. The organization provides shoes/boots and socks to any child who is signed up to do so. This process is confidential and is facilitated through your child(ren)'s school social worker. If interested, please reach out to Nicole Mara (maran@oasd.org) with questions on how to get signed up.
Community Events
Your Choice Prevention Education
- Experiencing and Coping with Grief during Covid-19 and the Holidays (December 7th)
Find the links to register and other information on https://www.yourchoiceprevention.org/upcoming-programs
Parents United
Parents United is a coalition with local school districts. Their goal is to empower/help parents become effective advocates and informed decision makers. They provide educational workshops frequently featuring experts in various fields presenting on many topics. Events have been scheduled for 2020-21! As we begin the school year, 25 participants will be allowed to attend in person. A virtual attendance option will be available through Zoom. Please indicate how you will attend when you register. And please make note of our the in person location at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel this year.
Click here for our 2020-21 Event Brochure
What is Mental Health?
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act and has an impact on our emotional well-being. How we handle stress, make decisions, and interact with others are all pieces of our mental health. If we experience mental health struggles our mood, behaviors and thinking may be impacted. Mental health problems are common but with help, we can get support to improve our emotional health.
You may have noticed the phone numbers on the back of your student's name badges. These numbers for the crisis text line and the suicide hotline allow for our students to reach out for support if needed and develop coping skills to get through the tough times of the tween and teen years.