LIFE IN THE MIDDLE FEBRUARY 2021
A Mental Health and Wellness Newsletter from CMS Counselors
IMPORTANT DATES
February 12: Bad Weather Day - No School
February 15: No School
February 22 - February 28: CMS Course Selection Google Site will go live for 2021 -22 Course Selections. Link will be posted on CMS Counseling Page on the CMS website.
February 26: Student Half day/Asynchronous Learning in Afternoon
February 26 (4:00 pm) - Monday, March 8: Course Selection Portal and Google Document open for submission
2021 - 2022 Course Selection Dates for Current 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students: https://www.southlakecarroll.edu/Page/3099
Assignments - How does my student submit them online?
We have been getting a few questions about the variety of ways students may submit assignments. If you or your child has a question, this presentation might help!
Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for 8th Grade Students
CMS 8th Graders have the opportunity to apply for a $2500 college scholarship by completing an application which includes: academic achievements, extracurricular and athletic activities, and community involvement. Each student is also required to write an essay on his or her favorite role model. CMS will select two applications for consideration to the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation. Deadline for applying is March 15th. Please print and complete the application below and return to the counseling office by March 15th.
Random Acts of Kindness Week: February 14-20
Our mission in Carroll ISD is to support and promote kindness and to create opportunities for students to practice being kind and compassionate.
The Science of Kindness
Kindness is Teachable and Contagious: The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people!
Kindness Increases:
Happiness: Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we’re in anxious or shy in a social situation. Kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!
ENERGY: “About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center
LIFESPAN: “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease.” Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”
Kindness Decreases
PAIN: Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller!
STRESS: Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!
ANXIETY: A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. University of British Columbia Study
DEPRESSION: Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self- realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.
BLOOD PRESSURE: Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.
Finding Hope
Join Newport Healthcare’s Kristin Wilson for an advance screening of My Ascension - A documentary film by director/producer Greg Dicharry
Every day, more than 20 young people die by suicide in the United States. This inspiring and eye-opening film shares the story of one who survived, 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit, and her quest to walk again after a suicide attempt left her paralyzed. We follow Emma as she uses her painful experience to help others find hope and to raise awareness about this devastating reality.
Kristin Wilson, Newport Healthcare’s Vice President of Clinical Outreach, will host a screening of the film followed by a panel discussion with Emma, filmmaker Greg Dicharry, and community activist Tonja Myles, focusing on the state of teen and young adult mental health and the issues brought to light by this powerful film.
Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive a link to the film's premiere being streamed on OVEE. We look forward to you joining us for the powerful documentary.
Register here to view: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-newport-healthcare-for-an-advance-screening-of-the-film-my-ascension-registration-136676187155
Teen Life Spring 2021 Support Groups
How can my child meet with their counselor?
1. Teacher Referral
2. Parent Referral
3. Self Referral
We meet with students for many reasons:
1. Academic - Performance, struggles, test taking strategies, study skills etc.
2. Friendship/ Peer/Social Concerns
3. Personal Concerns
4. Behavioral Concerns
5. Stress/Anxiety
6. Responsive Services - meeting their immediate needs and concerns
If you have a concern and you would like for a counselor to meet with your child, please contact your child's grade level counselor via email or phone.
Thank you!
CMS Counseling Staff
7th Grade Counselor
Allison.adams@southlakecarroll.edu
Jane Kea
8th Grade Counselor
Paula Lynn
8th Grade Counselor
Paula.lynn@southlakecarroll.edu
Website: http://cmscounselor.edublogs.org/
Phone: 817.949.5400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMSDragonsCounselors/