News from your BP Counselors!
December 2022
What's included?
Updates:
- Mental Health Hub
- Grief and the holidays
- Upcoming Career/College Events
- Junior Meetings
- Course Registration
- Upcoming Mental Health Events
- Technology & the Holidays - WEBINAR available Dec 19
- Calming Zone
- 1 minute grief & loss meditation
We'll be there for you!
It's hard to believe we're quickly approaching a busy holiday season & are a quarter of the way done with the school year! We've been busy meeting with students, supporting them through life's ups and downs. We want you to know that your child's school counselors are here to help support them .... and you! Please reach out to any of us when you need anything (contact info at the bottom).
Mental Health Hub
Grief & the Holiday Season
For kids & teens who are grieving the death of a loved one, the holiday season can bring up so many different responses and feelings. The can include:
- Sadness, depression, anxiety, fear, guild, & apathy
- Somatic responses - frequent headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances
- Children often have a desire to keep family traditions the same
How can you help?
- Invite children to share memories, photographs, momentos
- Build frequent breaks & calming activities into your daily routine
- Encourage children to stay balanced physically
- Set up a plan for the holidays - including the anticipation that it might be too painful to experience without their loved one. (Ex: take breaks during family gatherings, creating a list of friends children can call, etc)
- Validate that often times your child feels worse after the holidays once the flurry of activities are over.
Holiday Grief Activity
Take a look at this holiday ornament to remember your loved one!
https://whatsyourgrief.com/holiday-grief-activity-for-kids-teens/
When To Seek Help
Always remember - you know your child best & you do not have to do this alone.
Your child/teen might need more support if you notice:
- A decline in their academic performance/grades/attendance
- Changes in their eating/sleeping habits
- Destructive behaviors and/or self-harm
- Extreme feelings of worry or sadness
- Social isolation
Don't know where to start? Contact your child's school counselor.
Parent Feedback
Are there things we should know? Topics you'd like more information on? Take a moment to fill out this brief (and I really do mean brief) survey!
College & Career Planning
Course Registration
It's hard to believe that course registration for next year is just around the corner! 9th-11th graders will be selecting the courses they wish to take next school year starting in January and February. Students can view the 2021-2022 course book linked below. A new course book will be unveiled in January during PIRATE time including new program partnerships with Bellin, NWTC, and more! Now is the time to start planning out potential courses for next year. This can be done in Xello (students should login to Powerschool and select the box with an arrow pointing out of it and select "sign into Xello" or students can use this 4 year plan worksheet below!
https://bayport.hssdschools.org/academics/course-description-book
Upcoming Junior Meetings!
Find the junior planning guide below!
College Information
Questions about how to pay for college? Check out the Bay Port Financial Aid Guidebook to better understand options, and the UW Help Pay for College website for financial information specific to the UW System. In addition, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens for the 2023-24 school year on Saturday, October 1st. Completing the FAFSA is a requirement for most Grants, Federal Student Loans, Work Study, some Scholarships, and the Wisconsin Tuition Promise.
Attached are two planning documents to help fill out the FAFSA form! More information on FAFSA can be found in your child's Xello account.
College & Career Planning Events
Stay tuned for up-coming college and career events!
Mental Health Events
Join us for more upcoming monthly events!
December 19th - Technology Safety & the Holidays
Webinar
Check this webinar for tips on safety & setting boundaries with kids & technology over the winter break. You will find the webinar on the Student Services page of the HSSD website linked below!
Local Mental Health Resources
1) Crisis Center - (920) 436-8888
2) Hope Text Line - Text "HOPELINE" to 741741
3) National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988