Mental Health Newsletter
Collaboration of MSAD 52 School Counselors & Social Workers
4/16/21
How heavy is your load?
Almost every aspect of how we educate has had to be adjusted this year. Change has been the name of the game. And with another change unfolding before us, it's important that we manage our stress in healthy ways.
Our loads may feel heavy, but they don't have to bury us.
Try these tips to deal with stress,
compiled by the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good movement.
2. Take time for a few deep breaths until you feel your body relax.
3. Walk away from the situation for a while, even if it's just to refill your water bottle or go to the bathroom.
5. Not every email or social media comment needs a response right away. If it's not urgent, sleep on it and respond tomorrow.
6. Break down big problems into smaller parts, then handle it one part at a time.
8. Take a break to do something that makes you smile - hug someone, pet a dog, look outside your window.
9. Do something active. Get your body moving in ways that feel good to you.
Find more wellness tips at heart.org/HealthyForGood.
Other things to try...
Check out episodes of the current season here: GoZen! Stories Kid Confident.
3/3/21
Feeling a little broken?
Please know that you are not alone. There are supports within each of our schools as well as the community to be that helping hand. Our school counselors and social workers are trained to help in these situations, including supporting you through the referral process to resources within our community that can and want to help.
Whether you are feeling a little blue, anxious, or very depressed and having suicidal thoughts, there is somebody who is willing to help and support you. You are not alone!!
Find the right resource for you.
Call 1-888-568-1112
Visit Sweetser for more information.
(for youth 14-20 years old)
Text (207) 515-8398
Visit NAMI for more information.
Call 211
Text your zip code to 898-211
Visit 211 Maine for more information.
If you're worried about your child's mental health, read this article about how to help:
A parent's guide to helping a child in distress
To learn more about the warning signs of suicide in teens, please click here:
To learn more about the warning signs of suicide in children, please click here:
1/27/21
Choose kindness
A new year is an opportunity for a new perspective. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the media, frustrated with the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or simply miss what used to be, the MSAD 52 counseling staff is right there with you. We are feeling it too.
Collectively, we have found that coming together to help our students, their families, and our staff is what gets us through. It feels good to lend a helping hand or listening ear. Doing something nice for someone else feels productive and gives us purpose.
Kindness can be equally rewarding for those who give it. It’s also shown to reduce stress, improve our immune system, and help us feel healthier overall!
Let’s face it, our schedules are looking real different these days. Instead of focusing on the practice you used to have or the family get togethers you used to attend, shift your perspective! The MSAD 52 counseling staff challenges you to use that time to generate kindness in our community! You could help out a neighbor or make a card for a grandparent you haven’t seen in a while. Doing something for someone else helps us feel connected and fulfilled - two emotions we could all use a little more of in 2021!
Brain chemistry
These are two "feel good" chemicals.
Good health
- Increased life expectancy
- Feeling less lonely
- Stronger immune system
- Fewer aches and pains
- Decrease in anxiety
- Less depression
Stress response
Our stress response is shaped by what we focus on.
For more information about how kindness can improve our health, please read this article:
Kindness makes you healthier and happier
For ideas on kind acts you can do with your family, please check out this article:
How will you choose kindness today?
_____________________________________________
12/16/20
Which child might be feeling anxious?
Answer: All of them. Anxiety can look quite different in each child.
Ever wonder what it might mean when your child says, “I don’t want to” or there is a sudden explosion of anger coming from seemingly nowhere? As a parent, you might feel frustrated because you are not sure how to react or “fix” the problem.
Here are seven statements a child might make that could mean they are anxious about something currently happening. These statements do not mean the child has long-term anxiety, but looking deeper at what is occurring in the moment can help you and your child solve the problem more quickly and teach your child the skills to overcome it the next time it happens.
Is there a pattern to the stomach aches? When are they happening? Talk with your child about what leads up to the stomach ache and then teach them coping skills to manage the anxious moment. Slow deep breathing and positive self-talk can help.
What’s behind the avoidance? Has something changed about the activity? Talk with your child about it. Allowing them to avoid the activity will actually increase their anxiety.
Stop what you are doing if you can and sit with your child. Help them calm down and then explore what happened and how they could react differently. Don’t shame them or match their anger with your anger.
Crying can actually be a good reaction to release anxiety and energy. Sit with your child and let them know it’s okay to cry for a bit to let it out. When the tears slow down or stop, gently try to process what was happening beforehand.
This statement is your child trying to work out their worries by thinking of every scenario that could happen. GoZen suggests switching “What if...?” to “So what if...?” This subtle shift changes the problem to thinking of solutions.
The connection between sleep and anxiety is very clear. Set consistent routines around bedtime, shut off screen time an hour before bedtime, and tuck your child in with a hug and rub of the back.
Anxiety can creep into a new situation when the child feels challenged or unsure about how to do something. Encourage them to try the task, break the task down into smaller parts, or take a break and go back to it. As easy as it is for parents to just do the task for the child, it doesn’t teach the child that they can master it; in fact, it teaches them that they cannot do it. Support your child as they try it over and over and encourage them along the way.
For more information, please read the article from GoZen:
11/18/20
Holidays are quickly approaching. The season always comes upon us before we know it. For your family, this year could be quite different than any other year. It might be worth a pause to think about how it will be different and what you can do to make it as special as years past .
What will the challenges be? Which traditions can we continue? Are there new traditions we can create? How can we connect with family we cannot visit? How can I provide a special meal for my family? Is there something we can do to help others in our community? Are family members experiencing disappointment, sadness, or anxiety because of the changes to holiday plans?
Many of these questions and more may be swirling around in your mind. Take some time to talk with your family about the concerns, validate feelings, and provide understanding. Together come up with suggestions on how to make this year a memorable one. When we encourage children to think about solutions, we help build resiliency, which is the ability to manage and overcome challenges.
Here are some suggestions:
- Choose a new side dish to prepare - something you have never cooked before
- Gather some turkey jokes and riddles to share
- Make Thanksgiving place mats for each guest
- Create a thankful card for each guest
- Create an outside Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
- Send cards and photos to relatives who cannot visit
- Give to the local food pantry
10/28/20
On behalf of all school counselors and social workers in MSAD 52, I would like to welcome you back to the 2020-21 school year. It certainly is a different kind of year as we settle into the routine of school during a pandemic Our wish is that all students are back in the buildings together, as one complete school community, but unfortunately, that is just not possible yet. However, we intend to do the best we can under the circumstances and hope to help you navigate through the changes in routine as best we can.
This newsletter will be published monthly throughout the school year and will hopefully contain items that you find useful, entertaining, and timely. Please understand that we are here to help and we encourage you to reach out when you have questions. This particular newsletter will ideally supply you with the names/numbers/emails of the various people from whom you may need assistance at any given time. If you are uncertain about who can assist you, simply reach out to your school counselor and she can certainly direct you to the right place.
I encourage you to take care of yourselves and each other as we work through this school year together. My best advice: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can" (Arthur Ashe). No one is expecting perfection.
~Heidi Poulin, Director of Guidance
Our contact info
Leavitt Area High School
Heidi Poulin, School Counselor at LAHS heidi.poulin@msad52.org
Nicole Drew, School Counselor at LAHS nicole.drew@msad52.org
Sarah Frank, School Counselor at LAHS sarah.frank@msad52.org
Amy McNamara, Substance Abuse Counselor at LAHS amy.mcnamara@msad52.org
Erika Ouellette, Social Worker at LAHS erika.ouellette@msad52.org
Tripp Middle School
Brooke Newton, School Counselor at TMS brooke.newton@msad52.org
Papawadee Yooman (Pook), Social Worker at TMS papawadee.yooman@msad52.org
Turner Elementary School
Carlene Treadwell, School Counselor at TES carlene.treadwell@msad52.org
Kara Bryant, Social Worker at TPS, TES, LCS kara.bryant@msad52.org
Turner Primary School
Kayla Marston, School Counselor at TPS kayla.marston@msad52.org
Greene Central School
Jennifer Simmons, School Counselor at GCS jennifer.simmons@msad52.org
Melissa Tremblay, Social Worker at GCS melissa.tremblay@msad52.org
Leeds Central School
Liz Cook, School Counselor at LCS liz.cook@msad52.orgFood Pantry Locations in our Community
Turner
224-8256
Greene
946-5505
Leeds
524-5444
Tech Support for Seesaw & Google Classroom
Check out Geoff Cyr's Technology Page with lots of helpful hints for using any device or virtual app with your child:
6/3/20
As summer comes, we're here
Let the sun shine on your soul
Soak it up.
We will all be here through out summer and when we return in the fall. You can reach out to us whenever you need us. Our contact information is below, as well as community mental health and crisis supports.
School Counselors & Social Workers Contact Info
Leavitt Area High School
Heidi Poulin, School Counselor at LAHS heidi.poulin@msad52.org
Nicole Drew, School Counselor at LAHS nicole.drew@msad52.org
Sarah Frank, School Counselor at LAHS sarah.frank@msad52.org
Amy McNamara, Substance Abuse Counselor at LAHS amy.mcnamara@msad52.org
Erika Ouellette, Social Worker at LAHS erika.ouellette@msad52.org
Tripp Middle School
Brooke Newton, School Counselor at TMS brooke.newton@msad52.org
Papawadee Yooman (Pook), Social Worker at TMS papawadee.yooman@msad52.org
Turner Elementary School
Carlene Treadwell, School Counselor at TES carlene.treadwell@msad52.org
Kara Bryant, Social Worker at TPS, TES, LCS kara.bryant@msad52.org
Turner Primary School
Kayla Marston, School Counselor at TPS kayla.marston@msad52.org
Greene Central School
Jennifer Simmons, School Counselor at GCS jennifer.simmons@msad52.org
Melissa Tremblay, Social Worker at GCS melissa.tremblay@msad52.org
Leeds Central School
Liz Cook, School Counselor at LCS liz.cook@msad52.orgCall 1-888-568-1112
Visit Sweetser for more information.
(for youth 14-20 years old)
Text (207) 515-8398
Visit NAMI for more information.
Call 211
Text your zip code to 898-211
Visit 211 Maine for more information.
5/20/20
Running on tired legs
How full is your cup?
The truth is, when we spend time doing something that makes us feel good, we are doing wonders for the people around us too. Our brains and our bodies are more calm and able to handle stress when we have taken care of our own needs. Basically, when you feel good, you can do good!
Now more than ever, it's important to know what our stress triggers are (the things that deplete our energy) and what rejuvenates us (the things that restore our energy). Modeling self-care for our students/children is paramount in helping them develop this skill for themselves.
Check out a couple of resources to try below - find what works for you!
What does our staff do for self-care activities?
Mrs. Bickford (GCS) is sending positive vibes!
Mrs. Rombalski (TPS) is zooming with her students!
Mrs. Ellis (TMS) is singing in Quarantine Karaoke!
Mrs. Bubier (GCS) is taking hiking trips!
Mrs. Cunningham (TMS) is scrapbooking!
Mrs. Northrup (TES/GCS) is spending time with her dog, Jackman!
Mrs. Aldrich (GCS) is making puzzles!
Miss LeBourdais (TPS) is enjoying some trails with her pups!
Mr. Fournier (GCS) built a CNC router!
5/6/20
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Really, thank you doesn't seem like enough...
We couldn't do what we do without your support and collaboration. Thank you for all of your compassion, patience, and willingness to try new things (even when it's hard).
We appreciate you!
-Much love from your school counselors and social workers
Activities for family fun at home!
SEL challenge and scavenger hunt
Click on this link to see the list larger: SEL Challenge and Scavenger Hunt
Quarantine time capsule
Click on this link to download directions and materials to help you create your own capsule: Big Life Journal Time Capsule
Fun activities for bored teens (and their families!)
Click this link for the full list: 100 Fun Activities
Rock painting
Check out this link for easy rock painting ideas: Rock Painting 101
What is our MSAD 52 staff up to?
Ms. Girouard, GCS
Miss Hibler, TMS
Mrs. Kyajohnian, GCS
4/29/20
Guidance for high school students and their parents
Encouraging social teens to stay distant
There are many lessons to be learned beyond the classroom during this time. The value of a shared community/state/national goal is difficult to teach, and yet, we are immersed in that very circumstance right now. This article may provide you with something you can use when speaking with your teenager about the importance of social distancing: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-online/202003/how-talk-teens-young-adults-about-social-distancing
How to pick a college during Coronavirus
The following article discusses the different things to consider when making a decision on which college to attend: https://www.npr.org/2020/04/01/825486336/heres-how-to-pick-a-college-during-coronavirus
Calculating the cost of college
Finance Authority of Maine
NAMI Maine offering new Teen Text Line
You are not alone! Send the Teen Text Support Line a text at (207) 515-8398.
Visit https://www.namimaine.org/page/teentextline for more information.
Please note: This is not a crisis line. If you believe that you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Maine's Statewide Crisis Line at (888) 568-1112.
Messages from your school counselors & social workers!
Mrs. Poulin
Mrs. Tremblay
4/15/20
In Search Of: Grace, Patience, & Love
Take a moment to look at these two images. Does any of this look or sound familiar to you?
Whether you are a parent of a young child or a teenager (or both), you have likely seen some out-of-the-norm behavior from them lately. And we’re here to say, it’s okay.
It’s okay if your child/teen doesn’t complete all of their assigned work, read all the pages they’re supposed to today, or feels so yucky that they’re spreading bad vibes to everyone else in the house. Kids and teens are humans too and will have off days, negative attitudes, and really hard feelings - just like grown-ups do.
It’s okay if your child/teen doesn’t want to participate in every Zoom call or Google Meet set up with their teacher(s) or family members. Sometimes connecting through video chats can leave us with a seriously heavy dose of sadness. Let them choose.
And for you, parents, it’s okay if you’re struggling to manage working from home (or working in the community still) while also being your child’s/teen’s teacher and parent. Trying to do two or three full-time jobs will leave you depleted, and probably extra cranky too. Find what works for your family, and let go of the rest.
Now is the time for GRACE, PATIENCE, and LOVE. Find a balance of encouraging a little academic work, learning through exploration (go outside!), playing or cooking together as a family, and letting go of the guilt about too much screen time. The kids will be alright.
Check out a few good tips below to help you through. This too shall pass.
Name it to tame it
https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief
Focus on what you can control
https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief
Flip your thinking
Messages from your school counselors & social workers!
Ms. Ouellette
Ms. Drew
4/8/20
Finding your new normal
A heartfelt message of gratitude from one of us
I am a school social worker, a mom, a wife, a friend, a community member...
Four weeks ago I had a set routine and a fairly predictable life (some might even say boring). I went to school everyday and supported students, and came home to a busy life with my middle school daughter. Homework and after school activities. We were on the treadmill of life and juggling but we managed - it was our normal.
And then COVID-19 happened.
Distance learning began. We can handle that. We rearranged our home space to accommodate working from home and helping my daughter with her school work. It was only for two weeks afterall.
Enter week three. What was supposed to be two weeks has turned into a mandatory “stay-at-home” order until at least May 1st. Conversations have changed. The novelty of distance learning is wearing off. Students are struggling to do their work. Parents are frustrated. Everyone is stressed.
What started as a temporary plan has all of a sudden turned into our new normal. Except, none of us know what that new “normal” is supposed to look like. Not only were the students and families I work with struggling, but I noticed that I was feeling frustrated, lost, and overwhelmed too. My daughter was tearful, expressing stress and anxiety over the amount of work she had to complete and was spinning. I found myself getting very frustrated with my daughter and myself for not managing things better. Why couldn’t I get it together?
I had lost sight of the bigger picture. We are in the midst of a GLOBAL PANDEMIC! An event of this kind is LIFE CHANGING. Our stress levels, anxieties, and frustrations are completely normal and understandable. How should we know how to manage a situation we have never encountered before? We are learning as we go. Mistakes will happen. I had to take a step back and remember this. We need to be gentle with ourselves and gentle with each other. Self-care and care of one another is a priority and everything else will fall into place.
So here is where my gratitude comes into play. Recently, Superintendent Kim Brandt sent us all a message. It was a message of compassion and understanding that I needed to hear. I believe we all need to hear it. Please take a moment to listen to Kim Brandt’s message below.
Messages from your school counselors & social workers!
Mrs. Newton
Ms. Frank
Mrs. McNamara
4/1/20
What is mindfulness?
The buzz word is mindfulness. “Be mindful.” “Take a mindful moment.” What is it really? How does it work? What’s the point of teaching children? Why is it all the rage?
In simple terms, MINDFULNESS is being aware of the present moment and having an awareness of our thoughts, feelings, body, sensations, and surrounding environment. Taking a moment to just be still and aware of what is happening. This small shift in our attention can make a world of a difference. It allows us to create a space. In that space is the power to replace impulsive reactions or words with thoughtful responses and actions.
For parents, it allows us to take a moment and choose a thoughtful healthy response versus a knee jerk reaction which might escalate a situation. For children, it helps them improve their abilities to pay attention, to calm down when they are upset, and to make better decisions. In short, it helps with emotional regulation and cognitive focus.
The information above was borrowed from these resources. Check them out for more:
Mindful.org https://www.mindful.org/jon-kabat-zinn-defining-mindfulness/
Mindful Schools https://www.mindfulschools.org/
Huff Post https://www.huffpost.com/entry/8-ways-to-teach-mindfulness-to-kids_b_5611721
Try it yourself
Try it with your child
Try it together
Check out this video of Ms. Marston and her daughter modeling
3 quick mindful moments you can try at home!
Messages from your school counselors & social workers!
Mrs. Treadwell
Mrs. Pook
Mrs. Cook
3/25/20
How to take care of YOU!
- Eat healthfully to keep your body in top working order.
- Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, whether we’re working out at home or taking a solo jog around the neighborhood.
- Practice relaxation therapy. Focusing on tensing and relaxing muscle groups can help you relax voluntarily when feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious.
- Let light in. For some people, increased exposure to light can improve symptoms of depression. If you can, open the shades and let more sunlight in.
- Be kind to yourself! Treat yourself with the same compassion you would a friend.
- Stay connected. Even if you can’t get together face-to-face, you can stay connected to friends, family and neighbors with phone calls, text messages, video chats and social media. If you’re feeling lonely, sad or anxious, reach out to your social support networks. Share what you are feeling and offer to listen to friends or family members about their feelings. We are all experiencing this scary and uncertain time together.
- Monitor media consumption. While you might want to stay up-to the minute with COVID-19 news, too much exposure can be overwhelming. Balance media consumption with other activities you enjoy, such as reading, cooking or listening to music. (Kapil, 2020).
Messages from your school counselors & social workers!
Ms. Simmons
Mrs. Bryant
Ms. Marston
3/19/20
Welcome to our first newsletter!
In an effort to stay balanced and connected during these uncertain times, the School Counselors and Social Workers in MSAD 52 would like to offer a regular newsletter for students, parents, staff, and the community.
Each newsletter will feature resources and ideas around mental health and wellness.
Crisis Support Services
Even among the recommendations of social distancing, we can use our devices to access the help and support we need when we need it. Please check out these websites with more information about the crisis support services available in our community.
Hotline and Crisis Numbers: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/hotlines.shtml
Crisis Services through Sweetser: https://www.sweetser.org/programs-services/services-for-adults/crisis-services/
Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine: https://www.namimaine.org/
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, please talk with a trusted adult. You are not in this alone! Parents, teachers, counselors, and social workers are here to help. :)
Food Pantry Locations in our Community
Turner
224-8256
Leeds
524-5444
Greene
946-5505
School Counselors and Social Workers Contact Information
Leavitt Area High School
Heidi Poulin, School Counselor at LAHS heidi.poulin@msad52.org
Nicole Drew, School Counselor at LAHS nicole.drew@msad52.org
Sarah Frank, School Counselor at LAHS sarah.frank@msad52.org
Amy McNamara, Substance Abuse Counselor at LAHS amy.mcnamara@msad52.org
Erika Ouellette, Social Worker at LAHS erika.ouellette@msad52.org
Tripp Middle School
Brooke Newton, School Counselor at TMS brooke.newton@msad52.org
Papawadee Yooman (Pook), Social Worker at TMS papawadee.yooman@msad52.org
Turner Elementary School
Carlene Treadwell, School Counselor at TES carlene.treadwell@msad52.org
Kara Bryant, Social Worker at TPS, TES, LCS kara.bryant@msad52.org
Turner Primary School
Kayla Marston, School Counselor at TPS kayla.marston@msad52.org
Greene Central School
Jennifer Simmons, School Counselor at GCS jennifer.simmons@msad52.org
Melissa Tremblay, Social Worker at GCS melissa.tremblay@msad52.org
Leeds Central School
Liz Cook, School Counselor at LCS liz.cook@msad52.org