Building Bridges
MS Counselors Newsletter October 2021
What's the "Scoop" at Palmyra Middle School?
It's that time! Red Ribbon Week is soon here. Red Ribbon Week is the nation's longest running drug use prevention program. Founded over 30 years ago to help teach drug prevention to our youth, we continue to celebrate and pledge to be Drug Free!
This year, Red Ribbon Week will kick off on October 23rd, 2021 and run until October 31st, 2021. This year's theme is "Drug Free Looks Like Me!" Our Palmyra Middle School LIFT team has developed their annual theme days where we invite all of our students and staff to show their pledge to be drug free.
In addition, we will continue to have our Red Ribbon Week writing contest, our team challenges, our student pledges to be drug free, and our grade level Red Ribbon Week presentations. Make sure to check in with your student to hear about all of the exciting things were are doing here at PAMS to celebrate being drug free!
Other News @ PAMS
Peer Mentoring Signups
If you have a student that you feel would benefit from peer tutoring, look no further! Our peer mentoring program is here to assist any student that would like some extra help during PAWS period. These students will meet weekly and work on organizational techniques, checking grades, setting goals, and assist with assignments. If you are interested in your child joining this program, please reach out to your grade level counselor.
PAMS Club List
If you would like additional information on any of the clubs listed below, please reach out to the club leader or your grade level counselor! Don't wait, sign up today!
Outdoor Education Updates
7th grade students will participate on the annual Fall Field Trip on the following days based on their camp weeks:
Tuesday October 12th, 2021: Mountain Week
Wednesday October 13th, 2021: Stream Week
Rain Date: Monday October 18th, 2021
Parent Orientation:
This event will be held on Wednesday November 10th, 2021 from 6:30pm-8:00pm. More info to follow on location for this meeting!
Mid Trimester Reminders
1.) Have them log into Powerschool and check grades and missing assignments. If there are any outstanding assignments, have your student find out if they are still able to submit.
2.) If your student is able and chooses to submit any outstanding assignments, have them email the teacher the name of the assignment and when they submitted it. Schoology will send teachers every time a student submits an assignment, so sometimes those emails don't come through right away.
3.) Connect with your student's teachers if they are struggling. They may have some great suggestions for study tips at home or ways to get them back on track during PAWS period.
4.) Encourage your student to use as much time during PAWS as they can to complete work and check in with their teachers if they need help.
5.) Reach out to your grade level counselor if you feel a peer tutor would be best for your student.
Great work for the first half of T1 PAMS! Keep it up and STAY STRONG!
Palmyra "Pawsitivity"
October Spotlight- Drug Prevention For Teens! Start the Conversation
Fentanyl is the strongest potent pain killer prescription (Tackett, June 2021). It has been found to be one of the leading causes of accidental overdoses over the last several years. Why? Many other prescriptions are often illegally manufactured and produced containing fentanyl without the users knowledge. That is what makes it even more dangerous.
Many of the targets for fentanyl and prescription medications are our youth. Why? Research shows that many choose these particular drugs to fit in, to relieve physical pain and to relieve emotional pain (Tackett, June 2021). Teens are found to get the drugs off of social media, from friends or stealing them from others.
So, as parents and educators, what can we do to help stop the spread?
1.) Start the conversation. Research shows that children that talk with an adult about drugs, their effects, and the dire consequences of drug use are 50% less likely to use drugs (Tackett, June 2021). This includes prescription medication.
2.) Be specific when talking about drugs. Use proper names (ie: Oxycodone, Fentanyl) . Let them know that many drugs, like prescription drugs that they may receive, are not what they seem. They are less likely to take the risk knowing that they really don't have control over what is out there.
3.) Do not keep prescription medications out and accessible.
4.) Be proactive and monitor teen social media accounts. Know the warning signs and the language that they use if they are trying to get drugs online (often times, there are specific phrases or emojis that they will use to reach out to others).
5.) Help them get involved in activities. Research shoes that the more involved a teen is in activities and interests, the less likely they are to try risky behaviors (drug use, skipping school, etc) (Tackett, June 2021). Reach out to your school and see what clubs, sports and activities they have to offer. Check your local communities for any groups that allow your child to explore their hobbies and interests.
6.) Promote drug education in schools and communities.
7.) Get treatment and do the research. The more we know, the more readily we are able to intervene and help.
" Drug Free Looks Like Me!"
October Challenge- Take the Pledge!
"Drug Free Looks Like Me!"
Contact Us!
Jennifer Garrison- 7th Grade Counselor
Sara Dorwart- 8th Grade Counselor
Andrew Capodanno- Counseling Intern (Fall)
Lindsay Knepp- School Social Worker (Secondary)
Janine Burrows- Counseling Secretary
Location: 50 West Cherry Street, Palmyra, PA, USA
Phone: 7178381331
Twitter: @PAMSCounselors