RHS Counselors Connection
May 2019 Edition
Welcome!
This May is Mental Health Month and we are expanding our focus to raise awareness about the connection between physical health and mental health, through the theme #4Mind4Body. We are exploring the topics of animal companionship, spirituality and religion, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness. A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help people recover from these conditions. For those dealing with a chronic health condition and the people who care for them, it can be especially important to focus on mental health. When dealing with dueling diagnoses, focusing on both physical and mental health concerns can be daunting – but critically important in achieving overall wellness.
There are things you can do that may help. Finding a reason to laugh, going for a walk with a friend, meditating, playing with a pet, or working from home once a week can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy. The company of animals – whether as pets or service animals— can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to recover from illnesses. A pet can be a source of comfort and can help us to live mentally healthier lives. And whether you go to church, meditate daily, or simply find time to enjoy that cup of tea each morning while checking in with yourself – it can be important to connect with your spiritual side in order to find that mind-body connection. We want everyone to know that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is always the goal. Living a healthy lifestyle may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes. Finding the balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, physical health and mental health, can help you on the path towards focusing both #4Mind4Body.
For more information, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.
Resources for Seeking Help:
If you feel that you or someone you know is in life threatening danger Call 9-1-1
Domestic Violence Helpline 1-800-799-7233
Sexual Assault Support Services 775-221-7600
Clay County Behavioral Health (available 24/7) 904-291-5561
Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a Resource hotline that can put you in touch with help for mental health treatment, medical services, financial assistance, food, shelter, clothing and so much more (or go to www.nefl211.org)
Tips for Parents to Build Healthy Emotional and Mental Health
Despite the fact that children may not actively seek out a conversation with you, it is important to engage with them on a regular basis so that you become part of the support system they look to when they are in trouble. For example, a poll conducted by KidsHealth found that “kids said they were stressed out the most by: grades, school, and homework (36%); family (32%); and friends, peers, gossip, and teasing (21%).” However, only 22% of these kids dealt with their stress by talking to their parents. [1] So, be prepared for the variety of issues that can “stress out” your children.
Below are some pointers that can help you address the needs of children in various age groups. To see the full article with all age groups listed, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/healthy-mental-and-emotional-development
Stay Informed...
Summer Reading
If you want to keep up your skills in other ways, check out these resources:
March2Success- a great site to practice for the ASVAB, ACT, SAT or other academic disciplines. Free to everyone. For ACT/SAT practice, sign up for the College Preparation class.
Khan Academy- has free courses in almost all subject areas if you want to review a particular class that was more challenging to ensure you are prepared for the next level course (such as math) or if you want to preview topics that you will cover in an upcoming class (including AP courses).
Clay County Library- don't forget to check out the library this summer to find books of interest, take a class, or join a book discussion group.
Summer Volunteer Work
Community service hours are not required for graduation but are required for the different levels of Bright Futures Scholarships. Earning hours is also a way for you to get to know more about possible career fields, enhance your college admissions resume and to gain valuable experience.
Where can I go to get Community Service Hours? Click on the links below for ideas & sign up to receive notifications from the department when opportunities are shared (see RESOURCES page)
Volunteer Match - use this site to enter your availability and it will match you with potential volunteer opportunities
Orange Park Non-Profits - visit this site for a list of non-profit organizations in Orange Park
Clay County Animal Services (904) 269-6342
Clothes Closet of Clay County (904) 264-5239
Food Pantry of Green Cover Springs (904) 535-5789
Community Hospice Thrift Shop (904) 998-1718
Haven Hospice Resale Store (904) 215-7130
Waste Not Want Not (904) 687-6327
UNF- Summer Reading Program (Ages 4-Adult)
http://unf.readingprograms.org/ad/
Savannah College of Art & Design
http://www.scad.edu/academics/pre-college-summer-programs/scad-summer-seminars
Florida Film Academy- Winter Garden FL
http://flfilmacademy.com/summer-2018-winter-garden/
iD Tech- University of North Florida
https://www.idtech.com/locations/florida-summer-camps/university-of-north-florida
UCF- SuperCamp
https://www.supercamp.com/high-school/
For more programs available, visit our summer programs page by CLICKING HERE
High School Credit Recovery June 17th - July 9th (Mon-Thurs 8:00 am - 11:30 am)
Students may only take 1 credit during Credit Recovery hours (additional course needs can be met by signing up for Clay Virtual Academy or Florida Virtual Academy)
Curriculum will be delivered via computer with teachers available for assistance
Cost is $100 technology fee (ESE & Free/Reduced lunch qualifies for fee waiver)
Algebra I Credit Recovery June 17th- July 16th (Mon-Thurs 8:00 am - 11:30 am)
Only available for ESE students
No cost
No school on July 4th or 5th
Students will retake the Alg I EOC during the last few days
Algebra I Boot Camp July 10th - July 12th (Mon-Thurs 8:00 am - 11:00 am)
For any standard diploma student who did not pass the Alg I EOC
$50 cost (ESE & Free/Reduced lunch qualifies for fee waiver)
Students will take the Alg I EOC on the last day
The School Counseling Department will mail home invitations to attend summer school as soon as final grades are processed but feel free to contact us as soon as possible if you think your son or daughter may need to attend.
Scholarships 101
ILA Scholarship
The ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund, Port of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Business Community provide this scholarship to a high school senior with a 3.0 or higher GPA, demonstrated financial need and community service. Paper applications are located in the scholarship box in the RHS Counseling Office or can be found online at www.ilascholarshipfund.org. Deadline: May 31, 2019
Community Foundation of Northeast Florida
Numerous opportunities for high school seniors in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns county. Award amounts vary. Go to www.jaxcf.org. Deadline May 2019.
B. Davis Scholarship
Essay contest for high school juniors and senior who plan to attend an accredited college or university. Submit a 1,000 word essay- Describe the three characteristics of leadership you value most and why they are important. Award amount= $1,000. Go to www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarship.htm. Deadline May 2019.
James Beard Foundation
High school seniors who plan to enroll in a course of study leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree at a licensed or accredited culinary school. Award amounts vary. Go to www.jamesbeard.org/scholarships. Deadline May 2019.
Jason Ackerman Foundation
High school seniors who survived a tragic illness or circumstance. Minimum 2.5 GPA. Award amount varies. Go to www.becauseofjason.org/programs. Deadline May 2019.
Student Resources
SAP (Student Assistance Program) Counselor- Kim Barrera
The Student Assistance Program works with identified adolescents to screen for risk factors that may interfere with a student’s ability to positively cope with life challenges and stressors. The program consists of individual and/or group prevention activities where teens work with an SAP team member 1-4 times a month on a short term basis. SAP does not provide direct therapy services but can assist students with accessing services through Clay Behavioral Health. You can ask any of your teachers to go see Ms. Barrera in Building 5 room 554 or you can talk with your School Counselor to be referred for services.
Military Life Counselor- Atrews Bell
Mr. Bell provides a variety of services and/or referrals for students with a parent/guardian on active duty or retired military. This can include academic assistance, personal counseling, help with transitioning from school to school and much more. See your School Counselor for more details or stop by Mr. Bells office in Building 1 room 140.
Contact Us!
Pre-IB & IB Students
(904) 336- 8912
Lori.feathergill@myoneclay.net
Maria Littlejohn
Student Last Names A-E
(904) 336- 8904
Maria.littlejohn@myoneclay.net
Jackie Welch
Student Last Names F-L
(904) 336- 8903
Jacquelyn. welch@myoneclay.net
Margo Whyte
Student Last Names M-R
(904) 336-8902
Tabbatha Johns
Student Last Names S-Z
(904) 336-8906