Dream Team Chronicles
Volume 8.
April Update!!
13 Reasons Why Netflix Series
The Wolcott High School Counseling team wants to make you aware of the recent release of the Netflix series Thirteen Reasons Why. This series is based on the book that was released 10 years ago. It follows a group of high school students as they follow the story that was left behind for them by their classmate who died by suicide. The trailer and advertisements for the series can be misleading. In watching the series, young people and teenagers could perceive the message that suicide is a viable and/or romanticized option. The content of the series is extremely graphic with troubling scenes throughout each episode, which may be difficult for the teenage mind to watch and process in an appropriate way.
The series has some of the following shortcomings:
· There is no mention of mental health and treatment options, as it references suicide throughout
· The idea of suicide is romanticized throughout
· There are no examples of help-seeking by the teens impacted
· There are several scenes throughout depicting serious trauma, which the teens do not seek help or resources for (i.e., rape, bullying, car accidents, fights, alcoholism, suicide)
· The series does not express what to do in harmful situations in terms of getting help or utilizing healthy coping skills
· The series is not meant to be an educational film, and it’s message does not comply with the health recommendations for treating mental health, and/or trauma, or preventing suicide
We wanted to make you aware of this if your child has read the book, watched the series, or heard of the series. If they have, please talk with them about it. We also suggest that you research the series so you understand what your child may be exposed to. Below is a list of talking points to help with these conversations, as well as a list of resources for your reference. Thank you for your attention to this very important topic. Should you feel you need more information or support, please contact the School Counseling Department.
Talking points for Thirteen Reasons Why*:
· Reassure your youth of your love and support. Remind your youth that there is no problem too great to be handled.
· The main character in the series was experiencing an untreated mental health problem. Suicide is not a common response to life’s challenges or adversity. The vast majority of people who experience bullying, the death of a friend, or any other adversity described in Thirteen Reasons Why do not die by suicide. In fact, most reach out, talk to others and seek help or find other productive ways of coping. They go on to lead healthy, normal lives.
· It is important to know that, there are many treatment options for life challenges, distress and mental illness. Mental illness is treatable. If you feel like you need support or someone to talk to, reach out. Talk with a friend, family member, a counselor, or therapist. There is always someone who will listen.
· You may have similar experiences and thoughts as some of the characters in Thirteen Reasons Why. People often identify with characters they see on TV or in movies. However, it is important to remember that there are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered in the series and acting on suicidal thoughts is not one of them.
· Suicide is never a heroic or romantic act. The main character's suicide (although fictional) is a cautionary tale, not meant to appear heroic and should be viewed as a tragedy.
· If you are concerned about someone, ask them about it. It will not make someone more suicidal or put the idea of suicide in their mind. Knowing how to acknowledge and respond to someone who shares their thoughts of emotional distress or suicide with you is important. Don’t judge them or their thoughts. Listen. Be caring and kind. Offer to stay with them. Offer to go with them to get help or to contact a crisis line.
· When you die, you do not get to make a movie or talk to people any more. Leaving messages from beyond the grave is a dramatization produced in Hollywood and is not possible in real life.
· The main character’s tapes blame others for her suicide. Suicide is never the fault of survivors of suicide loss. There are resources and support groups for suicide loss survivors.
*Resources: www.save.org www.jedfoundation.org
AP EXAMINATIONS BEGINNING MAY 1st
DATE: TEST: TIME:
MAY 1ST CHEMISTRY 8:00
MAY 1ST ENV. SCIENCE 8:00
MAY 1ST PSYCHOLOGY 12:00
MAY 2ND COMP. SCIENCE 8:00
MAY 4TH GOV AND POLITICS 8:00
MAY 8TH BIOLOGY 8:00
MAY 8TH MUSIC THEORY 8:00
MAY 9TH CALCULUS 8:00
MAY 12TH MICROECONOMICS 8:00
MAY 17TH MACROECONOMICS 8:00
MAY 17TH ENV. SCIENCE 12:00
MAY 18TH HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 8:00
WE NEED YOUR VOICE
Teacher layoff letters sent
BY ANDREW LARSON
REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
WOLCOTT — The Board of Education voted to issue nonrenewal notices for 30 teachers Monday night. "We do this with a very heavy heart," said Chairwoman Patricia Najarian.
The teachers come from all departments at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The list includes grade-level instructors, special education teachers, counselors and subject-specific teachers, including electives such as unified arts and business.
Superintendent Anthony Gasper selected the teachers, who are non-tenured, based on their teaching certificate and years of experience. Teachers in each certification area were included. Gasper said if the Town Council fully supports the Board of Education’s proposed 2017-18 budget, the board plans to rescind the notices. The school district’s proposal marks a 1.8 percent increase over this year. State law requires boards of education to, before May 1, notify teachers whose positions may be cut due to financial reasons. The notification is only precautionary and uncertainty over budget numbers doesn’t mean anyone will be laid off. However, if the Town Council cuts the school board’s budget, it may be unable to maintain current staffing levels and services. "The non-renewal notices are not the wishes of board," Gasper said. "The board’s budget includes full funding for these positions; however, it’s also the job of the board to prepare for other eventualities." Gasper said the precaution is necessary due to the state budget crisis. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget calls for a $5.7 million cut in Wolcott’s state funding next year. "I’m forced into this by the level of uncertainty out there created by the governor and state legislature," Gasper said. Non-renewal notices will be sent to 15 teachers at the high school, seven at the middle school and eight at the elementary schools. A layoff would average about $48,000 in savings from the budget.
The school board will present its budget to the Town Council on May 2 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. A public hearing is scheduled for May 16 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The Town Council is expected to approve the town’s budget on June 6.
UCONN ECE REGISTRATION PROCESS UNDERWAY
*STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON MAY 4TH FOR THE ECE APPLICATION*
Summer Youth Employment Program Now Taking Applications
The summer youth employment program is now accepting applications for students between the ages of 14-21. If interested in working 20 hours a week over the summer, please see Mrs. Fontanella, School Social Worker in the School Counseling Office. To be eligible you need to meet income requirements OR receive special education services. There are a number of students interested and a limited number of jobs, so get your application in as soon as possible!
Jill E. Fontanella, LCSW, LADC
Wolcott Public School Social Worker
203-879-8157
Springfield College Field Trip from April 18th
National Alliance on Mental Illness
On Thursday April 20th, all freshmen students participated in a presentation by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI presented on mental illness in regards to warning signs, seeking out help, stigma, and first-hand accounts of individuals living with mental illness. Students were provided information on how to help a friend that may be suffering from a mental illness. Please see the attached information sheets that were sent home with your students.
Wolcott High School Counseling Department
Email: amobley@wolcottps.org
Website: www.wolcottps.org
Location: Wolcott High School, Bound Line Road, Wolcott, CT, United States
Phone: 203-879-8157
Twitter: @dreamteamwhs
2016-2017 Counselor Breakout
Mrs. Taryn Villano-Corso
Seniors A-D 2017
Juniors A-E 2018
Sophomores A-D 2019
Freshman A-D 2020
Mrs. Alyssa Giedra
Seniors E-L 2017
Juniors F-Ma 2018
Sophomores E-L 2019
Freshman E-L 2020
Mrs. Kelley Brochu
Seniors M-R 2017
Juniors Mc-S 2018
Sophomores M-R 2019
Freshman M-Sa 2020
Ms. Aisha Mobley
Seniors S-Z 2017
Juniors T-Z 2018
Sophomores S-Z 2019
Freshman Sc-Z 2020