Mental Health Minute
Alief ISD
August 6, 2020 - First Day of Instruction
COVID-19 AND AT-HOME LEARNING
Institute of Digital Media and Child Development
“This is a stressful, unpredictable time for everyone, including families, parents and children. You can help your children by providing them with a structure and routine, and being a positive force in their education,” says Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra, President of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development.
Adverse Childhood Experiences is something everybody needs to know about. Check out the video below.
Parenting during a Pandemic: Tips for Parents Home for Extended Time Periods
Wendy S. Grolnick
Professor of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts
Why is Structure Important During a Disaster or Emergency?
Research on coping with disasters suggests that the structure is especially important for disaster or emergency situations. Changes in routines as a function of natural or man-made disasters make children feel like things are uncertain or out of control. And children tend to be very tuned in to the fact that, by definition, adults feel this way as well with the uncertainty of the situation. Research suggests that getting in to a predictable and consistent schedule and rhythm can help to qualm anxiety and help children feel like they have some control over their lives.
How Can I Implement Structure during this Time?
You can provide structure in a number of ways that will help you and your child feel more comfortable. For example:
- Establish a regular schedule for waking up, having meals, beginning schoolwork etc. Write down the daily schedule on a piece of paper or better yet a white board so that it is visible to all.
- Develop guidelines for the duration and type of screen time you would like your children to have. Of course, we might want to provide a bit more leeway for screen time when children are home-bound, but establishing some guidelines will help to keep the disagreements at bay.
- Create routines for meal preparation, school time etc. where a family member is responsible for each step
- Be sure to include a fun activity in the routine that children choose such as a game, putting on a play, or a family puzzle
Importantly, structure will be most effective when children have input into the guidelines, expectations, and routines. You can:
- Hold a meeting where family members provide input into the expectations. Ask each member their opinion about the best period for schoolwork, screen time, chores etc.
- Establish the decisions together.
- Allow children some choice into their responsibilities and schedule.
- Ask children to provide feedback about how things went at the end of each day.
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The uncertain times are difficult for both parents and children. Providing structure at home can help both parents and children feel some control over an uncontrollable situation.
U.S. Parents Say Covid-19 Harming Child's Mental Health
What's New
"Greetings! My name is Kristalyn James, the newest addition to the Elsik High School counseling team
and I am excited to join the Ram family! I am a North Carolina native where I graduated from THE best
HBCU there is, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Aggie Pride!) in Greensboro,
NC where I earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Education brought me to Texas by way of Teach For America (Houston*07) and allowed me the opportunity to attend Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas
(#WeAreLU) where I attained a Master in School Counseling. I am a former teacher and lover of all
things Science, but my passion is helping. I have served as a counselor for the past 4 years and cannot
wait to support students in reaching their potential. I look forward to getting to know Alief and learning
what it really means to be Alief Proud."
Kristalyn James
Krenesha King is joining the counseling family at Holmquist Elementary.
'I am Krenesha King and a proud Alief Alumni. Go Lions! I am currently a proud part of the Holmquist Elementary Counseling team after 8 years of teaching at Hastings Ninth Grade Center. I love children and seeing them grow and I am a helper at heart. My biggest rewards come in the forms of smiles and hugs from staff and students and the relationships that I get to form. I look forward to a great journey as we shape the future together.'
Krenesha King
We are also excited to welcome Lori T. Salazar to our counseling family at Budewig Intermediate.
'I am a wife and mother of two. I have been in education for 26 years, and I still love it!
I enjoy sitting outside in the morning to drink coffee and eating dinner with the entire family, even if it means eating at 8:00pm. I love that my daughters are independent (17 and 19 years old), but I miss their young days.
I have two sisters. One works in the district as an AP at Klentzman Intermediate, Laura Molina.
I am so excited to be a part of the Alief team!'
Lori T. Salazar
We know that Michael Lewis is going to do great things at Taylor High School, please welcome him to the counseling family.
Michael Lewis
'..... native Houston, relocated from Columbus, OH after 18 years. I have been a School Counselor for 6 years so starting my 7th year. I’m married to Dennis and our son, Austin is a 3rd grade Teacher in Columbus, OH. My family enjoys traveling, exercising, and hanging out with friends. I love working with middle age students because they are fun and you get to see the growth over the years. I love being a School Counselor because everyday is different and it allows you to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s exciting to be a part of the Budewig family! The team is awesome and always willing to help and have positive attitudes.'
Rhonda Clark
Dates to Remember
Naviance Course Planner 2.0 Training
Monday, August 10th
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
College Access Counselors and College Center Reps.
Tuesday, August 11th
9:00 am. – 11:00 a.m.
HS – EHS, ENGC, Crossroads, ALC, CLC, SOAR/LINC
Tuesday, August 11th
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
HS – HHS, HNGC, Taylor, Kerr, AECHS
Thursday, August 13th
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
MS Transition
Counseling meeting
Wednesday, September 2nd
8:30-11:00
Elementary and Intermediate
Wednesday, Sept 2nd
12:00-3:00
Middle and High School
Remember start planning for Suicide Prevention Month in September.