Counselor Connection
Special Edition October 2020
October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
Digital Citizenship Week: October 19 - 23!
All of us are spending so much time online; let's take a few minutes to learn how to make the most of our screen time. NISD's digital citizenship website hosts a wealth of resources for your family; explore the website or click the buttons below to see a few highlights.
Red Ribbon Week: October 26 - 30!
The next National Take Back Day will be October 24, 2020. This event is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country.
Test your knowledge. Do you know what this is?
This is a new form of marijuana. It is a concentrate consisting of highly potent THC. It is most similar in appearance to either honey or butter, which is why it is referred to or known on the street as “honey oil”, “budder”, or "dab".
Visit the website below for more information.
How can you tell if your child is using drugs or alcohol?
Teens are known to have mood swings. However, some behavior may indicate more serious issues, such as abuse of drugs and alcohol. Here are some of the warning signs of drug use.
Problems at school
- Frequently forgetting homework.
- Missing classes or skipping school.
- Disinterest in school or school activities.
- A drop in grades.
Physical signs
- Lack of energy and motivation.
- Red eyes and cheeks or difficulty focusing - alcohol use.
- Red eyes and constricted pupils - marijuana use.
- A strange burn on your child’s mouth or fingers – smoking something (possibly heroin) through a metal or glass pipe.
- Chronic nosebleeds – cocaine abuse.
Neglected appearance
- Lack of interest in clothing, grooming, or appearance is not normal. Teenagers are usually very concerned about how they look.
Changes in behavior
- Teenagers enjoy privacy, but be aware of excessive attempts to be alone.
- Exaggerated efforts not to allow family members into their rooms.
- Not letting you know where they go with friends, or whom they go with.
- Breaking curfew without a good excuse.
- Changes in relationships with family.
Changes in friends
- No longer is friends with childhood friends.
- Seems interested in hanging out with older kids.
- Acts secretive about spending time with new friends.
Money issues
- Sudden requests for money without a good reason.
- Money stolen from your wallet or from safe places at home.
- Items gone from your home. (May be sold to buy drugs.)
Specific smells
- Odor of marijuana, cigarettes, or alcohol on teen’s breath, on clothing, in the bedroom, or in the car.
Drug paraphernalia
- Finding items in your child’s room, backpack, or car related to drug use. (Read the guide to drug paraphernalia here.)
Parents! Please tell us what you need! Fill out the survey below.
Northside Safeline
Safeline is a proactive telephone hotline used to increase safety at Northside schools. The system is an automated voicemail and text message system that is monitored and managed by the Northside ISD police department. It is operated 7-days a week, 24-hours a day and addresses reports of crime, violations of district policy and safety concerns. The system is completLY anonymous, although callers are encouraged to leave their names and telephone numbers. For more information, go to: https://nisd.net/safeline
Call us, E-mail Us, Follow us!
6th grade: Michael Geraci
michael.geraci@nisd.net 210-397-5027
selina.vasquez@nisd.net 210-397-5026
8th grade: Katrina DuVal
katrina.duval@nisd.net 210-397-5025
Website: www.nisd.net/rudder/
Location: 6558 Horn Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-397-5032
Twitter: @RMSCounselors48