WHS Counseling News Hub
December 16, 2021
MONTHLY MENTAL HEALTH
For December, we are focusing on the theme of KINDNESS. We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected.
"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Scott Adams
10 Reasons to Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Common courtesy is becoming uncommon
It can brighten someone’s day
It can cause a ripple effect
It makes the world a nicer place
It takes the focus off of us
It reminds people that someone cares
Younger generations are watching
You never know what someone is going through
It’s encouraging
It makes you a happier person
Health Benefits of Kindness
Helping others feels good
Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of wellbeing.
It creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation
Helping others is thought to be one of the ways that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections.
It helps keep things in perspective
Many people don’t realize the impact a different perspective can have on their outlook on life. There is some evidence that being aware of our own acts of kindness, as well as the things we are grateful for, can increase feelings of happiness, optimism and satisfaction.
It helps to make the world a happier place – one act of kindness can often lead to more!
Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place. An act of kindness can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. They may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they’ve experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community.
The more you do for others, the more you do for yourself
The benefits of helping others can last long after the act itself, for those offering kindness, and those who benefit. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem.
Source: Mental Health Foundation-Kindness Matters Guide
Ways to Show Kindness
- Volunteering
- Send a message of appreciation
- Ask someone about their day
- Clean your community
- Open the door for someone
- Write encouragement on a friend’s social media
- Be kind to your server
- Offer support as a mentor for someone who is struggling
- Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
- Help with household chores
- Wish a passer-by a good morning or afternoon
- Be a considerate driver
Kindness Video
MENTAL HEALTH EVENT
Thursday, December 16th 6:00-7:30 pm
Presenter, Elizabeth Makulec, will discuss non-suicidal self-injury. Click on the flyer to register via the QR code. This presentation will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.
Click HERE for the flyer
COLLEGE | EVENTS
Mentors 4 College - Interview Practice
Attention Seniors!
Many of you are in the process of submitting college admissions and scholarship applications--congratulations on completing an important step in the process! Another step may be participating in an interview as part of the process for admissions or awarding scholarships. Mentors 4 College has volunteers who will help you prepare for these interviews. Go to mentors4college to sign up to be paired with a volunteer to do mock interviews so you are ready for your official interviews with college personnel. When you fill out the contact form, be sure to indicate that you want to practice interviewing skills. If you want help with other aspects of the college search and application process, check out the free resources on our website: mentors4college.org
Mentors 4 College - STEM Careers and College Options Webinar
Thursday, January 13th, 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Are you a high school student thinking about pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or math? Wondering what kind of college degree you need in order to get a job in a STEM field? There are tons of career and college options for you! Join M4C for our January webinar as we welcome admissions officers from St. Louis University and Purdue University as well as STEM professionals. The admissions officers will give you suggestions about what you can do in high school to make sure you are prepared to pursue STEM degree programs in college. The STEM professionals will share about the jobs they have and the educational path they followed to get there. Whether you are considering a STEM career or you know the position you are striving for, our presenters will share valuable information for you to consider in the college planning process.
Click HERE to register
The College Tour - Virtual College Visits
Many universities are streaming virtual college tours. Click HERE for past and upcoming episodes.
COLLEGE | WHS REP VISITS
Rep Visit Schedule
Below are the upcoming virtual visits for the next two weeks which are for Students Only
All scheduled rep visits and instructions on how students sign-up to attend them can be found HERE
There are no upcoming college rep visits
ARTS TRADES DAY 2022
Host: Andy Rice Trade Scholarship (ARTS) at Fern Ridge High School, 13157 Olive Spur Rd
Friday, February 18th 9:00 am - 1:00 pmThe ARTS Trades Day provides an immersive hands on experience for 30 students to:
- Learn about the construction trades industry from experiences with different companies.
- Participate in hands-on learning and informal interviews with prospective employers for summer internships, scholarships, jobs opportunities, apprenticeships, and training.
- Create parent awareness about the career opportunities in the construction trades field for their students.
- Earn a fair wage for their participation in a trade. ($70 per student)
Click HERE for more details
Click HERE to register by January 14th
_____________________Counseling Team___________________
Erin Sternberg (Last names A - Da)
314-415-7519
esternberg@parkwayschools.net
click HERE to make an appointment
Chris Lorenz (Last names De - H)
314-415-7521
clorenz1@parkwayschools.net
click HERE to make an appointment
Jennifer Wibbenmeyer (Last names I - Mi)
314-415-7517
jwibbenmeyer@parkwayschools.net
click HERE to make an appointment
Jennifer Skalski (Last names Mo - Se)
314-415-7512
jskalski@parkwayschools.net
click HERE to make an appointment
Jennifer Spotanski (Last names Sh - Z)
314-415-7523
jspotanski@parkwayschools.net
click HERE to make an appointment
SUPPORT STAFF
Cindy Devine – Front Desk Secretary
cdevine@parkwayschools.net
Stephanie Hornsby – Testing Coordinator
shornsby@parkwayschools.net
Lauren Rowe – College Secretary
lrowe1@parkwayschools.net