I hope this message finds you and your loved ones well during these difficult times.
In the midst of a global pandemic, we are experiencing widespread protests and unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd. These times have engendered fear and anger for many of us.
As your counselor, I want you to know I am here for you – to help process emotions, to offer support, or just to lend a listening ear. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. This fall, we will use Phoenix as a forum to continue discussions around race, racism as well as institutional and implicit bias.
Each one of you instills confidence for a brighter future – for all of us. Wishing you well as you embark on your summer break. I encourage you to use this time to do what brings you joy.
Are you a low-income high school junior who has excelled academically, but feels that the nation’s best colleges are financially out of reach?
The QuestBridge National College Match can be your pathway to a top college. Through this college and scholarship application process, you can apply for free to the nation’s best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship from the college.
The application opens late summer. For more information (including a fun video), visit:
SYRCL is excited to announce a FREE week-long, overnight summer science expedition for local 10th-12th graders, and graduating seniors, to engage in local climate action and watershed restoration efforts!
Apply for our Youth Outdoor Leadership Opportunity (YOLO) Expedition, and if you’re selected, spend a week on a fully funded research expedition studying meadows in Tahoe National Forest alongside real scientists and other students.
**While the dates for our upcoming YOLO expedition are subject to change, we are still in the process of recruiting students for the program, as we would like our team to be ready for yet another awesome YOLO trip when the time comes.
Interested in learning more about a variety of college/university options – both U.S. and international? Register for online sessions happening the weekend of May 29-30. (This weekend is for international students.) There will also be information sessions on essay writing, STEM, the liberal arts and studying overseas. Sessions are filling up fast, so register soon at explore.cialfo.co/webinars.
California Assembly Concurrent Resolution 172 declares May 4-8, 2020 to be the inaugural annual “Student Mental Health Week” in California.
Monday… Mental Wellness: Redefining our Health from a Wellness Perspective and Reducing Stigma
What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health problems
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely. (taken from MentalHealth.gov)
Promoting Wellness
We all need a break at times – an opportunity to relax, to refocus, to reflect. Visit the NJUHSD Virtual Calming Room to find tools and strategies for managing emotions and feelings.
Music Mondays Coping Strategy: Listening to music helps relax our brains and bodies. Spend 5 minutes listening to your favorite music or songs today. Solo dance parties and air guitars are allowed!
Try this Spotify playlist to lift your mood! tinyurl.com/mondaycoping
Reducing Stigma
The mission of Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) is to end the stigma and discrimination around mental illness. The Bring Change to Mind Teen Blog features posts from teens around the country – personal stories, poetry, advice and ideas abound.
Managing Mental Health
HOW FULL IS YOUR CUP? Stress happens when we carry more than our minds and bodies are designed to handle (i.e. our cup becomes full). While stress is a normal part of life, it affects each of us differently. It’s important to talk about and seek help to manage our stressors (i.e. emptying our cup). During Student Mental Health Week (and beyond), take a moment to identify feelings and stressors along with coping strategies you use to feel better.
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