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Meyer Middle School

Student Services Student and Parent Connection

January 2024

Mental Health Spotlight

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Our goal is to connect with students and parents on what is happening in the School Counseling Department and to provide resources.

Here is what is included in this issue:

-Mental Health Spotlight

-Chill Week

-Croix Chronicles

-9th Grade Registration

-A Note from the Team

December

November

October

September

Previous Newsletters

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons of the year, mostly fall and winter. It is believed that the lack of daylight triggers a chemical change in the brain and can lead to depressive symptoms. If you think you or your student may be depressed, please see a healthcare provider for help.

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Loss of interest and pleasure; social withdrawal.
  • Irritability and feeling anxious
  • Feelings of guilt of hopelessness
  • Increased sleep paired with daytime fatigue
  • Trouble thinking clearly or focusing
  • Craving sweets or carbohydrates
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches

Ideas to Help Manage Symptoms:

  • Increase your exposure to natural light and/or a light therapy box
  • Eat balanced meals that incorporate vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, eggs, and mushrooms
  • Exercise for at least an hour per week
  • Connect with family and friends
  • Talk to a mental health professional

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Chill Week

Our department is excited to be hosting our third annual Chill Week at Meyer Middle School the week of January 29th - February 2nd. We will have daily themes, activities, and prize giveaways to promote teen mental health and wellness. We will also have a guest speaker, Kat Perkins, on Tuesday January 30th. Kat has a long musical career including appearing on season 6 of The Voice. Kat is now a nationally recognized speaker who travels across the country to speak to students about following their dreams, living a Fearless life, and making a positive impact on the world. Kat brings music to schools to make presentations engaging to all.

Check out the flyer attached to this newsletter to learn more about Kat and her performance at MMS!

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Croix Chronicles

9th Grade Registration Information

@croixchronicles

A Note from the Team

As we approach the start of the second semester, it’s fun to take a look at some of Croix’s data. He’s had 207 requests for visits so far and 51% of them are from students in 7th grade!

Croix has been grateful he can still provide outdoor walks with students thanks to the mild weather. However, he loves to play in the snow so he wouldn’t be sad if some fresh snow made an appearance soon!

It’s that time of year where we begin preparing 8th graders for High School Registration!

On 1/17/24 students will attend a High School welcome presentation at MMS during the school day where they will learn about the transition to High School, clubs, activities and course options. Students will receive a folder of information to take home at the end of this presentation. This folder will include course options and a 4 year planning guide that they will fill out and bring back to school.

On 1/25/24 and 1/26/24 Mrs. Dusek will be in Science classrooms to help students complete course registration. Students will need to bring their 4 year planning guide to Science that day so we can request elective courses in the Infinite Campus portal. You will receive a final copy of your students course requests to sign the following week.

If you have any questions about 9th grade registration, reach out to Mrs. Dusek!

As we enter 2024, our department is taking the time to reflect and appreciate the support that our School Counseling Department has at MMS. Each year, we are able to offer amazing opportunities to our students, staff and families. Check out our newest bulletin board with some highlights from

the past year!

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