The Weber Wellness Corner
Weber Mental Health Department Newsletter Spring 2023
Spring is truly the season of renewal. As the weather warms and days get longer, our whole perspective shifts. Spring is the season that brings life back into what winter took away. It's the season that reminds us that change, though uncomfortable, isn't always a bad thing. Daylight savings time springs forward, meaning there's more light in the evening after months of it getting dark before the workday is done. Metaphorically speaking, spring reminds people that even after a hard season, something brighter, better, and more beautiful can bloom as a result. Regardless of what season happens to be your favorite, the first signs of spring can bring a sense of hope, rejuvenation, and fresh feelings.
Wintertime is still in effect, but if you're ready for spring to blossom, you're not alone. There are plenty of reasons to get excited for the new season. While there are still a few weeks left before we get to experience all that spring brings, reading our newsletter will help warm up your spirits as you wait!
Warm regards,
The Weber Mental Health Department
Thank You, School Counselors!
We are grateful to our Weber counselors for helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves.
We are fortunate to have Mrs. Mullins, Mrs. Shirian, Ms. VonSalzen and Mrs. Weiner as our School Counselors!
Tips to Spring Clean Your Child’s School Routine
Audit your daily routine: Take a look at your family’s morning routine and make adjustments for the season. Remember, routines are essential for consistency and success, so be sure to make the most of them
Give backpacks and lunch bags a thorough cleaning: (try for every day if you can’t at least do their lunchbox everyday and backpack weekly). Children’s school bags are notorious for bringing home forgotten items and unidentifiable messes. Sort through them and refresh.
Organize study and homework spaces: Having less clutter in your surroundings helps remove clutter from your mind. Tidy up workspaces to give the mind a reset.
Incorporate springtime learning activities: Use the nicer weather to turn learning into fun, hands-on activities for boosted engagement. It also moves the body - an active body = an active mind.
Check-in on mental health: Mental health plays a vital role in learning, affecting students’ ability to be present and learn.
- Map out remaining assignments and due dates: Reduce end-of-year school stress, such as achieving academic goals and earning good final grades.
Organizing Your Binder
Organize Your Google Drive to Match Your Binder
Google Classroom
*(First Link is in English and Second Link is in Spanish)*
7 Ways to Help Kids With Focus Issues Battle Spring Fever
Sleep and Nutrition for Teens with ADHD and Anxiety Issues
It is important for children to have a nutritional diet and get enough sleep every day. A healthy diet helps kids grow, develop, and do well in school. Getting enough sleep every night allows their bodies and brains to rest so they can perform their best during the day.
Good nutrition involves eating a variety of foods from all the food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. It is important for your child to eat breakfast every morning to jumpstart the metabolism and have the energy needed to learn and be active at school. Snacks throughout the day help keep energy up so your child can focus on their studies. Make sure to provide plenty of water too!
It is recommended that children ages 6-12 years old get 9-12 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping lets our bodies heal from the day’s activities and recharge for the next day. Not getting enough sleep can lead to problems paying attention and staying focused in school, getting along with others, being irritable or moody, having trouble controlling emotions or reactions, feeling sad or hopeless, losing interest in things that used to be fun, having headaches or stomach aches often, and gaining weight .
So make sure your child is eating nutritious meals and getting enough rest every day! It will help them feel their best and do their best in school (and life)!
A healthy diet is one of the most powerful ways to help your child, especially if they have attention and anxiety issues. Whether it’s staying away from sugar, or integrating a multitude of brain-boosting foods into their diet, you can help your child stay focused and relaxed. Click the article below to read about some of our favorite superfoods for overall brain health.
Proper Nutrition Starts at Home
Grocery Shopping for Teenagers
Focusing on the outer perimeter of a supermarket makes food shopping for your teenager a success. Avoid going down the aisles when possible, as most of those food items stocked there tend to be high in saturated fats, sugars, and salts. Start in the fresh produce section of the store and select dark green, red and orange vegetables. These food items are packed full of vitamin C, calcium and fiber, which create a healthy nutritional base for your teenager’s diet.
Keeping your teenager’s carbohydrate and protein needs in mind help you make smart choices when selecting grains, proteins, and dairy items. Avoid refined grain products like white bread and focus instead on whole grain products like whole wheat bread, oatmeal, and brown rice. Look for protein-rich foods to boost their mood and energize their body. These types of foods include seafood, eggs, turkey and chicken. Serving fat-free or low-fat dairy products boost calcium levels and enable strong bone growth.
You may be tempted to pick up a few processed food items as convenience options on busy nights. These items do more harm than good, though. Processed foods are typically high in sodium, which can send their blood pressure or cholesterol levels soaring to unhealthy levels. By limiting their sodium intake, you can work to manage their anxiety levels as well.
Helpful Resources To Go With This Article:
The Risks of Vaping
As it gets warmer outside, students are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including vaping. Vape products contain harmful chemicals such as nicotine, which can lead to addiction and harm to brain development. Because your brain is not fully developed until age twenty-five, exposure to nicotine can negatively impact attention, memory, learning, and mood.
Vaping can also cause:
- Feelings of anxiety and depression
Sleep problems
Chronic coughing/bronchitis
Shortness of breath
Eye irritation
Headaches
Nausea
A dry or irritated mouth and throat
You may want to talk to your child about vaping but don’t know where to start. Here are some tips for having a conversation with your child:
- Your goal is to keep the conversation going. Nothing shuts down communication faster than yelling, judging, criticizing, or pressuring. A better approach is to listen, ask questions, and be supportive. Listen more, talk less.
- Don’t freak out. Just because they know or are asking about vaping doesn’t mean they’re doing it. Pause before you respond and recalibrate if your knee jerk response is to freak out.
- Look at where and when you’re holding the conversation. Are you trying to start a conversation about vaping while they’re focused on studying for their math test or playing a video game? These talks are sort of like a round of jump rope; you need to know when to jump in. Look for low-pressure moments. For example, while you’re cooking and they’re snacking at the kitchen table. Or talk about it in the car, which removes the pressure of eye contact. You know your kid, and you know when they’re most receptive to a conversation.
- Keep the touchpoints quick. Quick, frequent conversations are much more effective than one big sit-down conversation. There’s too much pressure in a serious sit down, and your kids may tune you out.
- Look for teachable moments. Don’t bring it back to people they know; no one wants their friends judged. But e-cigarettes are often in the news or part of an assembly at school. Make the conversation relevant, and your kid won’t feel like you’re bringing up vaping out of the blue.
Remember that it’s fine to not have all the answers. Whether it’s about vaping or about how to combat peer pressure, you’re not all-powerful. So, admit that you’re on this journey together, and you’ll figure it out… together.
2023 Awareness Calendar
In an effort to increase awareness with our students, families, and community, we’d like to share information about mental health events, campaigns, and more that are happening in 2023. Below is a list of awareness days, weeks, and months to help you find ways to get involved as they get closer. Together we can increase mental health awareness and decrease stigma!
March (Self-Harm Awareness Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and National Nutrition Month)
- 1st: Self-Injury Awareness Day
- 1st: Zero Discrimination Day
- 1st: World Compliment Day
- 8th: International Women's Day
- 10th: Social Emotional Learning Day
- 12th - 18th: National Sleep Awareness Week
- 17th: World Sleep Day
- 20th - 26th: National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
- 21st: World Down Syndrome Day
- 21st: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- 30th: World Bipolar Day
- 31st: International Transgender Day of Visibility
April (National Autism Awareness Month, Stress Awareness Month, Counseling Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month)
- 2nd: World Autism Awareness Day
- 7th: World Health Day
- 11th: World Breathing Day
- 14th: Day of Silence
- 16th - 22nd: National Volunteer Week
- 24th - 28th: National Youth Violence Prevention Week
May (Mental Health Awareness Month and National Teen Self-Esteem Month)
- 5th: National Silence the Shame Day
- 7th: World Laughter Day
- 7th - 13th: National Prevention Week
- 11th: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
- 18th: Mental Health Action Day
- 21st: World Meditation Day
- 22nd: International Being You Day
Summer Camp Programs
For many children, going to summer camp is a rite of passage. Camp is the perfect place for boys and girls to make friends, discover new interests, and find their independence. While the experience is fun for the children, it can be overwhelming for the parents. Unsure where to start? We've rounded up some summer camps for you below.
CAMP GA’AVAH (PRIDE)
Camp Ga’avah is a summer camp and youth community program with year round activities focused on LGBTQ youth, their families and allies.
For information contact lgbtq@friedbergjcc.org
Ellen Diamond, Director, 516-634-4151, ediamond@friedbergjcc.org
CAMP KEHILLA
A pioneer in special needs camping for more than 25 years!
Camp Kehilla is designed to make the typical camp experience accessible to those with various special needs. Our approach allows for a customized summer for children ages 5-21 years with developmental disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, and/or other neurodevelopmental conditions. By combining typical camp activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, and sports with evidence-based social facilitation techniques, campers have an opportunity to forge friendships and develop social skills in an environment that closely resembles that of a neurotypical setting. The flexible structure of camp promotes the ability for each camper’s individual strengths to flourish, which helps craft a personalized experience for everyone who attends.
Since COVID-19, we have established numerous protocols to ensure the safety of every individual who comes to Camp Kehilla. As the pandemic continues to evolve, so will our policies and procedures. We will continue to adapt as we need to.
CAMP SEQUOIA
Camp Sequoia is an overnight summer camp for boys ages 7-17 and girls ages 10-16 to experience social skills success in a dynamic and nurturing environment.
Camp Sequoia is designed for children and teenagers with ADHD and other similar diagnoses who do not need the level of support offered at special needs overnight camps yet need a different experience than a traditional overnight camp can offer. Our 2:5 staffing ratio allows our campers to have fun and grow in a safe and supportive camp experience.
The mission of Sequoia is to help our campers have a great time while developing their social cognition (how to think in a social context and apply socially related skills).
YES WE CAN–TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD–SUMMER CAMP
Summer Camp is licensed by Nassau County Department of Health for Children's Camp programs. The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm for ages 5 through 13 years. Our 2023 camp season begins July 3, 2023 until August 18, 2023.
Please note medicals are required for children to participate in this program. Flyer with more information COMING SOON.
Registration dates for summer camp are as follows:
· Westbury/ New Cassel resident priority registration opens on Monday, April 17, 2023
· Town of North Hempstead residents registration opens on Monday, May 15, 2023
· Non-resident registration opens on Monday, June 12, 2023
CLICK HERE to access the medical form for Summer Camp. Please stop by the Membership desk for an application during registration week.
OASIS DAY CAMP
Oasis provides customized, engaging programs for children of all ages. Oasis programs create exciting, safe, and inclusive environments where children enjoy activities and develop life skills through quality experiences in the arts, athletics, nature, aquatics, and enrichment activities.
Oasis Day Camp is a unique camp experience! Combining warm and caring people, amazing camp facilities, age-appropriate exciting programming, and safety, Oasis nurtures children and their imaginations, interests, and friendships. Our staff are role models who are passionate caregivers, and our camp directors are childcare professionals and teachers who are members of the local community.
Camp Oasis has various locations including at LIU Post
· Upper Camp Program: 3rd- 6th grade
· Teen Travel: 7th-9th gradeCAMP AKEELA
A three-and-a-half week sleep-away camp in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Campers live in cabins with up to 8 peers and 4 counselors. Our traditional New England camp program includes arts, outdoor adventure & ropes course, athletics, pool & lakefront aquatics, and much more!
Akeela campers are completing grades 3 – 10 and are excited about a camp experience that supports their social growth. Many have been diagnosed with Asperger’s, NVLD or a similar neurodiverse profile. At Akeela, they truly belong and find lifelong friends.
REACH Program at Hofstra
The REACH program is a fully inclusive program that offers campers with special needs an opportunity to participate in all activities at Hofstra Summer Camp with their peers. For campers entering 6-10 grade, mornings will be spent in recreation activities with a peer group of 8-10 campers of the same grade and the afternoon will be spent in a specialty program of choice. Recreational activities are fully inclusive and provide campers with special needs the opportunity to engage and interact with their peers while participating in recreational sports and activities, outdoor/ indoor games, lunch and swim.
Registration Information
To determine acceptance into the REACH program, please follow the link and complete the program application forms: REACH Application Forms
If you have any questions you can reach the director by email at REACH@hofstra.edu or call the camp office at 516-463-2267.
https://www.hofstra.edu/academics/ce/summer-camp/specialty_reach.html
CAMP PA QUA TUCK
Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck – dedicated to the benefit of special needs individuals of Long Island and beyond – stands today, not from the efforts of one organization, but rather as a culmination of a tremendous wave of effort from many Rotary Clubs throughout District 7255.
Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, The Moriches Rotary Health Camp, Inc., maintains a more than 70-year track record for making the dreams of individuals with disabilities a reality. Each year, we invite thousands of campers to enjoy a session of summer fun at our 37-acre site on the shores of Kaler’s Pond in Center Moriches.
At Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, our campers experience the joys of boating, arts and crafts, music, adaptive sports and games, swimming, campfires and more. In a supportive environment, our counselors encourage campers to reach outside their comfort zones and join with their fellow campers in activities designed to enhance their lives.
Beautiful Me
Now in its second year, the Beautiful Me program was piloted by Mrs. Mullins and Ms. Venegas in 2022. This year, all four counselors, two bilingual social workers, and the counseling interns are meeting with over 200 girls in sixth grade. Many of Weber Middle School's sixth grade teachers have also joined the groups and added insight into self-esteem being a lifelong journey.
WEBER STARS
CONGRATULATIONS TO QUARTER 2 WEBER STAR RECIPIANTS!
There were 76 students and staff members who received a Weber Star for Quarter 2. The Weber Star breakfast was held on January 24th to celebrate all the Weber Star recipients (see photo below). Some outstanding examples of reasons for nominations included:
- student- for academic diligence above and beyond; kind and always considerate!
- student- for working with a struggling student to help him get caught up in Math after being absent.
- student- for always being kind and helpful to his classmates and teachers and lending a hand when someone needs help.
- student- for being extremely helpful in cleaning up the room at the end of the day…stacking textbooks, putting up chairs.
- student- volunteered to bring class notes to a student’s house when the student was absent to help him be prepared for a test.
- staff- for decorating the new testing room to make it a warm and inviting space for students.
- staff- for being a great teacher and always telling us to have a great day and giving us confidence all the time.
- staff- for being the best teacher I ever met in my life…he is awesome, fascinating, incredible, prodigious, shocking, stunning, surprising, unbelievable, and wonderful.
- staff- for being a very helpful teacher who is always wiling to help others early in the morning and she posts amazing tutorials on her YouTube channel.
If your child would like to nominate someone Quarter 3, have them email the name and reason for their nomination to eshirian@portnet.org or smullins@portnet.org by March 22. Last year more than 400 students and staff received a Weber STAR😊
Career Spotlight: Brought to you by the Guidance Department
Finance
Career Paths:
- Credit authorizers/clerks - Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit
- Tax preparers - Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses
- Actuaries - Analyze statistical data, and forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits
- Treasurers- Direct financial activities, such as planning and investments for all or part of an investigation
Why choose finance as a career path?
Finance degree jobs can provide relatively high pay, stability, and opportunities for advancement. Careers in finance may also offer employees flexibility in their work environment (for example, the ability to work remotely).
Education:
For positions such as actuaries and treasurers, it’s likely you will need a bachelor’s degree or above. For positions such as credit authorizers/clerks and tax preparers, you would need at least a high school education and some additional training experience.
Personality:
Those that will excel in this area should be optimistic and have the ability to adapt. They should also have good communication skills and be able to envision long-term goals.
Job Outlook:
In the next 10 years, finance positions are expected to grow faster than the average rate!
How Do I Set Up a Meeting with My Child’s Teacher(s)?
Being involved in your child’s education is important. At Weber we value the connection between families and the school. If concerns arise, feel free to reach out to your child’s teachers directly by email. If you feel your concerns require an in person meeting, contact your child’s Counselor. If you need someone that speaks Spanish, please reach out to your child's Social Worker.
Blue (B) House: Mrs. Shirian
Green (G) House: Mrs. Mullins
Red (R) House: Mrs. Weiner
Yellow (Y) House: Ms. VonSalzen
R/G Social Worker: Ms. Venegas
Y/B Social Worker: Ms. Chuchon
Important Forms and Information
Important Phone Numbers to Know
- Zucker Hillside Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – 718-470-3500
- RVC Behavioral Health Center –516-927-1630
- Mineola Behavioral Health Center -516-321-5770
- South Oaks Hospital Admissions –631-608-5885
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care – 718-470-3148
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department – 718-470-3768
- Long Island Crisis Center – 516-679-1111
- Center for Hope - 516-216-5194
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 800-273-8255
- Port Counseling 516-767-1133

