FSC Parent Newsletter

Returning to school after a break can be exciting but sometimes challenging. If your child seems overwhelmed, the Family Support Center can work with you on strategies or connect you with additional resources.

Here are a few tips to help your child adjust:

• Restart routines gradually. Ease back into predictable bedtime, morning, and homework schedules.
  

• Talk about what’s coming. Review school activities, upcoming events, and expectations to reduce anxiety.
  

• Practice positive reinforcement. Celebrate small successes—waking up on time, finishing homework, or showing kindness.
  

We are pleased to share that our district is continuing to support our students’ mental health and emotional well-being. In 2026 we are continuing our partnership with two well respected local counseling agencies, Horizon Health Services and Gateway-Longview Behavioral Health to provide in-school counseling services for students.

This collaboration allows students to access professional counseling during the school day, eliminating the need for families to coordinate transportation or schedule appointments outside of school hours. Our goal is to make high-quality mental health support as convenient and accessible as possible.

What This Means for Your Child

• Students can receive counseling directly within their school building.
  

• Licensed professionals from Horizon Health Services and Gateway Longview will provide individualized support.
  

• Services may include emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, behavioral support, and general mental health or substance-use counseling.
  

• The Family Support Center, School Counselors, Social Workers and Psychologists will work together with these agencies to ensure continuity of care while maintaining student privacy and confidentiality.
  
  

How to Get Started

If you believe your child may benefit from in-school counseling, please contact your child’s school counselor, social worker or the family support center staff. They will guide you through the referral process and connect you with the appropriate agency.

We are committed to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. We hope these partnerships make it easier for families to access the care their children need to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment for all students.

Reach out to us to chat, if you have questions about anything in this newsletter, would like to schedule in-school counseling or attend an event.

• (716) 362-3073
• (716) 362-3071
• email - familysupportcenter@amherstschools.org

Developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz, director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center, SPACE is an innovative, evidence-based program to help treat children with anxiety. SPACE treatment is appropriate for many of the most common anxiety issues that children and adolescents face:

• Separation anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Generalized anxiety
• Specific phobias
• Illness and health anxiety
• Panic disorder

Many treatment options for childhood anxiety include the therapist working directly with the child or adolescent, while the parent has minimal input. This can be challenging at times, especially if a child does not recognize their own anxious patterns or if they are unwilling to participate in therapy. The SPACE program is a bit different than traditional therapy. It is designed to help children feel less anxious, but it’s the parents and caregivers that participate in treatment sessions - NOT the child. SPACE is an effective approach, with research demonstrating that it is efficacious in reducing child anxiety.

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SPACE acknowledges the role of parents in helping children cope with difficult situations and in the maintenance of child anxiety. SPACE aims to modify the parents’ behavior through psychoeducation about anxiety disorders, monitoring current parental behaviors, and equipping caregivers with strategies and detailed plans designed to best support the child’s treatment. The two primary targets in SPACE are (1) increasing supportive responses, and (2) reducing accommodation behaviors.

SPACE uses CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention therapy) principles to inform parents about how to best support their anxious children.

This innovative treatment approach is now being offered at the Family Support Center. Also, keep your eyes peeled for a hassle-free group option coming soon!

We are welcoming 2026 with open arms, but 2025 sure brought a lot of questions. The data on trending Google searches for 2025 shows what many parents are thinking while navigating “normal”, but sometimes confusing parenting moments.

Here are some of the most searched-for questions by parents, nationwide, last year:

• For parents of babies, the most searched questions centered on sleep, strange noises, and behaviors that left them wondering “is this normal?”

• Parents of toddlers and school-age kids filled search engines with questions about emotional expression, sensory differences, and new behaviors.

• Parents of tweens and teens searched the meaning of slang terms, memes, and cultural references that shape teen communication.

All of this shows that parenting throws a lot of unexpected or confusing moments our way. And if you’ve been up late Googling “Is this normal?”, know that you are definitely not alone.

You Actually DON’T Need to Rely on Google Alone

While search engines can be useful (especially for quick facts), they can also be overwhelming or confusing. That’s why we want to remind you: you don’t have to rely solely on Google for answers.

At the Family Support Center (FSC), we believe personal connection, empathy, and trusted guidance matter — especially when you’re worried about your child’s behavior, development, or simply wondering “Is this normal?” We also partner with experienced professionals to help you cut through the noise.

Here’s what you can access through the FSC and our network of partners:

• One-on-one parent consultations. Sometimes the question you have doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. A quick chat with our parent specialist can offer personalized guidance.

• Parenting support groups. This offers a chance to connect with other parents who are likely facing (or have faced) the same questions. Sharing experiences often brings comfort.

• Recommended reading and resources that is curated, age-appropriate guidance so you don’t have to wade through contradictory information online.

• Workshops or seminars that touch on behavior management, developmental milestones, managing screen time or social media, and more — reflecting many of the trending parenting questions of 2025.

• Linkage to professional support agencies and our professional partners.
  
  

That’s where the FSC’s support can make a world of difference — giving you clarity, compassion, and context. Parenting is full of surprises, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. If you ever want support, a sounding board, or reassurance, we’re here for you. There's no shame in asking for help or clarity.

Warmly,
Your Family Support Center Team

Juliane Grover, Family Support Center (FSC) Liaison & School Counselor
Marlana Howard, LCSW, Social Worker

Amherst Family Support Center and the entire Amherst social work team would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our families, teachers, local businesses, and community groups who came together to support families in need right here in our district.

Thanks to your generosity, over 80 Amherst families experienced a warmer, brighter holiday season. From donated gifts and gift cards to time, coordination, and behind-the-scenes support, every contribution made a meaningful difference. This program is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our community looks out for one another.

To the parents who participated, volunteered, or helped spread the word—thank you. And to the businesses and organizations who partnered with us, your continued support helps strengthen our families and our community as a whole.

COPE - Community Parent Education Group

Thursdays from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. from February 26 - March 26, 2026. Register online here.

We exist to provide community resources and support to families in the pursuit to create well-adjusted and confident children.