MMS Counselor Corner

meditation

relax

decompress

yoga

reflect

positive self talk

breathe

sleep

read

be mindful

laugh

connection

believe

exercise

eat healthy foods

chillout

calm

exhale

visualize

art

take a walk

pamper

escape

celebrate

reset

unwind

modify

nourish

declutter

fitness

replenish

balance

cook

stretch

plan

support

organize

just be

Note:

Welcome to our MMS Counselor Corner newsletter! This will allow me to send counseling updates, share pictures, share resources, and give you a heads-up on important information. Make sure you keep following the Monday Morning Messaging and Daily Bulletin Announcements from MMS as well!

I am here to support you as your School Counselor and guide you on your educational journey. My mission is to create a welcoming, safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where students can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Whether you need someone to talk to, assistance with problem-solving, or help exploring career opportunities, I am here to lend a listening ear and offer guidance.

My goal is to empower each of you to discover your strengths, overcome challenges, and develop the necessary skills for success for school and beyond. Throughout the year I will be organizing counseling sessions and group activities to address different aspects of personal and academic growth. Please feel free to reach out to me when needed. I look forward to getting to know each one of you and supporting you in your journey to becoming the best version of yourself! Together let's make this happen!

Upcoming important dates:

• Welcome to SCHOOL YEAR 2026-20267 at MMS!
• See calendar: https://malibums.smmusd.org/calendar
• POMS Parents of Middle School meeting with Principal and Counselor typically second Friday of each month. Next meeting is 10/9/26. Check calendar for future dates. Parents please join us in the PCR along with Principal, Greg Schellenberg and Counselor, Lorene Whitehouse for informal coffee talks and information. At times we will have special guests attend POMS meeting. October main tpic will be "construction" along with up to date MMS information.
• After school math tutoring is available in the library for MMS on Wed/Thurs 2:45-3:45pm.
• Thriving Thursdays meets on one Thursday each month in the Library/ Glass classroom. Join Mrs. Whitehouse for an informative & fun wellness session each month at Support. See your Counselor for more information & to get a support pass to join next session. Focus will be on various Mental Health issues and strategies. A fun activity will be shared with students. All are welcome! September Thriving Thursday was Suicide Prevention Mental Health ativity on 9/3/26. October 15th topic will be how not to "Ghost your Health".
• Grading Period 1 ended 9/25/26.. Check Aeries, contact teacher(s) directly should you have any questions.
• New Student Group starts October 1st held every Thursday at lunch in October.
• 8th grade Dialogue event Sept 10,11, 24. 8th grade students will participate in one of these 3 days. Bring a water bottle and ear comfortable shos. "It is a great day filled with fun, team building experiences to help our students strengthen their relationships and help them grow as a class. They do this through shared challenges, engaging activities, and meaningful reflection. We get students talking, laughing, trusting, and stretching beyond their comfort zones at times".

Congratulations to many of our students who received Student of the Month. Please look for pictures in the MMS yearbook!

Congratulations to:

Henry Moore and Olivia Alfano

Do's and Dont's for Students

AI, Artificial Intelligence can be a valauable tool for learning. However, as with any technology, there are certain do's and don'ts that students should be aware of. I found the the following tips written by Woodburnpress, that will help ensure that you use AI ethically and responsibly.

Do's

Use AI for educational puposes.

You can ask AI questions and get detailed answers and explanations. You can also use AI to generate ideas for a paper or project, or to help you solve a tough math problem.

Be critical of AI-generated content.

When using AI-generated content, review the results carefully and cross-reference the information with other reputable sources to ensure accuracy.

Protect your personal information.

Be cautious when providing personal data to AI applications. Only share information that's necessary for educational purposes.

Ask questions and seek help.

If you don't understand how an AI system works or have concerns about its usage, don't hesitate to ask your teachers for clarification and guidance.

Don'ts

Misuse AI to cheat.

Turning in work as your own that you've created with AI is unethical, and it can get you into a lot of trouble. For example, using AI to write a paper and turning it in as your own work is cheating.

Engage in harmful activities.

Do not use AI to create or spread misinformation, to cyberbully, or to engage in any harmful online behavior. Be a responsible digital citizen and use AI ethically.

Rely too much on AI learning.

While AI can be a powerful aid. it shouldn't replace traditonal classroom learning. Use AI as a tool to support your success in school. but don't depend on it too much.

Accept all AI generated content as true.

Don't share AI- generted content without checking its acuracy. Misinformation can spread quickly, so be responsible when sharing information with others.

For more tips go to woodburnpress.com

Parents of Middle Schoolers are all welcome to join other parents, the Principal and Counselor for middle school coffee talk and middle school updates. Join us at our next POMS meeting in the PCR from 9am-10am on the following dates: 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, 12/11, 1/8, 2/12, 3/12, 4/9, 5/14.

Welcome to MMS Thriving Thursday once a month wellness activity. I will be hosting along with the Wellness Center an activity and a healthy mental health lesson each month to promote engagement and wellness. Join us at Support time for Thriving Thursday which occurs typically on one Thursday of each month. All MMS students are welcome!

See Mrs. Whitehouse for a pass ahead of time or if you have any questions.

September- Mental Health Trivia -Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

October- Don't "Ghost your Mental Health" tips

November- Gratitude

December-Hot Cocoa and Conflict

January: Vision Boards- start planning your academic and persoanl goals

February: Valentine's Self Esteem / Self Love

March: March Madness, learn ways to manage your emotions

April: Art therapy and the benefits

May: Mental Health Awareness month. learn coping skills to manage your anxiety and stress in time for finals.

Come join your Counselor, Mrs. Whitehouse for a Thriving Thursday wellness activity during Support.

Please get a pass to attend from Mrs. Whitehouse in the counseling office.

Supplies and snacks provided.

Mindful Healthy Tips!

1. Embrace : This is a season of wonder. Encourage yourself and others to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings and the crispness in the air. Remind yourself to find joy in the small pleasures that each day brings.

2. Boost Immunity: Indulge yourself in yummy flavors of each season. Encourage yourself to incorporate immune-boosting foods like apples, pears, berries & sweet potatoes into your diet. These foods are packed with essential nutrients to keep your immune system strong.

3. Stay Active: As the temperatures cool down a bit, it's important to continue staying active. Take advantage of the nice weather by going for walks, surf, hikes, playing tennis, pickleball or going for bike rides. Being in nature and getting some exercise will not only improve physical health but also lifts up mood.

4. Practice Mindfulness in Nature: This is a unique time to practice gratitude and mindfulness and being present in the moment. Take a break from your busy schedules and spend some time in nature. Whether it's sitting under a tree, taking a walk in the park or at the beach, or simply observe what's around,. Mindfulness in nature can reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

5. Keep Hydrated: Although the weather may be cooler, it's still important to stay hydrated. Remind yourself to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and in between classes. Proper hydration helps with digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being.

6. Prioritize Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's reading a book, taking a walk, or talking with a friend. Self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy balance.

7. Practice Gratitude: Practice gratitude by sharing what you are thankful for or write it in a gratitude journal. Practicing gratitude can improve mental well-being and foster a positive environment.

The Coral Reef Aquarium Collection:

https://youtu.be/TRgqtaYb4sU

Calming bottle in a video- the Glitterfall:

https://youtu.be/Mb3ji6fvzEk

Even though we are steps away from the ocean and you can experience the peaceful sounds of crashing waves, you can also enjoy here:

https://youtu.be/qREKP9oijWI

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) is a community resource available to Malibu Middle School students and their families. BGCM provides after school enrichment programs focusing on character and leadership, the arts, academic success, health and wellness, and much more! In partnership with the BGCM is the Wellness Center which provides mental health and wellness resources, social support services, and social emotional learning for students.

The BGCM Wellness Center provides a variety of services at no cost including, but not limited to:

· mental health counseling

· parenting support groups

· student group education

· crisis intervention

· drug/suicide prevention

· & more...

To learn more or to contact the Club, please visit bgcmalibu.org or email info@bgcmalibu.org

To learn more or to contact the BGCM Wellness Center, please visit bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center or call 424-209-4907

Hi all! I am the Malibu Middle School Counselor and I am here to help! My background has been in School Counseling on both the east and west coast, and in both the private and public school setting. I have helped students and families within the middle school, high school, and college counseling arenas. I have also worked in the private sector working in sales and marketing and running special events. Outside of school I am a tennis coach, an avid hiker & enjoy yoga, golf, and pickleball. I love spending quality time with my husband, 3 very active kids, and most precious and spoiled English Cream Golden Retriever.

Email: lwhitehouse@smmusd.org
Website: https://www.smmusd.org/malibums
Location: Middle School Building, Morning View Drive, Malibu, CA, USA
Phone: (310) 457-6801