- Upcoming Dates and Reminders
- Westford Academy - information for 8th graders
- Nashoba Valley Technical High School
- International Boost Self-Esteem Month
- National School Counseling Week
- Community Resources
- Articles, Webinars, and Resources for Students/Caregivers
- Social Media Awareness
- Requesting Parent/Team Meetings
- PowerSchool
February is an exciting month for 8th graders ... It's time to plan for 9th grade!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
WA Scheduling Timeline
- End of January - Mid-February
- 8th grade Teachers make 9th grade course recommendations
- February 1 - February 17
- Mrs. Leone visits classes to talk to 8th graders about scheduling
- February 14 - BMS & Stony 8th Graders visit WA
- February 15th at 6:30pm - WA Curriculum Information Night for Parents/Caregivers of 8th grade students
- February 18 - March 3
- Students and parents discuss teacher recommendations and enter their elective choices
- Override link active as of 2/17 at 2pm
- February 27 - March 3
- Mrs. Leone will have drop-in every advisory to answer any 9th grade scheduling questions
- March 3
- Deadline for all WA course requests.
- PORTALS CLOSE AT 2pm
- Deadline for override requests, 2pm.
Interviews will take place at Blanchard on February 7, 2023.
Mrs. Leone has met with all the students applying to Nashoba Tech to prepare them for their interviews and answer any questions. For those that are interested, below is the interview prep worksheet.
Click Here for more information on Admission Criteria and Process.
Boosting your self-esteem requires a shift of mindset: limiting self-critical talk and celebrating personal strengths. Self-care is also a huge part of having higher self-esteem. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, having fun hobbies to look forward to. All of these contributes to our highest selves. Making small changes in our everyday habits and thoughts can really go a long way and add up over time.
Be aware that social media can easily affect your self-esteem. It is easy to get wrapped up into comparing yourself with others and assigning your value to how many likes or positive comments. REMEMBER: social media is not the whole picture, it is typically the best parts people chose to share. Studies show that this constant comparison to others on social media can create an immense amount of stress and make us set unattainable goals with damages our self-esteem.
Reminders about 'The Tricks of Persuasive Technology':
- Snapchats turns conversations into streaks, redefining how teens measure friendship
- Instagram glorifies the picture-perfect life, eroding our self worth
- Facebook seggretates us into echo chambers, fragmenting our communities
- YouTube autoplays the next video within seconds, even if it eats into your sleep
- The never-ending scrolling through social media makes it extremely easy to spend hours upon hours online missing out on opportunities in real life
Take a break from social media and when you are on social media, kindly remind yourself that what you are seeing, isn’t always reality (don't get tricked with social media - see above!). Do things that make you feel good! Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and are uplifting to be around. Take care of yourself and give yourself the same patience and gratitude you give others. You are the only you in this world!
International Boost Self-Esteem Month Resource Guide (2023)
A variety of factors can affect adolescents' and young adults' self-esteem:
Feeling Overwhelmed (tips to deal with feeling overwhelmed)
Protective factors:
Positive Relationships and Connections
During the week of February 6th thru the 10th, we will be celebrating National School Counseling Week 2023! Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National School Counseling Week highlights the essential contribution of school counselors as well as their collaboration with faculty and staff and the tremendous impact we all have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Learn more about the role of this essential profession: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/role.
National Mental Health Hotline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Click Here for more information.
bryt Family Engagement Team
Parents Learning with Parents (PLP)
February 8th, 7pm
Adolescent Substance use- what every parent needs to
know about substances, use, and how to support kids.
Speakers: Lisa Blanchard, Chief Clinical Officer of
Spectrum Health services
Not sure how to access your student's schedule and/or Progress Report? Please see below:
- Use your device (Go to: https://westford.powerschool.com/public).
- Download the 'PowerSchool Mobile' app on your phone - see image on the right for how to access your account. Once logged on, click on the "My Schedule" icon in the left nav and you'll see your student's schedule.
BMS Counseling Department
Julie McCoy - 7th Grade School Counselor
Paige Leone - 8th Grade School Counselor
Jodie Voutselas - 6-8 School Adjustment Counselor
Jen Schaffer - School Counseling Administrative Assistant
Website: https://sites.google.com/westfordk12.us/bmsguidance/school-counseling-home
Location: 14 West Street, Westford, MA 01886
Phone: (978) 692-5582