Counselor's Corner

November Edition

Counselor Greetings!

Can you believe it's already November? Some may say, it's finally November. I suppose it's all about perspective. No matter the month, I am happy you're here with us at BOMLA. We have another great month ahead of us full of learning and festivities.

As we move into the holiday season please remember that while we celebrate and rejoice, some grieve and retreat. Be kind to one another and reach out to those you love and care for.

Please remember that I am here to support our brothers through all challenges. Do not hesitate to reach out for support. Have a safe and joyous November!

- Mr. Mason Dover

PD for Parent's: Volunteering!

Each month I will provide a professional development meeting designed for parents. We will discuss topics on mental health, academic success, and college/career readiness. The goal of these lessons is to educate and inform parents so they can continue to be advocates for their students success.

This months PD for Parent's will be focused on the benefits of volunteering. The PD for Parent's segment will take place during Coffee with the Principal.

Parent Counselor Request!

At BOMLA we encourage parent support and input. Throughout this year, please utilize the Counselor Request Form/Parent to arrange a time to meet with me. I will do my best to connect with you within 24-48 hours of your request. However, keep in mind that there is a high volume of needs at the start and end of each semester. It may take me more time to connect and arrange a meeting.

November Events!

Small Group!

BOMLA Counseling Services will be hosting 5 small groups for the fall semester. Please see the descriptions and times for the small groups below. To enroll your student, please complete the Small Group Request Form. Parent approval forms will be sent out upon request.

"Weighted Conversations" Small Group (9-12)

The"Weighted Conversation's" small group will focus on combining weight lifting activities with social skill development. Many young men find comfort in weight lifting with their peers. Brothers will feel a sense of camaraderie within the group. They will also benefit from increased movement, positive peer interactions, and tools to better regulate their emotions. Our School Based Clinician, Mr. Isaac De La Torre will lead this group. Parent approval is required through the small group permission slip and the MHS Counseling Services consent packet.

LGBTQ+ Support Group (6-12)

Studies indicate that youth who are LGBTQ+ are at risk for a number of negative experiences and outcomes associated with how others react to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Compared with other youth, youth who are LGBTQ+ are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide. They are more likely than their peers to suffer from depression and use or abuse substances.

Youth who are LGBTQ+ may also be more likely to experience harassment from other youth and significant adults in their lives, and to be subjected to verbal, sexual, and physical abuse and other forms of trauma. Further, they are more likely to drop out of school and become homeless.

Finally, bullying and rejection by peers and family members due to a youth’s LGBTQ+ identity may exacerbate mental health challenges.

At BOMLA, all students will exist in an environment that is safe and accepting of their individuality. To support or LGBTQ+ identifying brothers, Mr. De La Torre will be offering a support group. In order to access the group brothers must have an individual group consent and MHS paperwork filed with the counseling services department.

The Fit Group (6th Grade)

Is your 6th grader struggling to adapt to life on campus? The counseling team is here to help you. Many 6th graders find it challenging to adapt to the high expectation and rigorous coursework at BOMLA. In this group, brothers will grow their skills in emotional regulation and peer communication through team building activities that encourage movement, leadership, and teamwork. Parent approval is required by completion of the small group consent form.

Senior Small Group (12th Grade)

Are you a parent of a senior? Senior year is in full swing. Some seniors may be feeling overwhelmed with the planning, applying, testing, coursework, etc. Seniors have the opportunity to participate in a small group with Mr. Dover to discuss these stressors, answer questions, or receive advice on accomplishing the many task that come with senior year. Parent approval is required through the completion of the small group consent form.

Be Project Healthy Relationships Small Group (6-12)

This school year we have partnered with the Family Place and the Be Project to provide healthy relationship training to all student enrolled in a health class. The Be Project will also provide two small groups to our campus. One for Middle School and one for High School brothers. The group will focus on building healthy peer relationships. Parent approval is required through the Be Project parent consent form.

Class with the Counselor!

This school year Class with the Counselor will be held once a week in the library during A, B, and C lunch. This seminar style session will provide brothers information on a variety of topics that aren't widely covered in classroom guidance, but are still highly important to our brothers success. Class with the Counselor is optional for all students. Topics for the month of November are How to Read a Degree Sheet, Suicide Prevention, Academic Goal Setting, and Will my AP/DC Credits transfer?

Classroom Guidance!

Each month, our amazing science team agrees to host the counselor for classroom guidance. Brothers are provided a 45 minute guidance lesson on various topics. This months topic is an Suicide Prevention.

Upon completion of the lesson brothers will master the following!

Brothers will explore what emotions are and why they happen
Brothers will identify healthy ways to manage emotions
Brothers will reflect on healthy ways you can deal with your emotions and people you can go to for help

Health and Wellness!

The health and wellness of our brothers and families are of high importance to the counseling services team at BOMLA. We know that if our brothers basic needs are not met, they will struggle to meet our high expectations. Please click the images below for more information.