KHS Counseling Newsletter

"Mental health affects everyone. While one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition annually, the impact extends to the friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them. Mental health is something we all experience, manage, and need support with. No one should have to face these challenges alone" (NAMI, Mental Illness Week Toolkit).

The purpose of this week is to bring forward a discussion on Mental Illness that combines science and lived experience to better understand and support those who need it. Research is still being done to help Mental Health professions better understand the root causes of mental illness and effective interventions that benefit clients. This week, we want people to feel more comfortable discussing their experience with mental illness. Ask a friend how they are doing, sit down with your students and ask about their knowledge and experience with Mental Illness. Grow in your knowledge of Mental Illness and be willing to listen to those experience and advocate for better community assistance.

Tips for Helping Someone with a Mental Illness:

1. Use "I Feel" Statements.

2. Take them to a private area to chat.

3. Listen without Judgement

4. Normalize challenges and how to work through them

https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/NAMI-FaithNet/Tips-For-How-to-Help-a-Person-with-Mental-Illness/

Remember: Mental Health is not your fault, but it is your responsibility.

If you want to learn more about NAMI Mental Illness Awareness Week- https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week/

Teen and Young Adult Hotline: https://www.nami.org/nami-helpline/teen-young-adult-helpline/

If you are interested therapy services, please fill out this referral form: https://forms.gle/xQVZDnPBvfMwSdqv5

Juniors: you will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT on October 19-22. This will be the final practice session before your take the SAT in April. This is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Do your very best to see what areas you can focus on to improve for the SAT and to potentially earn some scholarship money!

Start your year off strong - turn in assignments, attend school every day, and use class time wisely. All of these things will help you be successful. If more support is needed, there are options for you.

After-school Tutoring: Upward Bound offers free tutoring in math and science every Tuesday and Thursday after school. The group meets in the CLA. You do not need to sign up ahead of time. Feel free to show up if you need help!

Community Services: There are many organizations in the community that offer tutoring and academic support to local students, both free and for a fee. You can find a list of services here:

Credit recovery is underway! After school sessions are happening now for you to get extra help in your class. Monday and Tuesday sessions are for English, Science, and Spanish help. Wednesday and Thursday are for Math, Social Studies, and Elective help. If you need to take a test, you can attend any sessions, regardless of subject.

October is Michigan College Month! During this time, many colleges that has application fees waive the cost, so it is a great time to get those applications submitted. Keep in mind that MSU only waives their fee the first two weeks, so don't wait too long if you plan to apply. See Mrs. Morelli or Mrs. Robinson if you have any questions!

FAFSA is now open!

Seniors, the FAFSA is open and able to be completed at any time. You will need to complete your section and then invite your parent/guardian to complete their section. Our first FAFSA night at the high school will be October 28 from 5-7 pm. Come get help from financial aid professionals. Dinner is provided.

This month's power skill is Communication. Communication helps you share ideas clearly, listen to others, and solve problems. It's more than just talking - it's making sure people understand you and you understand them. Whether you are working on a group project, talking with friends, or preparing for a job interview, strong communication helps you build real connections.

Communication can be hard to do, especially in this digital age. You can practice communication by starting small and staying consistent. Try speaking up in class discussions, sharing your ideas in class, or even asking questions when you don't understand something. When you're home or with friends, practice active listening. Put down the phone and really focus on what the other person is saying. The more you practice talking and listening in everyday situations, the more confident and natural your communication skills will become.

Are you looking for an after-school job or preparing for employment after graduation? Check out the Kent ISD Student Job Board! There is a variety of entry-level jobs from various employers across the county. You can find the job board at https://www.kentisd.org/parents--community/workforce-development/job-board/