Class of 2031 - How's 8th Grade!?

Class of 2031,

Just like that, you're already a couple weeks into 8th grade! I hope you've had a great start to the new school year. Acknowledge your wins: You're not getting lost this year, you're a pro at opening Lakeland lockers, and you're one year wiser than you were this time last year. Go you!

I wanted to reintroduce myself as your school counselor, and make sure you know where to find me and key resources at Lakeland. In this newsletter, you will find:

• Start of 8th Grade Survey - Tell me how things are going so far, and if you want a start-of-year meeting for any reason!
• Sept. 18th Student Activities Fair - Learn how you can get involved in our school community.
• Anxiety 101 & Mental Health Resources - Anxiety and stress are totally normal. Learn more about what triggers anxiety, and when/how to seek help if you're feeling truly overwhelmed.
• How to Meet with Me: If you need anything, I'm sharing my scheduling link so you can add yourself to my calendar.
  
  

First quarter is a strong predictor for your final grade for the year. (Wild, right?!) That said, start the year strong and reach out when you need help! You have amazing teachers this year who are here to help, and I am also a source of support for lots of things.

Cheers to 8th grade,

Mrs. Wengert

Please click the link below and take a few minutes to complete the 8th Grade Check-in Survey. September is a busy time and I'm focusing a little more on the seniors right now, but I am still very interested to know how 8th grade is going for you! And if connecting face to face would be helpful, please indicate that and I'll be happy to meet.

Note about the Mentor Program: One question on the survey will be about our Mentor Program. Just let me know if you're interested in having an upperclassman mentor -- whether it's for academic help in a specific subject, or just general connection and support -- and I will be happy to refer you!

On September 18th, Lakeland activities and clubs will have tables set up in the Commons to tell you about what they do, and they'll be actively recruiting new members for the year! *Note: The list below is a prediction based on which clubs/activities had a table at last year's fair.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

Student Council

Aevidum

Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS)

Drill Team

National Honor Society (NHS)

Chess Club

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

Academic Team

Yearbook

Reading Team

Unified Tribe

Getting involved in clubs and activities is not only a great way to feel more connected to our school community, but it is also a great way to build your resume in the long run.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns among adolescents. Understanding how common it is can help students and families recognize when it may be time to seek support.

• How common is it? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 1 in 3 adolescents (31.9%) ages 13–18 experience an anxiety disorder at some point. About 8–11% experience an anxiety disorder that causes significant impairment.
• Differences by gender: Anxiety disorders are more commonly reported among adolescent females than males. Data estimate lifetime prevalence at approximately 38% among females compared with 26% among males.
• Anxiety can change with age: Anxiety symptoms and disorders can become more common during adolescence, particularly as young people navigate increasing academic, social, and personal pressures. (You're navigating a lot!)

Important takeaway: Anxiety is common, and experiencing anxiety does not mean a student is "broken" or that something is wrong with them. When anxiety begins interfering with school, relationships, sleep, activities, or daily life, reaching out for support can make a meaningful difference.

No matter what our students are experiencing—at home, in relationships, in the classroom, or elsewhere—the school counseling office is always open. Supporting students’ mental health and social-emotional development is a central part of our work, as these are closely connected to academic success and college and career readiness.

When a student would benefit from more consistent, long-term support, we encourage connecting with a community-based counselor. Please follow the link below to our Lakeland School Counseling webpage about where you can find school- and community-based mental health resources.

I serve 8th, 10th, and 12th grade this year, and I'm going to be honest, the seniors will take up a lot of my time and bandwidth! However, I am your school counselor too and I am more than happy to meet. You can schedule a meeting with me in any of the ways below:

• Click on the scheduling link below (I'll pull you from class for 15 mins. at a time of your preference. Please be mindful of missing assessments and core classes, etc.!)
• Talk to Mrs. Davis in the Counseling Office
• Email me! ewengert@lakelandsd.org

Even though your grades this year don't live forever on a high school transcript (that will start next year!), I encourage you to make 8th grade count. Let this be a year when you are stepping up as leaders, preparing for high school, and discovering just how much you are capable of. There will be new challenges and busier days, but remember that every big goal is reached one small step at a time! Trust yourself, stay curious, don't be afraid to ask questions, and make this school year one to remember.

You've got this!

Mrs. Wengert

Mrs. Wengert - ewengert@lakelandsd.org

Classes of 2027, 2029 & 2031

Make an appointment with Mrs. Wengert

Mrs. deQuevedo - ddequevedo@lakelandsd.org

Classes of 2028, 2030 & 2032

Make an appointment with Mrs. deQuevedo

Website: http://counselingatlakeland.weebly.com/
Location: 1355 Lakeland Drive, Jermyn, PA, United States
Phone: 570-254-9485
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhscounselors/