FSC Parent Newsletter

As we settle into a new school year, we know that this transition can bring a mix of excitement, challenges, and opportunities for students and families. Please know that the Family Support Center is here to support you and your family every step of the way.

Our goal is to help students and families feel supported, connected, and equipped to navigate the many experiences that come along with the school year. Whether your family needs additional support with emotions or behaviors, family relationships, parenting, school-related concerns, or connections to community resources, we are here to help.

The Family Support Center offers a variety of services and supports, including:

• Family Therapy to strengthen communication, relationships, and family connections.

• School-Based Preventive Services to provide support to students and families within the school setting.

• SPACE Treatment to help parents and caregivers support children and teens experiencing anxiety related concerns.

• Parenting Groups offering opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with other parents and caregivers.

• Parent Consultations for individualized guidance and support around parenting and family concerns.

• Community Connections and Resources to help families access the services and resources they need.

You do not have to wait until a concern becomes overwhelming to reach out. Sometimes, having a conversation with a supportive professional, learning a new parenting strategy, or connecting with the right community resource can make a meaningful difference.

As we begin this new school year, we invite you to think of the Family Support Center as a partner for your family. We are here to listen, provide support, answer questions, and help connect you with resources that can make the school year a little bit easier. We are here for you, your students, and your family. Please reach out and let us know how we can help.

As the holiday season approaches, we are once again preparing for our Annual Holiday Drive, an initiative designed to support families in our community who may need a little extra help during this special time of year.

To ensure we are able to provide meaningful and appropriate support, we kindly ask that you complete our Holiday Needs Assessment Survey here and also look for it to be emailed in September. Your responses will help us determine how best to allocate resources and reach families who could benefit from assistance with food, clothing, gifts, or other essentials.

The survey is completely confidential and will only be used to inform our holiday support planning. All families who would like to be considered for support will need to fill it out by Friday, September 18, 2026. Please note that while completing the survey helps us understand your family's needs, it

does not guarantee that we will be able to provide assistance for every request. We will do our best to support as many families as our resources allow.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Family Support Center at (716) 362-3071.

Cyberbullying is bullying that happens through phones, social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps. It can include hurtful messages, spreading rumors, intentionally posting embarrassing photos, or excluding others online. Unlike traditional bullying, it can happen anytime and follow children home.

The best protection against cyberbullying is staying connected and involved in your child’s digital life. Look for more information this fall about our Screen Sanity Parent Night to learn more about helping children navigate technology safely and responsibly.

Signs Your Child May Be Being Bullied

Watch for:

• Sudden sadness, anxiety, or irritability

• Avoiding school or social activities

• Changes in sleep, eating, or grades

• Becoming withdrawn or secretive about devices

Many children stay silent because they feel embarrassed or fear losing access to technology.

Signs Your Child May Be Cyberbullying Others

Possible warning signs include:

• Secretive online behavior

• Using fake accounts

• Laughing at harmful content

• Lack of empathy for others

• Lack of understanding how their actions affect others

• Frequent online conflicts

What Parents Can Do

• Keep communication open and judgment-free

• Know what apps and platforms your child uses

• Teach respectful online behavior

• Save evidence and report serious incidents

• Seek help from school staff or counselors if needed

Also, check out these helpful parent resources for additional information and support.

• Amherst FSC website
• Cyberbullying Prevention Guide

• September 30 - Chalk the Walk for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
• October 21 - Unity Day for National Bullying Prevention Month
• October 22 - COPE Community Parent Education Discussions (see flyer below); Register Here!
• October 22 - Screenagers: Under the Influence (see flyer below)
  

  Screenagers is a documentary that will explore the impact of screen technology on our students and provide families proven solutions that work. It is presented by the Town of Amherst Youth and Community Coalition.

  
  

We are proud to share that district Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) staff have been participating in a specialized micro-credentialing program in trauma-informed care through University at Buffalo and the Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC).

This important professional learning opportunity reflects the district’s continued commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every student.

What Is Trauma-Informed Practice?

Trauma-informed practice is an approach that recognizes how adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and stress can affect a student’s learning, behavior, relationships, and emotional regulation. Trauma can come from many different experiences, including loss, illness, family changes, community stress, anxiety, or other significant challenges.

Through this micro-credentialing process, PPS staff are deepening their understanding of:

• How trauma impacts brain development and learning

• Strategies to help students feel safe, supported, and connected

• Positive approaches to behavior and emotional regulation

• Building strong relationships with students and families

• Creating school environments that foster resilience and belonging

The micro-credentialing process includes targeted training, reflection, application of strategies, and demonstration of competency in trauma-informed practices.

What This Means for Students

Students benefit most when they feel safe, understood, and supported at school. By strengthening trauma-informed practices across the district, Amherst is helping to ensure that students:

• Experience supportive and predictable learning environments

• Develop healthy coping and self-regulation skills

• Feel connected to trusted adults in school

• Receive compassionate responses during challenging moments

• Build resilience and confidence both academically and socially

These practices support all students, not only those who have experienced significant trauma, because they promote positive relationships, emotional safety, and inclusive learning environments for everyone.

Amherst Schools remains committed to continuous growth and innovation in student support services, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to feel safe, valued, and successful each day they walk through our doors.

Reach out to us to chat, if you have questions about anything in this newsletter, would like to schedule in-school counseling or attend an event.

• (716) 362-3073
• (716) 362-3071
• email - familysupportcenter@amherstschools.org

We exist to provide community resources and support to families in the pursuit to create well-adjusted and confident children.

We are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all our students. As part of this commitment, we are proud to partner with Horizon Health Services to offer the Substance Abuse Free Education/Intervention and Referral (SAFER) program in our middle and high schools.

Download the Horizon Health Services SAFER flyer (PDF).

The SAFER program is a specialized prevention and early-intervention service designed to support youth ages 10–25 who:

• May be experimenting with or using substances

• Are at risk for developing substance-use concerns

• Have been identified as having a substance-use disorder

The Horizon Health Services school-based therapists are fully trained in this evidence-based intervention, ensuring students receive professional, compassionate, and confidential support right within their school environment.