Counselor's Corner

The 2nd week of each month, Ms. Fishman will include a "Counselor Corner" in her Principal's Perspective, which will have tips/resources for middle school wellness and SEL.

Serves 6th graders (Last names beginning with A - L) and 7th graders

dortzbachd@district65.net

847-859-8650, Ext. 6540

Ms. D just started her 4th year at Nichols, previously working as a School Counselor in Chicago Public Schools. Prior to working as a counselor, she was a social worker, then stay-at-home mom for many years. She lives on the south side of Chicago with her husband, 4 sons ages 16 - 23 and Cavapoo, Milo.

Serves 6th Graders (Last names beginning with M - Z) and 8th Graders

uziellidemaria@district65.net

847-859-8650, Ext. 6505

Ms. DeMari just started her 6th year at Nichols and has been working in D65 since the district introduced middle school counselors. Prior to being a school counselor, she worked in substance abuse treatment. She enjoys spending time with her dog and traveling on her time off.

• Social Workers are the point of contact for students who have IEP/504 plans.

• Counselors are the point of contact for General Education students (students without plans). GedEd/IEP/504 students may participate in a counselor’s classroom lessons and small groups.

• FACE Liaisons work with GedEd/IEP/504 students when additional support is needed.

Throughout September, Ms. D and Ms. De Mari will meet with each of their students for a 2 - 3 minute "mini-meeting" to start/continue to get to know them. This is just a brief touch point and opportunity for students to share some things about themselves and their experience so far this school year. Students are also completing surveys in which data will be used to create caseloads. Counselors will work with students individually and in small groups focused on certain topics such as anxiety, managing emotions, friendships, executive functioning, etc.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are warning signs that may help determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, call the Lifeline:

💜 Talking about wanting to die

💜 Looking for a way to kill themselves

💜 Feeling hopeless or no reason to live

💜 Talking about feeling unbearable pain

💜 Talking about being a burden to others

💜 Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

💜 Acting anxious or agitated

💜 Behaving recklessly

💜 Sleeping too little or too much

💜 Withdrawing or isolating themselves

💜 Showing rage or seeking revenge

💜 Having extreme mood swings

We've noticed that students are increasingly bringing, sharing, and purchasing energy drinks such as Alani and others before or after school, oftentimes without caregivers knowing. Many of these drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, jitters, irritability, difficulty concentrating and trouble sleeping, especially for middle school students. We encourage families to talk with their students about the effects of caffeine and to be mindful of energy drinks when packing lunches or providing money for purchases before or after school. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students' overall well-being!