WISD Guidance & Counseling
August
Parent Newsletter
Welcome to the Willis ISD Guidance & Counseling Parent Newsletter!
We are committed to supporting the well-being of our students and their families. This newsletter will provide valuable information, resources, and tips to help you navigate mental health and wellness topics. Our goal is to create a supportive community where everyone feels empowered to prioritize mental health.
Thank you for being a crucial part of our community. Together, we can grow healthy minds and happy hearts in all our students.
Warm regards,
Kelly Locke
Director of Guidance & Counseling
Willis ISD
Getting Back into the Groove of School
The School Routine: 7 Painless Ways To Start Easing Back In
1. Start the sleep schedule and screen time shift
2. Start the morning routine
3. Organize the homework space and gather up school supplies
4. Discuss goals for the new school year
5. Attend back to school activities
6. Get involved from the start (and put yourself in their shoes)
7. Make going back to school an exciting adventure full of new opportunities!
For more information click HERE
Digital Detox, Online Safety Tips & Family Tech Planning Tools
Guide To A Digital Detox For Students
The freedom of summer can lead itself to increased technology use. Below is a guide to help your students transition from summer freedom to learning ready.
- Turn off push notifications
- Convert to black and white
- Bring back family meals and put away your phone during meals
- Designate tech-free hours - get creative, get active or both!
- Make your child's bedroom a no-phone zone
- Replace tech time with reading time
- Limit to one screen
- Clean your social media accounts
Social media is the best way to stay connected to your friends and family. However, the more time we spend on it, the more disconnected we are from the real world. In fact, an excessive amount of time on social media apps can have a direct impact on a person's mental health. Don't be afraid to remove these apps for a little peace of mind.
Benefits of Digital Detox
- Increased Calmness
- Productivity Boost
- Self-Content
- Healthier Lifestyle
- Better Sleep
- Boosts Mood and Human Connection
- Lesser Stress and Anxiety
Click HERE for more info & tips.
Make Screen Time Safe and Positive
Use these planners to inspire conversations about tech use as a family.
Entertainment and tech have the potential to spark meaningful conversations. And tech planners are a great way for kids to have a shared understanding of how your family makes the most out of entertainment and tech time.
Books Worth Reading
by Jonathan Haidt
by Dr. Michelle Borba
by Dr. Jean M. Twenge
Worth a Listen
Parenting Courses & Advice
ParentGuidance.org
Free Resources
- ParentGuidance.org helps parents find answers to help guide their child.
50+ On-demand Courses
- Led by licensed therapists and clinicians who provide trusted and specialised courses. Discover the power you have to shape your child's well-being.
Ask A Therapist
- Find 30+ mental health questions submitted by parents, answered by licensed therapists.