May Newsletter
BMS Counseling Department
Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, at some point in their lifetime. 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year (CDC.gov).
Even before the pandemic, anxiety and depression were becoming more common among children and adolescents, increasing 27% and 24% respectively from 2016 to 2019. By 2020, 5.6 million kids (9.2%) had been diagnosed with anxiety problems and 2.4 million (4.0%) had been diagnosed with depression (Georgetown University).
It is essential that we raise awareness about mental health and beat the stigma, so everyone can get the support that they need. This year, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the #MoreThanEnough campaign! This is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our value and worth. "No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough ...) (NAMI).
List of Mental Health Services: https://westfordma.gov/1266/Mental-Health-Services
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
National Institute of Mental Health - Resources
Why Teen Mental Health Needs to be Addressed
World Health Organization (WHO) - Mental health of adolescents
Are you experiencing the challenges of parenting a child who may be struggling with their mental health?
Please join us for one (or all) of our monthly Parent Support sessions
No registration required
National Mental Health Hotline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Click Here for more information.
bryt Family Engagement Team
Parents Learning with Parents (PLP)
May 10th, 7pm
What Your LGBTQIA++ child most needs from you
Speakers: TBD
Link: https://youtu.be/IVyEldgzLXU
For Parents/Caregivers
Mental health in pre-teens and teenagers
4 Ways to Help Your Student Finish the School Year Strong
How to Talk to Your Teenager About Anything
For Teens
10 Things Every Teen Should Know About Dealing with a Mental Health Issue
Digital Wellness Day
05.05.23
Digital Wellness Day is an opportunity to optimize your relationship with technology.
Click Here to receive the 2023 Digital Wellness Day Toolkit!
May 1st-7th is Screen Free Week, hosted by the nonprofit Fairplay. This is a national celebration that invites children, families, and communities to take a break from digital entertainment and enjoy life beyond the screen. Register here and celebrate by making Screen-Free Week your own.
Not sure how to access your student's schedule and/or Progress Report? Please see below:
- Use your device (Go to: https://westford.powerschool.com/public).
- Download the 'PowerSchool Mobile' app on your phone - see image on the right for how to access your account. Once logged on, click on the "My Schedule" icon in the left nav and you'll see your student's schedule.
BMS Counseling Department
Julie McCoy - 7th Grade School Counselor
Paige Leone - 8th Grade School Counselor
Jodie Voutselas - 6-8 School Adjustment Counselor
Jen Schaffer - School Counseling Administrative Assistant
Website: https://sites.google.com/westfordk12.us/bmsguidance/school-counseling-home
Location: 14 West Street, Westford, MA 01886
Phone: (978) 692-5582
