September Newsletter
BMS Counseling Department
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month. #SPM23 All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members are working together to promote suicide prevention awareness.
Suicidal thoughts, like any mental health condition, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues, and support should be sought out or offered immediately. It is of significant importance that we shift perspective of this highly stigmatized topic in order to ensure that people have access to the vital resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health - Suicide Prevention & Resources
September is also Self-Improvement Month. The start of the school year is a time to begin fresh, set new goals, and go into new experiences with an open mind, as well as eliminating past negativity from your life that may hold you back. One of the best investments we can make is to reflect on the past year and identify actions and goals to pursue for the upcoming year. You always have the ability to learn more, develop more skills, have more success and feel better about yourself. #GrowthMindset
bryt Family Engagement Team
Click on the image to view the full 2023-2024 bryt Family Engagement Team calendar. The calendar provides links to recordings of the FREE Monthly Virtual Speaker Series for 2023-2024.
Learn from community members with expertise in areas most requested by parents.
Parents Learning with Parents (PLP)
FREE Virtual Speaker Series for ALL CAREGIVERS of students in K-12
STARTS in SEPTEMBER 2023
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
FREE ~ VIRTUAL ~ OPEN TO ALL
Parents/caregivers are not on camera -- only the speaker is
Parents/caregivers have the option of typing questions into chat
September 12th, 7pmEST
When it's Hard to go to School: A Conversation with Parents/Caregivers
Speaker: Jayne Demsky, parent and founder of the School Avoidance Alliance
Parents, Caregivers, and Students we need to be aware of social media challenges that are risky and dangerous!
The most recent challenge to be reported on is the Paqui One Chip Challenge. The One Chip Challenge involves eating a spicy chip and waiting as long as possible before drinking or eating anything else for relief.
Paqui has recently posted a response to the danger of the One Chip Challenge and warnings on their website.
Here is another article that directly addresses the danger of the challenge:
Although this is the most recent challenge resulting in detrimental effects to be reported in the media, there have been many other such challenges in the past and will continue to be in the future.
Parents and caregivers, please be vigilant in monitoring the content your child is viewing and exposed to on social media. Please continue to have open conversations about the effects of Social Media with your children.
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.
