Counselor Connections
Quarter 4
Camelot to MMS
Mr. Adamson and I have been busy this past month introducing 270 5th graders to MMS. We have taken them on a tour and had a Q&A session. If you happen to have a 5th grader preparing to enter middle school please view some resources on our MMS Counseling website to make the transition go smooth for your student.
Summer Career Camps
Discover up to a dozen different career paths. Meet other students from across the state. Get hands-on experience that’s worth exploring. For a list of local career camps check out the events calendar at Our Dakota Dreams.
SDMyLife
It is never too early to start exploring careers and preparing for the future. Check out this middle school college prep guide. Note: 8th graders have used SDMyLife so should have access if they recall their log in. For 6th and 7th graders if they want access to their free SDMyLife account they can contact Mrs. Hoffman for instructions on how to log in. dannica.hoffman@k12.sd.us
There is no “right” way to do summer, but personally I appreciate articles like this one that I shared last spring Work With your Kids to Plan a Fun Summer (Technology Boundaries Included).
Snapchat’s Hidden Picture Vault: “My Eyes Only”
Parents — did you know Snapchat has a secret photo vault built right in? It’s called My Eyes Only, and it’s where kids can hide photos and videos they don’t want you to see.
Sometimes it’s innocent. Sometimes… it’s not.
Here’s how to check
Steps to Access Your Child’s “My Eyes Only” Vault:
1️⃣ Open Snapchat on your child’s phone (yellow icon with the white ghost).
2️⃣ You’ll land on the main camera screen. Look for a small icon that looks like two playing cards near the big circle button — tap it.
3️⃣ This opens Memories, which stores photos and videos taken in Snapchat.
4️⃣ At the top, you’ll see tabs labeled Snaps, Camera Roll, Memories, and My Eyes Only. Tap My Eyes Only.
5️⃣ If a PIN keypad appears, your child set up a secret code. You’ll need it to continue. (It’s common for kids to claim they “forgot” it.)
6️⃣ If you’re asked to create a PIN, that means the vault hasn’t been set up yet.
7️⃣ Once inside, you can view any hidden photos or videos. Note: This doesn’t give you access to disappearing chat messages.
Why this matters:
Kids often use “My Eyes Only” to hide sensitive content — drugs, explicit pictures, or party photos. Knowing this feature exists lets you start real conversations about safety and choices.
Parenting in the digital age is tough, your job as a parent is to be tougher!
*Resource: Officer Gomez @deputygomez
988
Summer is typically a time of less stress for teens, but that is not always the case. Please remember that 988 is a great resource for anyone experiencing emotionally distress. 988 is available 24/7. You can call, text or chat 988 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor.
If needed, please refer to our past newsletter on suicide warning signs and how to get help.
Back2School 2025-2026
The Back2School Project will once again be hosting the school supply give away in August. They will post on their facebook page when pre-registration opens. If your learner needs assistance with school supplies for next school year keep look out on their page this summer for the pre-registration link and more information on time and location of the event.
The Delta Dental Mobile Program
🦷🪥The Delta Dental Mobile van will be in Brookings June 1 - June 5. Care provided through the Mobile Program is at no cost to the child or family. No insurance is necessary. Children through age 21 who have not seen a dentist within the past two years or who live more than 85 miles from a dentist are eligible for care. To make an appointment, call the Brookings Area United Way at 2-1-1.
