Back to School Edition

Hello, I am Jessica Datz, Student Assistance Counselor. I have worked at Clearview since 2008 as an English teacher and then moved to the Student Assistance Counselor position in 2014. I support students in all areas of need. My goals are to identify, address, and monitor individual students as well as oversee district substance use prevention and intervention efforts. I look forward to working with staff, students, and community members this year.

The Student Assistance Program is set up to support the students and families of the Clearview Regional School District.

Your child may benefit from talking to someone about the transition back to school if they are experiencing any of the following:

• stress/anxiety
• denial
• avoidance
• fear
• feeling like they do not belong/disconnect

Now is the best time to get your student the support they need utilizing the school resources: the student's school counselor and/or Mrs. Datz (Student Assistance Counselor).

Here is a quick read about common worries of teenagers. There are some good conversation starters here as the new school year approaches at Clearview.

https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/teenage-worries/

The Clearview Regional School District is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and families. We continue to partner with @CareSolace to support our ongoing commitment. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace will quickly connect you to community providers matched to your needs. Call 888-515-0595 at any time or search on your own at caresolace.com/site/clearview Our school counselors as well as Student Assistance Counselor can walk you through the process if needed.

Perform Care New Jersey is the Contracted System Administrator (CSA) for the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families, Children’s System of Care (CSOC). Perform Care is the single point of access to a wide array of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability services as well as substance use treatment for youth and families throughout New Jersey.

Contact - 1-877-652-7624 as this is a 24/7 resource

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Wings of Life 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk during Suicide Prevention Month on Saturday, September 14th at Ella Harris Park with the race starting at 9am (get there early to check in, register, or help and time to park) to lift up our community and unite together in support of mental wellness. See the links below:

The Paul Michael Donahue Foundation - https://pmdmemorialfoundation.com/

Link to sign up for 5K, 1 mile, and walk: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=150215&eventId=858883

Volunteer to Help - https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NJ/MullicaHill/WingsofLife5K1MileWalk

Events for September 10th-13th with race/American Legion event culminating on the 14th

September 10th - Talk Saves Lives -an educational program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe. This program is being provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Register at: https://gcls.librarycalendar.com/event/talk-saves-lives-introduction-suicide-prevention-5969

Location - Gloucester County Library -389 Wolfert Station Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

(856) 223-6000

September 11th - no event, honor those lost on 9/11

September 12th -Community Prayer Service at Trinity Methodist Church -https://docs.google.com/document/d/11IYhseXNpIk20xN9oi90VGRspPaTdNh6l22mk4DDNjE/edit?usp=sharing

September 13th -Poster Creation at the Gloucester County Library from 2:30-4:30pm

Make posters for the Wings of Life 5k and 1 Mile Walk, happening on September 14th.

Register at: https://gcls.librarycalendar.com/event/poster-session-5904

September 14th -Wings of Life 5K at Ella Harris Park

Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/MullicaHill/WingsofLife5K1MileWalk

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
• If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
• You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
• Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
• Being Prepared for a Crisis
• Read our guide, "Navigating a Mental Health Crisis"
• What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide
• Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.

The Southwest Council is composed of education and coalitions. The Southwest Council offers evidenced-based education programs in school and community settings implemented by trained prevention specialists. We strive to educate individuals of the risks of using drugs and alcohol, while teaching life skills to encourage healthy decision making.

Three active anti-drug coalitions all began as initiatives of The Southwest Council, with the goal to create strategic community partnerships aimed at helping those vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction. GRASP in Gloucester and SCRATCH in Salem.

Southwest Council (located at 550 Bridgeton Pike, Suite 2, 3, 4 in Mantua)

As the new school year approaches, conversations about substance use are important in families. Attached is an article about the effects of marijuana legalization on teenagers in the areas of perception of risk, impact on brain development and mental health.

https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/substance-abuse/effects-of-marijuana-legalization/

Attached is an article regarding the health effects of vaping on young people. Nicotine is highly addictive and young people may have trouble quitting once they start. Please share these health effects in a conversation with your child(ren) as we do not yet know the long-term impact on our youth.

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects.html

Jessica Datz

jdatz@clearviewregional.edu

856-223-2757

Website: https://sites.google.com/clearviewregional.edu/crhssac/home
Location: Clearview Regional School District
Twitter: @ViewHealthy