WISD Guidance & Counseling

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

Previous Newsletters -

August

September

October

November

January/February

Helping children understand personal body safety is an important step in keeping them safe and confident. Here are simple ways families can start the conversation:

🔹 Use correct names for body parts to build confidence and clarity.
🔹 Teach body boundaries — children should know they can say “no” to unwanted touch.
🔹 Explain safe vs. unsafe secrets — no secret about their body should be kept from a trusted adult.
🔹 Identify trusted adults they can go to if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
🔹 Keep communication open — regular, calm conversations help children feel safe sharing.

Click the link below to hear a message from our Director of Guidance & Counseling, who shares even more helpful tips for parents.

Together, we can empower children with knowledge, confidence, and support. 💙

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.

1. Turn off push notifications
   
2. Convert to black and white
   
3. Bring back family meals and put away your phone during meals
4. Designate tech-free hours - get creative, get active or both!
   
5. Make your child's bedroom a no-phone zone
   
6. Replace tech time with reading time
   
7. Limit to one screen
   
8. Clean your social media accounts

Benefits of Digital Detox

1. Increased Calmness
   
2. Productivity Boost
   
3. Self-Content
   
4. Healthier Lifestyle
   
5. Better Sleep
   
6. Boosts Mood and Human Connection
   
7. Lesser Stress and Anxiety
   

Click HERE for more info & tips.

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.

Daybreak Health offers confidential, teletherapy for students, even during school breaks.

Appointments available

Monday–Friday, after school - 8 PM

Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM.

Click HERE to access.

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.