I M P R I N T

Through this newsletter, LTHS Guidance & Counseling Department will make an "imprint" on the Lacey community by reviewing events and pertinent counseling-related topics. Further, this regular communication will celebrate youth accomplishments, including the new UPstander award, which is featured each month.

In this edition, the following will be reviewed:

1. Week of Respect Review

2. October's UPstanders

3. Fajitas and FAFSA

4. Healthy Relationships Seminar Review

5. Mental Health Spotlight: Three Good Things Exercise

In the beginning of October every year, schools across New Jersey recognize a "Week of Respect." During this special week, students are reminded about the importance of treating others with dignity. This year, Ms. Winkle coordinated definitions of "Respect" played daily in the AM announcements. In this student-created videos, students and staff alike were asked for their definition of respect.

Further demonstrating respect, the high school partnered with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which is an international organization whose spirit is rooted in ensuring equality for all. The ADL created a program called "No Place For Hate," which encourages members of organizations--like schools--to have a harmonious environment. LTHS launched "No Place For Hate" during the Week of Respect.

In the first act of the launch, students were invited to sign a "No Place For Hate" Pledge--and hundreds did! These pledge forms now can be seen in the hall outside of the Guidance & Counseling Department. We look forward to seeing the additional positive contributions our students will make to help officially make Lacey Township High School a "No Place For Hate!"

UPstanders (noun):

A community-engaging anti-bullying program that facilitates celebration, family togetherness and local economy stimulation.

Beginning this school year, LTHS Guidance & Counseling Department launched a new program called UPstanders. UPstanders recognizes students on a monthly basis for contributing to a positive school climate, aligned with positive traits, detailed in the "LION'S PRIDE" acronym.

This month, for "I", we are recognizing one student per grade level that is INSPIRATIONAL! Students were nominated by LTHS staff. Each UPstander will be rewarded a gift card to a local restaurant. Parents will be strongly encouraged to take their whole family to this family dinner.

As our UPstander partner, we are very thankful to FUSCIELLO'S for their sponsorship of October's gift cards!

The spirit of this program is multi-pronged and seeks to achieve the following:

1. Encourage the facilitation of a positive school climate;

2. Celebrate our youth for being contributory to a healthy community;

3. Engage our local small businesses;

4. Promote family togetherness through a meal.

As research shows, it is often through a positive family environment that students increase their overall sense of belonging— and those with a strong sense of belonging have prosocial behaviors, helping to facilitate a positive school climate.

We appreciate Fusciello's partnership, our student’s positive behaviors and our nominating staff, and are pleased to announce October's UPstanders:

FRESHMEN: Brooke McGinley

SOPHOMORE: Jacob Bahooshian

JUNIOR: Yadiel Ruiz

SENIOR: Jared Danko

Congratulations to these young adults, their parents and their families! Enjoy a night at Fusciello's celebrating this success!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, often referred to as the "FAFSA," can be a cumbersome process for many parents in the college application process. LTHS Guidance & Counseling has partnered with Ocean County College to ease this situation.

On Wednesday, November 16, there will be a "Fajitas and FAFSA" workshop for parents of seniors. During this workshop, a brief presentation will be provided by OCC Financial Aid staff, followed by time for each parent/family to work independently on their own FAFSA, while conveniently in the company of those who are very knowledgeable about the financial aid process.

All are welcome to attend; an RSVP is required by November 9 and should be completed through this form.

We encourage students and parents of all grades to attend!

On October 20th, guest speakers from Harbor House provided an overview on healthy relationships for parents. Throughout the interactive seminar, a supportive atmosphere was facilitated--providing a time of reflection and guidance on various facets of parenting for all of those involved.

With the aspiration of increased support for our parents, it is a goal of LTHS Guidance & Counseling that this will be the first of a series of parent seminars to occur this school year. With questions or for suggestions about future topics, please email ewinkle@laceyschools.org and lpurpuri@laceyschools.org.

Email: lpurpuri@laceyschools.org
Website: https://www.laceyschools.org/domain/3676
Phone: 609-971-2020
Twitter: @DrPurpuri

Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of Positive Psychology, highly recommends a cognitive exercise called "3 Good Things." This simple tool helps to positively reframe an individual's outlook on life. A brief overview of 3 Good Things can be found here, and in the visual below.

This tool is recommended for students, parents and staff alike!