FSC Monthly Update

The Amherst Family Support Center would like to welcome students and families back to school for the 2023 - 2024 school year. We are so happy you are all here and we cannot wait to see and celebrate all the amazing things (big or small) that our students accomplish this year.

We know that there are bound to be setbacks along the way, and we want you all to know that we are here to help. We can confidentially connect you with individual or small group counseling, assist with needed resources in the community, provide parenting guidance and support, provide community seminars on maintaining good mental health, provide opportunities for fun family engagement and much more.

We hope you all have a memorable school year ahead and we hope we get the opportunity to see some familiar as well as some new faces at the FSC!

Our family newsletters will be sent every other month, so look for the next edition on November 1 and then in January, March and May! ~ The FSC Staff

Are your kids mentally prepared for the transition from summer break to school classrooms? If not, don’t panic, there is still time. Switching from your summer schedule to a school schedule can be stressful for everyone in the household. Some key things to keep in mind to make the transition easier.

• If your child is feeling anxious or worried about the new school year, try to take a trip to the school. This will help them to review the route from home to school and will help familiarize them with the school grounds and identify the door with which they will enter the school.
• Avoid first-day-of-school mayhem by practicing your morning routine a few days in advance. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning tasks (i.e. brushing teeth, combing hair, washing face, getting dressed, eating breakfast, etc.), and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. Establishing a solid school routine will make the first day of school go much smoother.
• During the first week or two back to school try to arrange your evenings so that your children can have your attention. This allows them the opportunity to talk about the changes happening or just to engage in familiar activities and feel the support of family members.

• For any young child who is new to school or just simply concerned about going back to school, start talking about the idea of school with your children. Read books or watch TV shows together that involve children attending school. Point out the positive experiences that the characters are having. Emphasize that school is a “fun” place for learning. Play school together at home to get them familiar with the concept, don’t forget to play out different parts of school like lunch time or physical education class.
• The first few times you drop your child off at school, ensure you give yourself an extra 5 to 10 minutes. It could be difficult for both you and your child to separate in the transition process until both of you get used to your new routine. This is totally normal!

Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Online Registration is Required

Location: ACHS Gymnasium
Presented by the American Heart Association and sponsored by the Buffalo Bills, participants will increase their knowledge and awareness about Hands-Only CPR and learn how to act in the event of an emergency. By the end of the activity, participants will be aware of how and when to use Hands-Only CPR, what to do when calling 9-1-1 and specific ways to take action and get involved!

Held at 6 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 8 and Feb. 5
Online Registration is Required
Location: FSC 4007 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226

Parent Information Series This is aimed at parents/caregivers of children aged 2- 18. This is an internationally acclaimed curriculum that provides key digital health behaviors and helps to build broader awareness about digital health. It will equip caregivers to maximize the benefits of screens, but minimize the negative side effects.

Get information about the elementary workshop and the teen workshop.

Primary role: Creating FSC programming and hosting FSC events, providing individual and group support for parents and families and connecting youth and families to community resources/services.

One fun fact about me: “ “I biked across the Golden Gate Bridge”

Contact: 716-362-3071, jgrover@amherstschools.org
FSC Confidential Message Line: 716-362-3072

Primary role: Provides family consultation, supports students with significant needs district-wide, and provides immediate short-term mental health supports for students while they get linked with comprehensive supports.

One fun fact about me: "I ran with the Olympic torch"

Contact: 716-362-3073, mhoward@amherstschools.org