We have loved seeing our students back in the building this school year! There is energy and excitement in the hallways. While many students are happy to be back in the building with classmates and teachers, they may also be dealing with feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, or fear. This is quite typical as students transition back into a school year but given the uncertainty of the past year and a half, it is likely that more students are struggling to manage their mental health.

Some ways that you may be able to support your student's mental health and well-being at home include:

• Encouraging good sleep habits
• Staying connected through conversations or encouraging notes/texts
• Encouraging healthy eating (breakfast and lunch are served at WHS each day and are free for all students)
• Encouraging regular activity
• Connecting with teachers and counselors if you are concerned

As referenced in our last newsletter, we have a number of mental health staff in the building available to students. If you are concerned about your student, please reach out to your student's school counselor so that they can be connected to a mental health counselor. Below are some behaviors and things to look out for that might suggest that, when occurring frequently, your student may be struggling.

• Problems with or changes to their concentration and memory
• Changes in appetite
• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Angry outbursts/irritability
• Isolation

Beginning September 21, we will be resuming our college admissions virtual visits. Students are invited to attend these Zoom meetings to learn more about institutions they may be interested in.

To register, log in to Naviance and click on "College Visits" under the "Colleges" heading. Use the register button to register for these visits. A zoom link will be emailed prior to the visit. Students should come to the Guidance office with headphones, their Chromebook, and a pass from their teacher, at the start of the visit.

Below is a list of scheduled visits (more continue to be added):

We hear about many great opportunities for students throughout the year. Below are a few upcoming opportunities. A frequently updated list can be found here.

Harvard Medical School Health Professions Recruitment & Exposure Program: HPREP is a free 10-week program running from November to January. Sessions will occur virtually on Saturday mornings, enabling students to participate from their homes. The program consists of interactive lectures and workshops on topics such as cancer, vaccines, health disparities, and leadership as well as college prep workshops. The curriculum exposes students to a range of science and health-related subjects, including genetics, scientific method and experiments, vaccines, cancer biology, anatomy, nutrition, and ethics. HPREP provides students with an engaging curriculum and 1-on-1 mentoring to equip them with the excitement, knowledge, skills, confidence, and community support necessary to pursue education and careers in science and health professions. The mentoring component pairs each student with a Harvard student (doctoral, master's, dental or medical), who works closely with them to develop a research project that culminates in an oral presentation at our virtual closing ceremony. Due to this year’s online format, the program will provide students with any necessary materials in order to participate from home.

MIT Amphibious Achievement Program: Students are invited to MIT to engage in an academic and athletic (rowing/swimming) mentorship program. Each student in the program will be paired with an MIT-student mentor, and together they will set goals to work towards throughout the semester. They will be engaged with educational activities and games as well as time for independent mentoring and tutoring. Sessions are on Sundays from 10AM to 12PM.

The Hosmer Elementary School needs student volunteers to help with the unpacking and stamping of new children's books for 2 or 3 hours per week (before or after school). Students will have support and work alongside a teacher. Please contact Christine.hill@watertown.k12.ma.us if you are interested.

Boston Volkswagen is looking for students to assist with car washing. Interested students should contact Danny at 617-642-0710.

August 2021