SBHS Counseling Newsletter

Info and thoughts for Class of 2023

This is not what we planned for, so now what.....

As we head into April break, I have heard from many of you who are asking "what will I do over break with no school work?" You've watched all of Netflix, cleaned your room for the first time in three years, baked a few dozen cookies, watched too many hours of Tik Tok videos, walked, run, exercised, so now what? Well first, keep doing some of those things, but unplug from school, maybe try something new we've included here and spend some time considering what comes next. To that end, we have put together a variety of info and resources in one place so spend some time here and come back as needed. You are worth it.

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Positive Self-talk

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Self-Care Strategies

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Wellness Apps

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Free Daily Writing Prompts from NY Times

There may be some time in the near or distant future when you look back on this current time and wonder, "how did I feel?" or "how did that change me?". Making time to record your current thinking can not only be an awesome skill for maintaining mental health but could also prove to be a valued personal historic record.

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Career Exploration

This might be a great time to dive into some career exploration. Most high school students have limited familiarity with all of the career opportunities before them. Spending some time exploring your interests, skills and values and how they tie to career satisfaction is time well spent. Career exploration can help to "build a bridge between school and your future, helping to set goals and make sure you are taking the steps necessary to achieve them. The sky's the limit!

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The Science of Well Being

Check out the most popular free course available today. taught by a professor at Yale University, over 2.1 million people have engaged with the course which provides you with a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life.

NCAA Eligibility in response to COVID-19/ Remote Learning

Student-Athletes who are interested in playing Division I or II sports in college may be wondering how remote learning and changes to SBHS grading policy might impact their NCAA eligibility. The NCAA response updates can be found here and counselors and students are being reassured that the NCAA is working to respond with eligibility changes coming soon.

VSAC offering

Through a partnership with UVM Extension, VSAC is inviting high school students thinking about life after graduation to join Vermont 4-H and VSAC Outreach Counselor Lindsay Carpenter for one or all three online sessions of QuaranTeen Time - Getting College & Career Ready on April 7, 14 and 21 @ 3 p.m. to discuss how to get college & career ready.

Lindsay will provide tips and tricks, and answer questions related to college, affordability, and alternative pathways to careers. Find out how to sign up for these and other online events (including Virtual Science Cafes and Distance Learning Socials) so you can join in. Also check out the VSAC Facebook page for additional upcoming virtual events.

Other Self Care Resources

Stress and Anxiety

Tips on how to manage Stress and Anxiety

10 Hobbies to Combat Stress

Stress Management During the Coronavirus

**Connect with your friends, watch comedy...whatever works for you!

Fitness

The Body Coach TV on YouTube

YMCA 360-Free fitness videos

Fitness Blender on YouTube

Get outside and take a walk. Fitness + nature = stress relief!

Journaling

Get your thoughts out on paper, end each entry with 5 things you're grateful for.

Journal prompts

If you or someone you know needs help...

First Call of Chittenden County crisis line: 802-488-7777

NCSS (Northwestern Crisis and Support Services, serving Franklin and Grand Isle Counties): 802-524-6554

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Crisis Text line: free confidential text-based support: text VT to 741741

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org/talking-suicide-schools

Supporting Mental Health and Coping with the Coronavirus (COVID-19): sprc.org/covid19

The #COVID19 outbreak is leaving many feeling anxious, angry, sad, or scared. If you need to talk to someone, text NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to 741741 or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).