FSC Monthly Update

Erie County recently launched a free smartphone app called ERIE PATH. The app helps parents and caregivers address the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by children and adolescents. You can find available programs and services for children and adolescents, access information that explains what children and adolescents may face, as well as explore practical strategies for helping children and adolescents.

ERIE PATH also includes resources for adult mental and behavioral health services, information for housing, employment, childcare, food pantries, medical care, social services and senior services that can benefit adults and caregivers.

County services like Mental Health First Aid Training and the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) program are included alongside clinical treatment centers, substance use disorder counseling, community activities and more.

Within the app you can search for all of the above information, organized into a few helpful key topics including:

• Mental and Behavioral Health

• School and Community/Environment

• Physical Health and Child Development

• Self, Peers, and Relationships

• Parents/Caregivers

Please be aware that this app is in its infancy and will continue to undergo changes and improvements. We are told that, as time goes on there will be a wider variety of resources available to access.

There is growing evidence linking heavy social media use with increased risks for anxiety and depression. These mental health issues can, in turn, impact a student’s school performance, such as difficulties focusing, studying, or even simply attending school. It’s important for caregivers and school personnel to understand what is happening on social media and how to reduce its negative impact.

Virtual spaces are everywhere in today’s world and have become a constant presence in the lives of young people, offering social connectedness and the ease of instant communication. But the online world of selfies and social media also brings with it challenging situations that can have a negative impact on youth mental health.

The pressure to maintain a perfect online image, fueled by constant comparison to peers, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Young people may experience fear of missing out (FOMO) when they watch the highlight reels of their friends’ lives, bringing on feelings of loneliness and isolation. In addition, exposure to cyberbullying and negative comments can take a toll on their self-esteem, putting them at risk of experiencing depression.

As the school year continues to unfold, it is crucial for parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators to work together to educate and support young people in navigating responsibly the challenges of a digital world while fostering a healthy sense of self-worth and resilience.

Amherst CSD’s Family Support Center (FSC) has a monthly group aimed at tackling some of these topics with parents as well as, helping parents of young children to prepare for things they may encounter as their children grow. If you are interested in the monthly group, please contact Marlana Howard, LCSW at mhoward@amherstschools.org.

The FSC is also able to provide direction and educational resources that tackle these topics. For caregivers, they cover the basics of what youth are doing online, how online activity can impact mental health, tips for talking to youth about difficult feelings they may experience, and how to help young people reduce the potentially harmful effects of social media.

Whether young people read the information on their own or discuss the topics with an adult, it is important they understand that they are not alone when they experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness related to social media use and that help and support are available.

-Mental Health America | Back-to-School Toolkit 2023 | @mentalhealthamerica | mhanational.org/youth-tech

As a way to support Mental Health Awareness, the Family Support Center is sponsoring an art contest where students illustrate what calm feels like. The contest is open to all students in Amherst Central School District. The submission must include the theme of "What Calm Feels Like to Me”. The artwork size should be 8.5 x 11 inches. Students show see an art teacher if paper is needed. Submit artwork by THURSDAY, Nov. 9, 2023 to your art teacher. See More Contest Details. There will be a Gallery Night from 6-7 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2023 at the FSC to view all the artwork submissions.

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

This parent information series 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.

Join these organized roundtable discussions presented and led by Patrick Greene, Program Director, Horizon Health Services. View the Roundtable Discussions Flyer

• Nov. 14, 2023 from 6 - 7:15 p.m.
  Required: Online Pre-Registration
  Roundtable Topic: Coping Skills for Parents to Help Anxious Kids
  Audience: For parents and caregivers of children up to 21 years of age
  
  
• Jan. 29, 2024 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
  Required: Online Pre-Registration
  Roundtable Topic: Managing Parenting: Stress, work/Life Balance, Caring for Yourself
  Audience: For parents and caregivers of children up to 21 years of age

Get information about the elementary workshop and the teen workshop.

Kristen Pancerman, School Psychologist (pictured on left)

I help our special education team develop individualized education plans for students with special needs, complete evaluations on individual students, and meet regularly with teachers and families to help with problem solving. It's my goal to always encourage progress and provide the appropriate supports to help students be successful. One fun fact about me: Prior to working in Amherst, I was a school psychologist for the Chicago Public Schools.

Leslie Barr, School Social Worker (pictured center)

I provide academic, emotional, social, and behavioral support and community resources to teachers, students, parents and families in grades preschool through grade 2, individual and group counseling for students, crisis intervention. I serve on the Character Education Committee at WBS and as a District trainer on Culturally Responsive Teaching. One fun fact about me: I am the proud Nina (grandma) to 4 amazing grandchildren ranging in ages from 1 to 12.

Melissa Stasio, School Counselor (pictured on right)

I provide individual and group counseling, crisis and behavioral support, and family support.

One fun fact about me: I love to travel.