FSC Parent Newsletter

We are excited to announce an important addition to the Family Support Center that will enhance the resources available for our students and families: the introduction of a family therapist through our partnership with Horizon Health Services. View the flyer.

Many students face challenges that can affect their emotional and social well-being. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive support system that addresses not just academic needs, but also the mental and emotional health of our students. By integrating a family therapist into our support services, we are taking a significant step toward fostering a healthier school environment.

Why a Family Therapist?

Family therapists are trained to work with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and support emotional well-being. They bring a unique perspective that focuses on the dynamics of family relationships and how they influence a child’s development and behavior. With this addition, we aim to:

1. Provide Holistic Support: By addressing family dynamics, the therapist can help students navigate personal challenges more effectively.

2. Enhance Communication: The therapist will facilitate conversations between students and their families, helping to bridge gaps and improve understanding.

3. Support Mental Health: Early intervention is key to mental health. The family therapist will provide resources and strategies for families to address concerns before they escalate.

What to Expect

The family therapist will be available for family sessions. These services will be offered in a safe and confidential environment, ensuring that families feel comfortable discussing their needs. We will also continue to offer parent consultations with our current Family Support Center staff.

Getting Involved

We encourage families to take advantage of this valuable resource. If you’re interested in scheduling a session or learning more about our new family therapist, please reach out to the Family Support Center at familysupportcenter@amherstschools.org or call 716-362-3071 or 716-362-3073. Currently, accepting most insurances. Your involvement is crucial as we work together to create a supportive community for our students.

As we continue our commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for our students, we want to address an important topic that affects many families: school avoidance and school refusal.

What is School Avoidance?
School avoidance refers to a range of behaviors that prevent students from attending school or participating fully in school activities. This can manifest as frequent absences, reluctance to go to school, or outright refusal to attend. While this behavior can stem from various factors—such as anxiety, bullying, or family issues, it is crucial to recognize that these students are often struggling internally.

Recognizing the Signs
Understanding the signs of school avoidance can help you support your child more effectively. Look for:

• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) on school days.

• Emotional distress, such as increased anxiety or sadness, when discussing school.

• Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from friends or activities they once enjoyed.

• A sudden drop in academic performance or engagement.
  
  

Why Does It Happen?
School avoidance can arise from several underlying issues, including:

• Anxiety Disorders: Many students experience heightened anxiety about school, social interactions, or academic performance.

• Bullying or Social Pressures: Concerns about peer relationships can create a fear of attending school.

• Family Dynamics: Changes at home, such as divorce or illness, can impact a child's sense of stability and security.

How Can Parents Help?
If you suspect your child is experiencing school avoidance, here are some strategies to consider:

1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to share their feelings. Create a safe space for them to express their concerns without judgment.

2. Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to contact teachers, school counselors, or mental health professionals. They can provide insights and resources tailored to your child's needs.

3. Establish a Routine: A consistent daily routine can help children feel more secure. Gradually reintegrating school responsibilities may ease anxiety.

4. Encourage Small Steps: Start with manageable goals, such as attending part of the school day or participating in a favorite activity. Celebrate these successes to build confidence.

5. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Teaching your child coping strategies, such as mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises, can help them manage anxiety.
   
   

How is it Different Than Truancy?
Students who exhibit school avoidance tend to have serious emotional distress about going to school. They don’t attempt to conceal their emotions. They usually stay home for the day if they don’t attend school. In comparison, some students deliberately skip school and won’t show signs of anxiety about attending. In these cases, students don’t usually tell parents about plans to skip school. Instead, they pretend to attend and they usually do not stay at home during the school day.

We’re Here to Help
Our Student Services staff and our Family Support Center are dedicated to assisting families facing these challenges. If you have concerns about your child's school attendance or emotional well-being, please reach out to us. We can work together to create a plan that supports your child’s needs.

The Family Support Center(FSC), in collaboration with Smallwood Drive Elementary, hosted a Screen Sanity Parent Night for more than 35 families in October. Marlana Howard, LCSW, and Jen Noe, LCSW, presented helpful tools and insights to foster a healthy digital environment at home. The Amherst parents who attended the presentation reported leaving with helpful tools and feeling more capable of tackling the digital challenges that they face as parents. The FSC will be hosting another Screen Sanity Parent Night at Windermere Boulevard Elementary in January 2025.

Screen Sanity is an internationally acclaimed program that helps parents navigate the digital world that we live in. It provides guidance on cell phone use, device introduction as well as other digital challenges that families today face. The program has been endorsed by the likes of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and ABC News. The program also has partnerships with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Archwell Foundation as well as US Cellular.

All artwork for the FSC Gallery Night has to be submitted to art teachers by Monday, Nov. 4!

The art department has also been working hand-in-hand with the Family Support Center for the past four years to create our annual Art Gallery Night that sheds light on different topics related to overall well-being. This year our art gallery night takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. If your child would like to participate, art submissions depicting the theme “Nature: How It Impacts our Physical & Mental Health” are due to their art teachers by Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. We hope to have a wide range of artwork from students to display on the 19th and we hope to see even more families there than last year. View the flyer.

We exist to provide community resources and support to families in the pursuit to create well-adjusted and confident children.

Teenage Years are Hard: This weekly program every Thursday assists parents with tips and information to help get teenagers to cooperate, cope with their emotions, build their survival skills and reduce family conflict. All classes are held from 6-8 p.m. on Zoom on Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6. View the flyer.

Parenting is Hard: This weekly program every Saturday assists parents with tips and information to deal with disobedience, manage fighting and aggression, develop good bedtime routines and have hassle-free shopping with children. All classes are held from 10 a.m. until noon on Zoom on Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 and 8. View the flyer.

Registration is required, call Juliane Grover, 716-362-3071 or Marlana Howard, 716-362-3073.

As caregivers and educators, we all share the goal of helping children thrive in school, at home, and in life. This includes exploring new ideas, celebrating their strengths, and encouraging them to persevere when things get tough. Working together, we can support students’ sense of learning and discovery through these formative years.

To highlight these goals, Amherst Central School District’s Family Support Center is taking a moment to acknowledge National School Psychology Week (NSPW), Nov. 11–15, 2024.

School psychologists are members of the school team that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, such as learning assessments, academic and behavioral interventions, counseling, and social skills training. They also consult with families, teachers, and other educators to improve school-wide practices and policies.

Join us by taking this week to embark on a journey of discovery and explore how each person can join us in our mission of helping children thrive in school, at home, and in life. There are many ways caregivers can help children take on new challenges, learn new skills, and feel safe and valued. You can:

• Encourage your child to pursue new ideas and to map out a plan. As a parent, you can help them see what the small steps are and how overcoming obstacles is a part of their journey.

• Help them work through setbacks or lack of confidence by helping them identify negative thoughts that may suggest concerns about their ability to be successful.

• Praise attempts, as well as success, and make sure that you focus on the effort put in to boost their strengths.

• Demonstrate ways to explore new opportunities and learn about a variety of topics, letting them know that you, too, are learning new things and expanding your universe.

• Celebrate diversity and model how to accept others as they are. Take steps with your child to actively learn about others who are different from you.

Partner with your building's school psychologist, school counselor, school social worker or the Family Support Center and we can work together to help your child spark discovery! We look forward to working with you at Amherst Central School District to encourage all children, whether at home or at school, to pursue new ideas, explore their connections, and boost their strengths.