Mental Health Newsletter

The month of November has reached us with lots of activities planned for our scholars in Perry County Schools. As your Mental Health Services Coordinator, my dedication to you will be to continue encouragement, motivation and resourceful throughout Perry County Schools.

Please don't ever hesitate to reach out to me.

I look forward to assisting you all,

Ms. Meredith Wiggins 😘

Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars, and Veterans Day 2025 will occur on Tuesday, November 11. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is not confused with Memorial Day - a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. World Kindness Day is celebrated on November 13 every year. It’s an international holiday that is observed in many countries including but not limited to the U.S., Canada, Australia, Italy, and India. The purpose of World Kindness Day as outlined by the World Kindness Movement is “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” Since its creation more than two decades ago, the day has achieved truly global notice; events associated with the day have attracted participants from every inhabited continent. These have included activities such as concerts, dance mobs, and the distribution of “kindness cards.”

Every year, American Education Week is held a week before Thanksgiving. This year, it starts on November 17 and ends on November 21. Have you ever wondered how American education grew to be what it is now? American Education Week is celebrated to remind and reinspire us to make education in America even better, as we celebrate the pace-setting contributors to the educational system. This week involves the students, parents, educators, scholarships, and the community as they all come together to observe a week dedicated to education.

History of American Education Week

American Education Week was first established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1921. It has since been celebrated annually to honor the importance of education and those who contribute to the educational process. This week serves as a reminder that education is a shared responsibility that involves teachers, parents, students, and the community working together to provide the best learning opportunities.

November is National Adoption Month. It is the month when the broader community acknowledges the efforts of those whose lives have been impacted by adoption and who facilitate the process. This month helps spread awareness and encourages all of us to learn about adoption. National Adoption Month celebrates the families who have grown through adoption. It also recognizes the journey of the many children who are still waiting for their destined families. It further highlights the thousands of children worldwide in need of adoption, and how easy it is to make a difference even if you cannot adopt.

November marks National Career Development Month, a celebration of professional growth, self-exploration, and skill-building. Perfect for everyone, from novices to seasoned professionals. Learn, network, seek advice, and define your career success. It's time to take control of your professional journey. This is the time dedicated to fostering professional growth, learning, and self-exploration. Whether you are fresh out of college, beginning your work journey, or you’re a seasoned professional planning a career shift, this month holds immense value for everyone.

We urge you to make the most of National Career Development Month 2023:

*Be curious. *Ask questions.* Share experiences. *Immerse yourself in the rich discussions that await.

This month is about you, your growth, and your professional landmarks.

How to observe:

*Implement career development programs in your school or business. Encourage students, families, and employees to participate. Invite businesses to join you in developing programs to fill the needs of your community.

*Progress Reports

- 11/06

* NO SCHOOL

- 11/10 Obama Day

- 11/11 Veteran's Day

- 11/24 - 11/28 Thanksgiving Holiday

Schools, communities, and advocates across the nation have successfully taken steps to ensure children are attending school more regularly. What works is to take a data-driven, comprehensive approach that begins with engaging students and families as well as preventing absences from adding up before students fall behind academically. The key is using chronic absence data as a diagnostic tool to identify where prevention and early intervention are needed. With this data in hand, schools, families and community partners can together determine the causes of chronic absence, and implement approaches that address barriers to getting to class. Attendance Works has developed a set of key strategies for reducing chronic absence in school sites and key ingredients for systemic change that need to exist across a school district and broader communities. Both levels are essential to having a sustained impact. Reducing chronic absence fits nicely into the three-tiered support systems used in many school districts and states.