Counseling & Health Services News

As we approach Spring Break, we want to take a moment to focus on wellness, self-care, and safety. Whether you're traveling, relaxing at home, or catching up on personal goals, this edition of our newsletter provides helpful tips on mental health, physical well-being, and community resources to support you during the break. We also wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the outstanding work our campuses have done with our students since the holidays.

From Jamie Ennis, BSN, RN, Student Health Services

Given the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, Austin Public Health asks us to remain informed and on alert for possible cases in our community.

The District is actively monitoring the situation and has been in close communication with state and local health authorities to ensure a swift and effective response in the event of a confirmed positive measles case. A comprehensive response plan is in place to protect the health and well-being of students, staff, and the broader community. Lake Travis ISD remains committed to prioritizing safety and will provide timely updates and guidance as needed.

You can find updated information about Texas’ measles outbreak on the Texas Department of State Health Services Health Alerts and Updates website.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has provided information and guidance regarding symptoms and preventing measles before and after travel:

• Measles Symptoms
• Preventing Measles Before and After Travel

From Marissa Bell, MPH, RD, LTISD Food & Nutrition Dietitian & Marketing Coordinator

Spring is here, bringing sunshine, fresh starts, and a perfect opportunity to refresh our habits—including in the kitchen! In honor of National Nutrition Month, give your pantry a little “spring cleaning” to set your family up for healthy eating. An organized pantry makes it easier to grab nutritious snacks and pack balanced lunches for all your spring adventures. Try these simple tips for a fresh start!

Take Inventory

• Check expiration dates and discard expired items.

• Identify items that haven’t been used in months—consider donating unopened, non-perishable foods.

Swap & Upgrade for Better Nutrition

• Refined → Whole Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice, white pasta for whole wheat, and processed cereals for oatmeal.

• Sugary Snacks → Naturally Sweet Options: Replace candy and cookies with dried fruit, unsweetened applesauce, or homemade granola. Enjoy sweets as an occasional treat rather than a snack.

• Salty Snacks → Healthier Alternatives: Choose unsalted nuts, popcorn, whole-grain crackers and unsalted or lightly salted tortilla chips over highly processed alternatives.

• Sugary Drinks → Hydrating Choices: Enjoy sodas, lemonade, and juices as an occasional treat, and opt for infused or sparkling water, unsweetened teas, or no-sugar options as daily thirst-quenchers.

• Canned Goods → Good Cans: Choose ‘no-sodium-added’ or ‘low-sodium’ canned goods and look for ‘non-BPA-lined’ cans when possible.

• Sauces & Condiments → Smarter Picks: Look for jarred sauces and condiments with little to no added sugar, and be on the lookout for items with hidden sugars!

Organizing for Healthy Choices

• Store healthier items at eye level for easy access.

• Use clear containers to store grains, nuts, and dried fruits to encourage use.

• Create a grab-and-go snack section for kids with portioned-out healthy options.

Restock with Healthy Staples

• Proteins: Canned beans, lentils, tuna, salmon, chicken, beef jerky, nut butters

• Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat pasta, farro, whole-grain crackers, whole wheat couscous, popcorn kernels

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocado oil, nuts, seeds, olives, tahini

• Fruits & Vegetables: Unsweetened applesauce, dried fruit, canned fruit (in 100% juice), canned tomatoes, roasted red peppers, salsa, corn, jarred artichokes

• Flavor Boosters: Vinegar, herbs, spices, low-sodium broths

Meal Planning & Shopping

• Plan meals based on what’s in your pantry before grocery shopping.

• Stick to a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.

• Buy in bulk for cost savings on healthy staples.

Try this recipe for a fiber- and protein-packed savory snack on the go. Mix up the seasonings to make it your own!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 Tbsp cooking oil (such as avocado or canola oil)

• 1 tsp garlic powder and/or smoked paprika (or seasonings of your choice)

• ½ tsp kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Pat chickpeas dry with a clean, lint-free towel or paper towel.

3. Toss with cooking oil and seasonings.

4. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, stirring halfway through.

5. Let cool completely before storing in a loosely-covered container at room temperature. Roasted chickpeas are best used within a few days for optimal texture.

Warmer temperatures mean more time outside, but the sun and heat can be dangerous. Protect your family with these smart safety habits:

• Cover Up for Extra Protection – Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses help block harmful rays.

• Plan Outdoor Time Wisely – The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon.

• Hydration is Non-Negotiable – Kids (and adults) should drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can happen fast in warm weather.

• Check for Hot Surfaces – Sidewalks, playground equipment, and car seats can heat up quickly and cause burns. Test with your hand before letting children play or sit.

• Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion – Watch for dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, weakness, or confusion. If someone shows symptoms, move them to a cool place, give water, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.

💡 Tip: For long outdoor outings, pack frozen water bottles—they’ll melt into cold, refreshing drinks and help keep snacks cool!

Resource: CDC

As STAAR testing approaches, students and parents can feel a surge of pressure. It’s normal to experience some anxiety, but with the right strategies, you can manage stress and approach the testing season with confidence. Your child’s mental and physical health play a crucial role in their ability to focus and perform during the test. Here are some effective tips to ease anxiety and help students perform at their best:

• Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is critical for brain function and memory retention. Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep per night in the week leading up to the test. Make sleep a priority by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath. Avoid screen time before bed to promote better sleep.

• Eat Nutritious Foods: Fueling the body with nutritious meals can help maintain energy levels and cognitive function. Encourage meals with protein, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid sugary snacks or drinks.

• Get Moving: Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and boost mental clarity. Encourage your child to engage in activities like walking, yoga, or sports to release tension and improve focus. Regular exercise increases endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood boosters, helping students feel calmer and more energized.

• Manage Test Anxiety: Test anxiety is common, but it can be managed. Teach your child simple relaxation techniques they can use during the test, such as deep breathing or visualizing a calm place. Encourage them to take their time and not rush. Remind them that it’s okay to take a deep breath or stretch during the test if they begin to feel overwhelmed.

• Embrace Positivity: Reinforce the idea that effort is more important than perfection. Reassure your child that they are prepared and capable of handling the test. Use positive affirmations like, “You’ve got this!” or “You’ve worked hard, and you’re ready.”

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time to recognize the warning signs, support students, and know where to turn in a crisis. Here’s a quick guide to help:

Recognizing Warning Signs of Self-Harm:

Self-harm involves intentionally hurting oneself, such as cutting or burning, often as a way to cope with emotional distress. It's important to note that self-harm is not typically a suicide attempt but a harmful method of managing pain. Some warning signs that a student might be engaging in self-harm include:

• Unexplained Cuts, Scratches, or Burns: Regular appearance of cuts, burns, or scratches, often on the arms, legs, or wrists, that are usually not consistent with typical accidents.

• Wearing Concealing Clothing: Consistently wearing long sleeves or pants, even in warm weather, to cover injuries or scars from self-inflicted harm.

• Frequent Bandages or Gauze: Regular use of bandages or gauze that seems out of place or inconsistent with minor injuries.

• Physical Signs of Scratching or Biting: Evidence of skin irritation, scabs, or marks from scratching or biting, especially on the forearms, legs, or hands.

• Hidden Injuries: Injuries that appear to be deliberately inflicted, such as straight-line cuts or burns, often on parts of the body that are easily concealed.

• Avoiding Eye Contact with Injuries: Acting uncomfortable or defensive when injuries or marks are noticed, or avoiding conversation about their physical appearance.

• Verbal Expressions of Self-Harm: Talking about wanting to hurt themselves or using phrases like, "I just want the pain to stop," or "It feels like I deserve it."

Supporting Your Child:

• Educate Yourself: Learn more about self-harm and mental health to offer the best support. Resources like the Mayo Clinic are helpful.

Crisis Support Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for 24/7 confidential support.

• Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.

• Texas Youth Helpline: Call 1-800-98-YOUTH for support, or text 512-872-5777.

Immediate Danger?

• Call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

• Stay with your child until help arrives.

By staying informed and seeking help when needed, you can provide essential support to your child during tough times.

The internet is a powerful tool, but it also comes with risks. As technology evolves, so do the tactics used to exploit it. Parents play a crucial role in teaching children how to navigate the online world safely. With 10.3 years being the average age U.S. kids get a smartphone and 1 in 2 children having a social media account by age 12, it is more important than ever to understand how the cyber world works and the potential risks that come along with navigating the internet.

Crime Stoppers is hosting a Parent Information Night to discuss the importance of social media awareness and cyber security for students. Join us for valuable insights on how to keep kids safe online and navigate the digital world responsibly.

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Location: Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center, 607 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78734

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and ask questions!

The Lake Travis ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is in the process of selecting a comprehensive, medically accurate, and age-appropriate human sexuality curriculum for students in grades 6-9. As part of this process, we want to ensure transparency and provide our community with the opportunity to review the curriculum options under consideration.

We invite parents, guardians, and community members to review the proposed curricula on the following dates:

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Review Sessions will be facilitated at the LTISD Educational Development Center located at 607 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78734.

During these sessions, stakeholders will have the chance to review the curriculum materials and provide feedback. Your input is essential in shaping the future of health education for LTISD students. We appreciate your time and participation in this important process.

For questions, or additional information, please contact Jennifer Garrigan, Director of Counseling and Health Services, at garriganj@ltisdschools.org or 512-533-5940.

Rough Hollow Elementary’s Mix It Up Lunch Promotes Kindness at RHE! In celebration of National Random Acts of Kindness Day, RHE students took part in a Mix It Up Lunch on Tuesday, February 18! This special event encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and make new friends during lunchtime. Students in grades K-4 received a DOT sticker before lunch to help them mix and mingle with different classmates, while 5th grade students sat with peers who shared their birthday month, as displayed on the Smart Board in the cafeteria. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to build new connections and spread kindness throughout the school!

Students at Lake Travis Middle School celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week by engaging in various activities across campus. You can view the highlights by watching the most recent edition of Knight News!

This quarter, Hudson Bend Middle School has been making great strides in counseling and student support. As a pilot campus for the district’s partnership with Emergent Tree, we’ve been implementing proactive strategies to support student behavior. One key approach is the Reach and Respond strategy, where all teachers use three images posted outside their classroom doors (see images below) to help students communicate how they’re feeling each day.

The Emergent Tree pilot group teachers have also been using Brag Boards (see image below) to reinforce positive behavior, encouraging a 3:1 ratio of positive feedback to correction. Students sign the board when they exemplify our core values of being Safe, Respectful, or Responsible—there’s even a Brag Board in the cafeteria for all three lunches!

As an extension activity with the librarian and 6th grade art teacher, we set up a February “Puppy Love” bulletin board. All students were invited to participate in showing Nala & Blu a little love. The result is super cute.

All three HBMS counselors shared their expertise by presenting at the LTISD February Conference. To top it off, we participated in the career fair with the administration team. We were able to share the culture of our campus with prospective candidates and answer questions about how counselors team with administrators. We’re proud of the meaningful work happening at HBMS to support student success!

Counselor for: 2 years

Undergraduate: Duquesne University

Graduate: Messiah University

My role in school counseling goes beyond career aspirations—it's truly a calling. Each day, I have the privilege of witnessing students develop essential life skills—from emotional regulation and self-control to respect and resilience. What makes this work especially meaningful is that I can be here for every student in our school community, supporting their wellbeing and growth without exception. There's something magical about watching children grow into remarkable individuals, and I'm honored to play a role in their journey. I am proud to be a school counselor and will continue to support, guide, and celebrate these students for as long as I am able!

First year as a counselor!

Undergraduate: University of Delaware

Graduate: University of Alabama

I love being a school counselor because every day feels like you are making a difference. I love interacting with students and the relationships I build with them make my day exciting and meaningful. I feel lucky to be surrounded by a community that supports me and supports our students!

First year as a counselor!

Undergraduate: University of North Texas

Graduate: San Angelo State University

I love being a school counselor because I have the opportunity to be a kind, compassionate, and caring person for students. Everyone needs a cheerleader and I am so glad I can be a cheerleader to so many students. Being an elementary counselor is special because I get to teach important social and emotional skills to children that they will use for the rest of their lives, and I get to see and hear my students practice and use the skills I teach them.

First year as a counselor!

Undergraduate: University of Alabama

Graduate: Florida State University

I love being a school counselor because I get to see the impact of my work EVERY day on the faces of the students, staff, and families. Knowing my work directly contributes to the growth and development of my students drives me to bring my best to school every day. Also, the kids are just FUN to be around! Smiles are contagious!

Counselor for: 14 years

Undergraduate: Baylor University

Graduate: Texas State University

I love helping kids each day and watching them grow. Elementary students arrive every day eager to learn, and it’s such a joy to teach them lifelong skills. One of the best perks of being an elementary school counselor is being the recipient of some of the best hugs!

Counselor for: 3 years (10 years as an educator)

Undergraduate: Texas Tech University

Graduate: San Angelo State University

I love being a school counselor because it allows me to make a positive impact on students' lives at a crucial stage in their development. Working in an elementary school is especially rewarding because I get to help shape their emotional and social growth, teaching them skills that will benefit them for years to come. The joy of seeing a child overcome a challenge, build confidence, or develop a strong sense of self is truly fulfilling. It's an incredible feeling to know that I’m helping create a supportive environment where students feel valued and empowered to succeed.

Counselor for: 4 years (23 years as an educator)

Undergraduate: Texas Lutheran University

Graduate: The University of Texas at San Antonio

The thing I love about being a school counselor is that I am in a position to help positively impact the lives of my students by supporting their social, emotional, and academic needs, while also having the opportunity to build strong relationships with students and families. While the largest part of my career in education was at the middle and high school level, I have found that the elementary setting is absolutely the best fit for me as a counselor. I get to wear so many hats in my role here on campus, with providing guidance lessons to my K-5 students being my favorite. This allows me to continue utilizing my skills as a teacher to help promote the social and emotional growth of students, which is always fun. I love the excitement elementary students have for learning, and that makes me look forward to my job every day!

Social Worker for: 20+ years

Undergraduate: Northeastern University

Graduate: California State University at Long Beach

What do you love about being a social worker?

There are many reasons why I enjoy being a school social worker, but my favorite aspect of the job is supporting and advocating for elementary-aged children who, for various academic and social-emotional reasons, feel as if they don't belong. I also appreciate collaborating with and providing referrals to the parents of these children, as they provide valuable insights into their child's specific needs and the family's circumstances. By actively listening to our children and their parents, we help them feel safe, seen, comforted, secure, and understood.