The Counselor's Corner

Greetings! From the counseling department at WMS, we want to wish you all a happy, safe, and restful holiday season. As we move through the holiday season, may we be thankful for the people in our lives, proud of our accomplishments over the past year, and plan for a healthy and bright 2026. We also want to recognize that the holidays can be stressful for families. We recognize the struggle some families have and want them to know that WMS to support them in these stressful times. We have included a number of resources in this newsletter that we think might be helpful.

Take Care of yourself and your family and have a wonderful holiday season!

This is a great opportunity to speak with representatives from local organizations who provide services and supports to families. There will be resources available for you to take home, a light breakfast and an opportunity to win a gift card in our FREE Raffle. We hope to see you there!!

Grief and Loss Support Group

Check next months Counselor's Corner newsletter for information about a grief and Loss support group. We are here to support all students and provide a variety of ways to meet their needs.

December is recognized as National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month, a time to focus on creating calmer, more meaningful moments together. The holidays can be fun and exciting, but they can also bring extra pressure—from busy schedules to financial worries to changes in routine. Students may show signs of stress through irritability, difficulty focusing, or changes in sleep and appetite.

The attached article highlights simple, practical ways families can reduce holiday stress, such as keeping routines consistent, planning ahead, setting realistic expectations, and making time for rest. It also encourages open communication so children feel comfortable sharing how they’re feeling. With small steps, families can create a more relaxed and supportive holiday season for everyone.

As the days get shorter and there is less sunlight, some people— including students—may experience changes in their mood and energy. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Students affected by SAD might feel more tired than usual, have trouble focusing, or seem more irritable or down during the winter months. These changes are connected to how our bodies react to reduced daylight.

The attached article explains common signs of SAD, why it happens, and simple ways families can help, such as encouraging outdoor time during daylight hours, keeping a consistent routine, and talking openly about emotions. Learning about SAD can help families support students and recognize when additional help may be needed.