FSC Monthly Update

We strive to assist in supporting families with effective communication, parenting, overall well-being and healthy development for students and families as a whole. When we are able to assist in these areas of need, children are able to focus more on school and ultimately are more successful in school and beyond. While parents are able to more confidently assist in their children's social and emotional lives and report less behavioral concerns at home.

The Value of a Social Emotional Lending Library

Research shows that reading helps children develop a better understanding of emotions and a broader emotional lexicon, so that they can better express how they are feeling to others. Children are also more readily able to learn about these topics when they can see them play out through characters or story plots. This helps children to understand that they are not alone and even gives them ideas about how they may be able to tackle difficult emotions or situations.

Alumni Grant
We thank the Alumni Foundation for a $2,324 grant that will allow us to add resource to our leading library. Over the past year, we have worked to create a social/emotional (SEL) lending library where students, parents and families in the ACSD community can come to get book recommendations, and browse or borrow books related to specific mental health, SEL and/or parenting topics. We created an Amazon Wish List of specific social-emotional books that we often use and recommend to others. Some of the books surround specific topics like the loss of a loved one, parent’s divorce, or when a parent is deployed. While other books are more general, focusing on understanding and naming emotions, different ways to cope with our ever-changing emotions as well as managing social situations through the years. The books cover parenting topics, social issues that arise during teen and adolescent years as well as titles for the tiny future Amherst Tigers.

If you would like to donate to our lending library, use the Amazon Wish List link at the bottom of this newsletter. If you would like to borrow a book, please call our office at 362-3071.

Kids that eat school breakfast are more likely to get the needed daily amount of healthy grains, fresh fruit and calcium. Kids can improve their physical, mental and emotional health when they start the day with breakfast. At all of our schools, breakfast (and lunch) is free for ALL STUDENTS! Talk to your child about visiting the cafeteria to grab breakfast in the morning! Lunch is also free! Read more!

Many families have just enjoyed a busy holiday season with family, friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, this is not true for ALL families. There are many difficult things happening here and around the world. When news about difficult and potentially traumatic events takes over our news or social media feeds, it can be difficult to know what to say to our children and how to go about it. Here are some things to keep in mind, now and in the future, when discussing these heavy topics with our children.

• First, think about your own reactions to the news. As parents and caregivers our children often look to us for our response and will mimic that response. So, try to remain calm and think rationally.

• Find out what your children already know. Find out what else they want to know and what questions they may have. Do your best to answer any questions in an age-appropriate way. Be sure to let your children know that you may not have the answers to all of their questions and that is ok.

• Reassure them that they are safe and not in immediate danger. Depending on the child, a simple embrace may be a big reassurance for them.

• Validate how they are feeling and share how you are feeling too. (i.e. “I know that it sounds really scary, it’s a little scary for me too”).

• Encourage them to take breaks from screens. Teens and adolescents may want more regular updates on breaking news, but be sure to help them set limits on the frequency of these, as troubling media coverage can be detrimental to their well-being. If they are too young to have screens, make every effort to avoid consuming news near them.

• If they are feeling overwhelmed by what they see or hear on the news, teach them the importance of self-care. Encourage them to take time to relax or engage in activities that they enjoy and activities that help them to express themselves.

Over 80 artwork pieces were submitted from students in grades PK -12 and more than 100 attendees were at the Gallery Night in November to view the artwork. The contest was open to all students in the district as a way to recognize Mental Health Awareness. The winners of the FSC art contest on the theme "What Calm Feels Like to Me" were:

• Overall Art Exhibit Winner: Mila Naish (Grade 6) - Her artwork will be permanently displayed at the FSC.

• High School: Danica Pecoraro (Grade 10)

• Middle School: Max Guido (Grade 6)

• Windermere Elementary: Delaney Briggs (Grade 5)

• Smallwood Elementary: Ashley Umstead (Grade 4)

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

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 at 6 p.m. Screen Sanity Parent Group

Location: FSC 4007 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226

An organized roundtable discussion presented and led by Patrick Greene, Program Director, Horizon Health Services. This session is for parents and caregivers of children up to 21 years of age. Jan. 29, 2024 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Family Support Center. Online Pre-Registration is required. View the Roundtable Discussions Flyer.

The Family Support Center is working with EPIC to provide an international evidence-based parenting support program. This parenting program has been found to reduce problem behaviors in children and has reduced stress and instances of overwhelm in parents who enrolled in the program. Sessions are conducted on Zoom. Each session is a 5-week commitment; sessions are virtual. Call 362-3071 to register.

• Teenager Sessions: Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 2024 - View the Flyer
• Youth Sessions: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3, 2024 - View the Flyer. (This session is close to capacity - register soon if you are interested)

These are virtual sessions via Zoom. Registration is required. Call (716) 332-4170 or email, info@parentnetworkwny.org.

• Jan. 10, 2024 from 12 - 12:45 p.m.
  NYSAA: What Families Need to Know About NYS Alternative Assessments
• Feb. 7, 2024 from 12 - 12:45 p.m.
  Navigating Adult Services: Learn About ACCESS-VR, OPWDD, and others
• March 6, 2024 from 12 - 12:45 p.m.
  Live, Learn, Work and Play: What to do After Graduation

Several agencies in WNY offer Free Local Workshops for parents.

Jennifer Noe, School Social Worker

I provide individual and group counseling, crisis/behavioral support, family support. One fun fact about me: “I love spending time on the beach.”

Matthew Jackson, School Psychologist

I coordinate special education evaluations and meetings, Section 504, IST, counseling overflow, and crisis/behavioral support. One fun fact about me: "I love to ride my bike, and I've ridden over 1,000 miles all over New York State."