Can you believe we are almost halfway through the 2022-2023 school year? The school year is moving along so quickly! The first quarter ended on Monday, November 7th and second quarter will be ending on January 19th. We hope your child had a positive first quarter and is feeling acclimated to the routines and expectations of the new school year and daily schedule. Please make sure to log into ASPEN to check your child's first quarter report card and upcoming second quarter progress reports. We encourage you to take time together with your child to carefully review their grades and comments and ask questions that invite reflection and discussion. What did your child enjoy the most? What was their biggest challenge? Which teacher did they especially connect with? What goals do they have for third quarter? Any one of these questions might open up a conversation that leads to a deeper understanding of your child's school experience this year and reminds your child of your care and interest and desire to support them.

Please stay connected and reach out to school staff with any questions you might have.

Here’s to a productive and engaging next quarter of learning!

Sincerely,

The Weber Mental Health Department

Sometimes it seems like the demands and stresses of parenting just keep building up! For some parents, it just seems like there is too much to do each day—especially during the holidays! The good news is there are ways you can handle the very real stresses of parenting through the holiday season. Check out the article below for tips on how to manage parenting stress over the holidays!

New Year’s is often a time of year everyone looks forward to. It signifies the end of your year, and makes you recall and assess how it went. More often than not, the best thing about the New Year is the chance to start afresh–a clean slate, if you will. It’s a chance for new beginnings.

With this being said, the New Year is also a time for resolutions. New Year’s resolutions have been a common trend for a long time now. It’s basically reflecting upon your past year and deciding the things you want to change. It’s about making a list of things you’re going to start or stop doing, and implementing it.

The following are some New Year’s resolutions for parents:

• Unplug more. Put down the phone, cell, iPad, laptop, or tv remote for at least the 1-2 hours after getting home. Get them involved in chatting, cleaning up, cooking, setting the table, going through the mail, etc. They grow up so fast – take more time to savor the now with them while you can. (Neighborhood Parents Network)

• Parent and Spouse. I'm making a promise to not give all my time to being a good parent but making sure to save some of "me" to share with My Super Fantastic Supportive Spouse. Giving my children a good example of a healthy and loving marriage will hopefully help them feel secure, confident, and blessed. (Parents.com)

• Listen More; Talk at Less. Ask "What do you think? What are you feeling? Tell me about it. What would you do?" (Bright Horizons Family Solutions)

• Back Away From the Vacuum. I am going to spend less time cleaning and more time playing! The kids won't remember if the house was perfectly clean all the time but they will remember having fun with me. (Parenting.com)

• Don't skimp on bedtime. No matter how old your child is, taking time to tuck them in is a great way to bond. Being there at the end of each day and creating a quiet space to talk establishes security and intimacy that will make them feel trusting enough to tell you things they might not otherwise share. It's also a great time to read out loud to your child. We all know how easy it is to rush through the routine, often out of sheer exhaustion, but let's resolve to snuggle in or pull up a chair and listen. (Metroparent)

• Don‘t lose your cool with your kids. When your kids are trying your patience, avoid stress and resentment by refusing to take the bait. Calming yourself before you react is key, says Charlotte Reznick, child psychologist and author of “The Power of Your Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success.” (PBSParents)

• Do Chores. Having a system for household responsibilities spreads out the work instead of having it all fall on one person (you know who!) Assigning chores and reminding kids to do them can feel like a chore in itself. Try keeping a chore jar with slips of paper for kids to pick which chore they'll do that week, such as taking out the trash. (Familyeducation)

• Spend more time together as a family. Have more family dinners (with the TV off). They lead to better nutrition, better school performance, and better teen behavior. Game Night is another way to spend time together. Exercise together, visit a museum. Try to do something once a week. The connections you make with your family can make all the difference for your child, and for you. (Bostonglobe)

• Become a More Moderate Photographer. I tend to go months without taking a photo of my son and then become his personal paparazzi for a few weeks. I’m always bouncing between the extremes, but this year I’d like to establish a more balanced photography schedule. (The Muse)

• Light up more. Maya Angelou once asked, "Does your face light up when your child walks into the room?" When you get home from work and first see your little one, or when she wanders into your room in the morning – do you show her how much you love her and how happy you are to see her? Don’t miss this precious opportunity every day. (Neighborhood Parents Network)

Setting New Year’s resolutions can be daunting for anyone, no matter your age. It doesn’t have to be challenging, though! Goals are personal to the individual and can be as small or large as he or she wants.

Start by encouraging your child to focus on their strengths and then think about ways to improve them. Maybe your student excels in math, for example. Perhaps he or she can join a math club to strengthen their skills and even compete against other students. Or, say your child is good at soccer – ask them if they want to set a resolution to try out for a soccer team at school or a local club.

New Year’s resolutions for middle schoolers usually fall into a few different categories: social, academic, athletic, and personal. Have a pressure-free conversation with your child on what they’d like to achieve personally or academically this year. If you see they are struggling with an academic subject, try to set resolutions around improving in a specific, attainable way.

Resolutions your child can make might sound like:

I will…

• Make a new friend this year

• Invite a friend over to play at least twice a month

• Join a club or after-school activity before the school year ends

• Volunteer with a local organization this year

• Read 30 minutes every day

• Ask my teacher for help improving my study habits by the end of this week

• Organize my backpack every night

• Practice my sport every week for at least 15 minutes a day

• Run around the block every day

• Keep my room clean every day

• Eat one less junk food snack per day

• Do my school work as soon as I get home

• Pay attention in class every day

• Watch one less TV show per day

• Spend 30 minutes less time playing computer games per day

• Find a new hobby this month

• Not talk back to my parents

It’s up to you and your child on how many resolutions you want to make. Try not to be too forceful on which resolutions you’d like them to make or how many. Attached below you can find two goal setting worksheets you and your child might enjoy doing together!

Winter is historically not most people's favorite season, but there’s plenty to love about winter reading: the cold, grey days are the perfect excuse to stay inside and read.

Mental health and self help books can be a useful way to process your experiences, learn about psychology, and often find techniques and tools to help you in your daily life. They can aid your mental health toolkit by providing different techniques, scientific research, and stories of others who have faced the same hurdles.

So grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate, coffee or tea and a warm blanket, then pick up one of these great titles to read.

Summary: Your Brain Needs a Hug is filled with her friendly advice, coping strategies and laugh-out-loud moments to get you through the difficult days. Witty, honest, and enlightening, this is the perfect read for feeling happier and healthier and learning to navigate life without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

“A validating, hopeful, and practical guide to mental health… heartfelt and honest… Teens struggling with mental illness will find comfort and valuable information in this superlative guide." ―Kirkus Reviews

Summary: Dr. Jensen’s The Teenage Brain gathers what has been discovered about adolescent brain function, wiring, and capacity and explains the science in the contexts of everyday learning and multitasking, stress and memory, sleep, addiction, and decision-making. In this groundbreaking yet accessible book, these findings also yield practical suggestions that will help adults and teenagers negotiate the mysterious world of adolescent development.

“At moments of extreme exasperation, parents may think that there’s something wrong with their teenagers’ brains. Which, according to recent books on adolescence, there is…. [Jensen] offers a parenting guide laced with the latest MRI studies…. Packed with charts and statistics.” — Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker

Just like our phones, we all need time to recharge. Breaks are important to give students a chance to rest, reset, and spend more time with friends and family. If you’re looking for ideas for your next family day, we have you covered. Here are five ideas for your next family fun day:

There’s nothing better than a cozy night in! Discuss potential movie genres with your family, then have everyone pick one of their favorite movies within that genre. Next, vote on the list of favorite movies and watch the movie with the most votes. Then, all that’s left to do is pop some popcorn, grab some extra pillows and blankets, and enjoy!

Scrapbooking is a great way to reminisce upon old memories, while spending quality time with your family. While this may be more time-consuming, the end result will make it worth it. The options are endless - let your creativity take the wheel!

Add another meal, or treat, to your culinary repertoire! Research recipe ideas with your family by looking on social media, or google. Then, decide on a recipe, grab your aprons, and get cooking!

Bring back the beauty of board games with your family! Dig through your collection of old board games, or maybe find a new game to bring to the table! Whether you are playing a competitive game of Uno, or a lucrative round of Monopoly, this is a great way to get the whole family together.

Whether you decide to take a family walk around the neighborhood, or go on a long bike ride through a park, it’s beneficial to be active. Even thirty minutes will make a positive difference!

https://www.hofstra.edu/saltzman-center/counseling-mental-health-clinic.html

Weekly Workshops at the Saltzman Center

Call 516-463-5234 or send an email to: Teresa.Grella-Hillebrand@hofstra.edu

Workshops Held at the:

Saltzman Center

Counseling and Mental Health Professions Clinic

131 Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY 11549-1310

Effective Parenting Workshop (available in English and Spanish) -

6 sessions held via Zoom

Certificates of completion are available. Learning about parenting styles and enhance your relationship with your child. Connect, learn and build relationships with parents in the local area. $15 per session

Konfident Kids

Saturdays 1-2:30pm

A group for kids, ages 6-12. Six sessions, $15 per session. Konfident Kids is a fun and safe place for kids to:

• Improve self-esteem

• Develop decision-making skills

• Encourage positive self-image

• Build confidence

• Improve social skills

How to Be Present While Parenting — January 10, 2023

This webinar discusses ways parents can be more present and create situations where children will want to be present with them. Allowing your full self to be present with your kids when you are pulled in multiple directions can be difficult but it is worth the effort. We will use mindfulness and wellbeing strategies to achieve this goal.

Presenter: Alan D. Schlechter, MD (https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1396957841/alan-d-schlechter)

Register Online Below:

https://nyulangone.zoom.us/webinar/register/9116674204377/WN_4OGH1yz-SI-ywGbHUsh4cw

Support Groups: 2022-2023

• December 2, 2022 - Holiday Party

• January 6, 2023

• February 3, 2023

• March 3, 2023

• March 31, 2023

• May 5, 2023

• June 2, 2023 - last support group of the school year

• June 10, 2023 - SAVE THE DATE! - FFD

PFLAG is all about support, education and advocacy. For people attending their firsdt meeting, it is all about support. http://pflagli.org/

You will meet parents or family members of loved ones who have recently “come out” to them as well as others who have been members for many years and have gone through much of what you are just beginning to experience.

For some parents, this news is very difficult to deal with. Most of us have never had anyone tell us they have a gay, lesbian bisexual or transgender child and many just do not know what to do with this information. While some people find this news quite distressing; they may be angry or hurt, others are readily accepting, but all have questions. There is a lot to learn and PFLAG Long Island is the place to ask questions in a safe and confidential environment.

Support Group Meetings:

PFLAG Long Island Support Meeting – In Person

Sid Jacobson JCC 300 Forest Dr., East Hills, NY

January 8, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

PFLAG Long Island Virtual Meeting

January 22, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

PFLAG Long Island Support Meeting – In Person

Suffolk Y JCC 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack, NY

February 12, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Positive Parenting Workshop NEW DATE: January 14, 2023

Saturday from 9:00am-1:00pm.

4-hour course for parents of children 2-16 years old

Class Location: VIRTUAL

This workshop explores child development, setting reasonable expectations, effective consequences, communication, self-control, and more! Certificate of completion given after successful course completion.

Fee: There is a $150 fee per person.

Pre-registration by phone, email, or online is required: (631) 648-7100 x217; kathryn.cannino@eac-network.org; online registration below

*Registration closes one week prior to class.

https://eac-network.org/lipiregistration/#1568214169162-8cf1f801-9a5e

On Superintendent's Conference Day, the mental health staff had the opportunity to visit a local mental health clinic, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, at their annual community engagement breakfast. The discussion focused on the question, "Where are we now?" A dialogue on the state of mental health in our schools and our communities.

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center-also known as the Guidance Center is the leading community-based not-for-profit specialty children’s mental health center on Long Island. Staff is specially trained in working with children and teens (from birth to age 24) and their families. Below is a list of the multiple programs, services and treatment options they offer.

Programs and Services:

• Mental Health Services
• Triage and Emergency Unit
  
• Intensive Child and Family Services
  
• Clinical Care Coordination Team
  
• Coordinated Children's Services Initiative
  
• Family Advocates
  
• Intensive Support Program
  
• Other Licensed Practitioner
  
• Latina Girls Project
  
• LGBTQ+ Issues
  
• Organic Garden Program
  
• Wilderness Respite Program
  
• Substance Use Treatment Services
  
• Diagnostic Services/Learning to Learn
  
• The Douglas S. Feldman Suicide Prevention Project
  
• Bereavement and Trauma Services
  
• Early Childhood Services
  
• Caregiver Grandparent Respite & Support Program (C-GRASP)
  
• Children's Center At Nassau Family Court
  
• Diane Goldberg Maternal Depression Program
  
• Friends of Nancy Marks Nature Nursery
  
• Good Beginnings For Babies
  
• Grandparent Advocates Supporting Autistic Kids (GASAK)
  

For a more comprehensive explanation of each program, click below to read more.

There were 47 students and staff who received a Weber Star for Quarter 1. The Weber Star breakfast was held on November 4th to celebrate all the Weber Star recipients (see photo below). Some outstanding examples of reasons for nominations included :

• student- she has been extremely kind to a new student that came from another school this year
• student- he volunteered to move his seat to accommodate a peer and found someone's homework and picked it up off the floor and brought it to class for the student
• student- helping a classmate with the work he missed when he was absent. Without being asked and without hesitation, she went over some of the work with him, so he didn't fall behind
• staff-for taking the time to get a student all the supplies he needed and to help him organize them for class after he came in with a broken binder
• student- being a motivator for another student who was struggling with the mile run.
• staff- going above and beyond!
• student-for going out of his way and kindly offering to help translate for a new student who started today and speaks very little English.

If your child would like to nominate someone Quarter 2, have them email the name and reason for their nomination to eshirian@portnet.org or smullins@portnet.org by Thursday, January 12th. Last year more than 400 students and staff received a Weber STAR!

Career Paths:

• Marketing Communications - Employees plan, coordinate and implement marketing strategies, advertising, promotion, and public relations activities.

Examples: Public relations specialist

• Marketing Management - Employees create policies and direct the operations of businesses/corporations & nonprofit organizations. They may work on advertising and sales.

Examples: Fundraising managers, marketing managers, advertising/promotion

managers

• Marketing Research - Employees work on understanding people and organizations. They collect information to design new products & predict future sales.

Example: Market research analyst

• Merchandising - Employees get the products into hands of customers

Examples: Wholesale/retail buyers, models, merchandise displayers

A career in marketing ensures that you know how to communicate effectively and think creatively. It’s a highly competitive but rewarding field, and there is never a dull moment! You are constantly learning and being exposed to new challenges.

Personality:

If you're a strategic and creative problem-solver, then a career in marketing could be right for you! Being a team player is also a key quality, for those that are successful in the marketing field.

Job Outlook:

Within the next 10 years, marketing is projected to grow faster than the average rate. Digital advertising through online and mobile sources will continue to grow over the coming years!

Education:

Most marketing positions require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Being involved in your child’s education is important. At Weber we value the connection between families and the school. If concerns arise, feel free to reach out to your child’s teachers directly by email. If you feel your concerns require an in person meeting, contact your child’s Counselor. If you need someone that speaks Spanish, please reach out to your child's Social Worker.

Blue (B) House: Mrs. Shirian

Green (G) House: Mrs. Mullins

Red (R) House: Mrs. Weiner

Yellow (Y) House: Ms. VonSalzen

R/G Social Worker: Ms. Venegas

Y/B Social Worker: Ms. Chuchon

• Zucker Hillside Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – 718-470-3500
• RVC Behavioral Health Center –516-927-1630
• Mineola Behavioral Health Center -516-321-5770
• South Oaks Hospital Admissions –631-608-5885
• Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care – 718-470-3148
• Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department – 718-470-3768
• Long Island Crisis Center – 516-679-1111
• Center for Hope - 516-216-5194
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 800-273-8255
• Port Counseling 516-767-1133