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Grateful Hearts, Healthy Minds: Finding Balance as the Seasons Change

  🌻 Finding Balance: Gratitude and Mental Health as the Seasons Change As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many students and families start to feel the effects of the changing season. For some, this time of year brings cozy routines and excitement for the holidays. For others, it can also bring increased tiredness, lower motivation, or feelings of sadness — signs that may be connected to seasonal affective symptoms , often caused by reduced sunlight and changes in daily rhythms. 🌤️ Recognizing Seasonal Shifts It’s common for children and adults alike to experience lower energy, changes in sleep or appetite, or less enthusiasm for daily activities during the fall and winter months. Teachers and parents can support students by maintaining consistent routines, encouraging outdoor activity whenever possible, and helping children express how they feel. Small changes — such as opening curtains for natural light, spending time outdoors, or scheduling fun, movement-...
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Standing Together Against Bullying: A Message from Psychological Services

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October is National Bullying Prevention Month , a time when schools and communities across the country come together to raise awareness and promote kindness, inclusion, and safety for all students. As your school psychologists, we want to take this opportunity to open up a conversation about bullying—what it looks like, how it affects students, and what we can all do to help prevent it. What Is Bullying? Bullying is more than just conflict or “kids being kids.” It’s unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can take many forms: Physical (e.g., hitting, pushing) Verbal (e.g., name-calling, teasing) Social (e.g., spreading rumors, exclusion) Cyberbullying (e.g., harmful messages or posts online) What makes bullying especially harmful is that it’s repeated over time, and it can leave lasting effects on a student’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. The Impact of Bullying As school psychologists, we see firs...
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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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  Every September, schools, families, and communities across the nation join together to observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month . This month serves as an important reminder that mental health is just as vital as physical health, and that creating safe, supportive environments can make a difference in the lives of students, staff, and families.  Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people. However, it is also p reventable . By raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and ensuring that resources are available, we can help protect the well-being of our students and community. Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Matters in Schools Reducing stigma: Open conversations about mental health encourage students to ask for help when they need it. Recognizing warning signs: Teachers, parents, and peers are often the first to notice changes in behavior or mood. Early intervention can save lives. Promoting a supportive community: When students feel connecte...
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