West Genesee Counseling Newsletter
November 2023
It is time once again for students to consider their course selections for next year. This process plays a significant role in shaping your child's educational journey and ensuring they receive a well-rounded learning experience. We understand that this is an important experience for your child, and we are here to support them every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your school's counseling department.
Below, you will find essential information to consider:
Course Catalog
The West Genesee High School Course Catalog provides detailed information about core and elective courses. The catalog includes information about New York State graduation requirements, different diploma opportunities, and Career and Technical Education programs.
The course catalog also provides information for students interested in Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, and college courses. These classes provide an opportunity for students to engage in more rigorous coursework, earn college credit, and develop critical thinking skills. We encourage you and your child to review this catalog together to make informed decisions about the courses that align with their academic and career goals.
Counselor Meetings
Our school counselors will to meet with students to discuss teacher recommendations, academic goals, and any questions related to their individual program. These meetings aim to ensure that each student's course selections are in line with their individual strengths and future plans. Our counselors will assist your child in planning a course schedule that fulfills New York State graduation requirements while also allowing for exploration of areas of interest.
You will receive a copy of your child's course selections to review and adjust as needed. Please reach out to your child's counselor if you have questions or concerns at any time throughout this process.
Course Fair
West Genesee High School will be hosting a Course Fair on December 15th during the school day in the upper gymnasium. Students will have to the opportunity to look at projects and gather information about all the electives offered by our various departments.
Course Selection Timeline
- Mid-December-Early March: Student Course Selection Meetings
- Mid-March: Course Selections Shared on StudentVUE and ParentVUE for Review and Feedback
- Late August: Student Schedules Shared on StudentVUE and ParentVUE
The West Genesee Counseling Department works closely with Onondaga County to connect families to essential services throughout the community. We would like to share information about one organization, ACCESS, that provides tailored support to meet the unique needs of our students and their families.
ACCESS stands for the engagement, assessment, planning, and referral process designed for children and youth ages 5-21 in Onondaga County facing emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as their families. The ACCESS process is unique in that it is family-driven and youth-guided, emphasizing the belief that families and caregivers are the true experts when it comes to their children. Families can benefit from ACCESS when they have concerns about a child's emotional or behavioral health and need support accessing mental health or community services.
ACCESS offers several interventions and support, including:
- Coordinating services to make it easier for families to get what they need and want.
- Bringing together resources to streamline the community support process.
- Supporting individual children/youth to be more successful and happy in the home, school, and community.
The "ACCESS Team" is comprised of professionals from various systems, including Mental Health, Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, and Family Care Planners. The collaboration of these different systems ensures that they work cohesively towards common goals for children and youth. Every family will have an assigned ACCESS Team member who provides information and support throughout the process.
To reach out to ACCESS, caregivers can ask their child's school counselor to submit a referral. Caregivers can also directly contact the ACCESS phone line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
at 315-463-1100. ACCESS is located at 1003 West Fayette St, Suite 5C, Syracuse, NY 13204.
"OnCare" is a federally funded system of care grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
As the days get shorter and colder, it's essential to consider the impact that the changing seasons can have on students' mental health. The winter months can bring about unique challenges, making it especially important to support children's mental health during this time.
Below are a few tips to help support your child's mental health during the winter. If you have specific concerns about your child's mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out to our counseling team.
Encourage Outdoor Activities: While the weather may be chilly, spending time outdoors, even for a short walk, can have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being. Fresh air and natural light can contribute to a more positive mindset. The Town of Camillus has activities for both youth and adults. Click here for their program brochure.
Stay Connected: The winter season can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Help your child maintain social connections through virtual or in-person interactions. Plan activities that allow them to connect with friends and family. Maxwell Library has several upcoming events. Click here for more information.
Be Aware of Holiday Stress: The holiday season can be as stressful for children as it is for adults. Be aware of how changes in routine and family dynamics during holiday gathering may impact your child's emotional well-being.
Establish a Consistent Routine: Consistency is key, especially during the winter months when the days can feel long and dark. Establishing a regular routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability for your child.
Promote Healthy Habits: Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and staying hydrated. These basic habits play a crucial role in maintaining good mental health.
Open Communication: Create an open and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns, and be a good listener when they need someone to talk to.
Monitor Screen Time: While technology can be a valuable tool, excessive screen time can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Encourage a healthy balance between online activities and other forms of entertainment.
Be Mindful of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Some individuals may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months. If you notice persistent changes in your child's mood, energy levels, or sleep patterns, consider consulting with a healthcare professional.
Use Community Resources: The following agencies are available to families looking for support with mental health care.
Contact Hotline
- Call 315-251-0600
- Visit the website
- Confidential, anonymous, free 24-hour/7-day a week telephone counseling, suicide prevention, and crisis counseling hotline.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call or Text 988
- Online chat at 988lifeline.org
- Available for free 24-hours/7-days a week. Provides a direct connection to caring support for anyone in mental health distress.
ACR Health
- Call 315-475-2430
- Visit the website
- Preventative and youth health-related services.
ACCESS
- Call 315-463-1100
- Available 24-hours/7-days a week.
- Support with identifying and connecting to community resources.
West Genesee Mental Health Resource Website
- Click here for more information about agencies and support services.
One SEL strategy that counselors and social workers at all grade levels turn to when supporting students who are in a heightened emotional state is focused breathing. Focused breathing helps students to slow their heart rates and feel calmer and more relaxed. Guiding students to focus on their breathing allows them to have more control of their emotions in order to engage in thoughtful discussions with supportive adults.
This quick video is just one example of a focused breathing activity called paced breathing. Another popular technique is five finger breathing, shown here. Focused breathing is great for all ages and can be used on a daily basis to help anyone develop their emotional regulation skills for success at home, school, or work.
The West Genesee Counseling Department encourages families to make attendance a priority in every child's education. If your child is facing any attendance-related issues, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and work collaboratively to ensure the best possible educational experience for your child.
According to a comprehensive study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students who attend school regularly not only perform better academically but also develop essential life skills that set the foundation for success in their school career and beyond. The article highlights the profound impact of regular attendance on a child's educational experience, including:
Social and Emotional Development: School is not just about academics; it's a crucial social and emotional learning environment. Regular attendance allows students to form lasting friendships, develop interpersonal skills, and navigate the challenges of working collaboratively with peers.
Preparation for the Future: By attending school consistently, students develop a sense of responsibility and discipline that will serve them well in the future. Punctuality and regular attendance are qualities highly valued by employers and essential for success in any endeavor.
Reduced Risk of Dropping Out: The NCES research emphasizes that students who attend school regularly are less likely to drop out. Consistent attendance contributes significantly to the completion of high school and opens doors to a variety of post-secondary opportunities.
Strategies for Supporting Good Attendance
- Ensure that mornings are organized and stress-free.
- Lay out clothes and prepare backpacks the night before to minimize morning rush.
- Encourage a balanced diet and regular exercise to support overall well-being.
- Designate a quiet and comfortable space for homework and study.
- Schedule appointments on days and at times that minimize absences from school
- Help your child recognize the difference feeling unwell and being too ill to attend school.
- Clearly communicate the importance of attending school regularly and the long-term benefits it brings.
- Set expectations for behavior, responsibility, and the value of education within the family.
- Acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments at school, whether big or small.
- Support your child's involvement in school activities to help create a sense of community and reinforce the importance of education.
- Be vigilant about any signs of social issues that may affect your child's willingness to attend school.
- Foster open communication about their experiences and provide support when needed.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning and education in your daily life.
- Express enthusiasm about your own educational experiences and the value of continuous learning.
Parent Teen Connect
Learn more about connecting and communicating with your teenager. Topics include helping your teen navigate independence, responsibility, communication, and screen time.
