Mental Health Newsletter

National Freedom Day is a United States observance on February 1 honoring the signing by President Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later was ratified as the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment abolishing slavery on February 1, 1865, although it was not ratified by the states until later. Later this date was celebrated as Black History Day.

Groundhog Day is a tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s signature women's initiative, Go Red for Women, has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD). We are prepared to meet the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions. Nearly 45% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Less than half of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have optimal cardiovascular health. Women experience unique life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, that can put them at an increased risk for CVD.

National School Counseling Week 2024 is February 5-9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by American School Counseling Association, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Thank you MS. WHITE and MRS. TODD for everything you do for our scholars in the Perry County Schools.

Valentine's Day occurs every February 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world; candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Where did Valentine's Day originate from? The history of the holiday and the story of its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

We celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 14 to February 20 annually. It’s a celebration of all the ways we can become a positive influence in each other’s lives. Even one small act of kindness can mean a great deal to somebody. The world can be selfish and cruel sometimes and not everyone receives the same kind of support they need. In such a world, it is important for us to constantly be reminded to be kind to one another and to give others hope whenever we can. A small and random gesture of kindness can go a long way. A random act of kindness is in most cases, a non-organized and spontaneous gesture of kindness towards someone who needs it. There are many ways to show kindness. Sending small compliments or even an uplifting message to someone can go a long way.

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT KINDNESS:

1. Kindness gets rid of stress

2. Being kind increases stamina

3. Being kind can reduce your blood pressure

4. Kindness stabilizes our mood

5. Being kind makes us happy

The month-long commemoration created to reflect on the past, acknowledge the continued struggle for racial justice and draw inspiration from the achievements of African Americans begins in February. Black History Month, a federally recognized celebration, was created nearly a century ago to recognize the “the countless Black men and women who had contributed to the advance of human civilization,” Association for the study of African American life and study.

Who made Black History Month?

Carter G. Woodson, known to many as the “Father of Black History” came up with the concept of “Negro History Week” in 1926, intended to “both create and popularize the knowledge about the Black past.” Woodson spent the decades leading up to his death working to meet the growing popularity of the celebration he created, giving out pictures, lessons for teachers, plays for historical performances, and posters of important dates and people.

Why is Black History Month in February?

Woodson chose February because the month coincides with the “birthdays of two great Americans who played a role in shaping Black history.” Those two great Americans were Frederick Douglass, a famed abolitionist who escaped from slavery and celebrated his birthday Feb. 14, and President Abraham Lincoln, who formally abolished slavery and was born on Feb. 12. Black History Month, initially established as “Negro History Week” was created around days that were already celebrated by Black communities across the country.

PCS IMPORTANT DATES:

Progress Reports - 2/9

Asynchronous Learning Day - 2/16

President's Day - 2/16

Civic Exam (Seniors) - 2/22

Read Across America Week - 2/26 - 3/1

ASVAB Testing - 2/28

FMS:

Parenting Day - 2/23

Black History Program 9:00 a.m. - 2/27

RCH:

Black History Program 9:00 a.m. - 2/28

The first day back to work or school can be the most difficult day of the week. After a day or two, the idea of returning to the obligations and requirements of a job or education can cause you to feel unmotivated, frustrated, and even depressed. Motivational Mondays was started in Perry County Schools in January 2023 with Community Leaders of Perry County and others leaders providing encouraging words to students on Mondays.

Meredith Wiggins - Mental Health Services Coordinator

My goal is to continue to provide and assist families with mental health resources within the community. I work closely with local mental health agencies, school administration and school guidance counselors at Francis Marion School and Robert C. Hatch School. I will continue to develop collaboration among community leaders to better serve our scholars in the Perry County Schools.