HAWK'S NEST

As the new year approaches, we begin to think about potential change, goal-setting, and accomplishments that we desire. We, as adults, recognize and understand the importance of creating concrete goals--goals that are specific, measurable and realistic. As you begin to plan for a successful 2020, please involve your children in these conversations. By allowing them to participate in this family process, you are empowering them to take responsibility and ownership for their own success. Encourage each individual to write down his/her short and long term goals, while helping him/her to describe the steps necessary. Before one can tackle each step, consider the "dashes," the critical points that must be acknowledged and achieved prior. You, as a parent/guardian, are the integral part at every stage. You provide safety, support, love, boundaries and guidance, all of which are important to the success of your child. Don't ever underestimate just how very important you are to your child's well-being and success in and out of school. It is my hope that you will spend some valuable time with your student(s) over break and engage in conversations supportive of goal-setting for both your desires and that of your student's.

Sincerely,

Kyley Gatz, Principal

The mission of Hiawatha Middle School is to provide all students with life-long learning skills and opportunities for academic, personal, and social growth in a safe and orderly environment. The educational program is designed to enable students to become productive citizens in an ever-changing society.

Helping students who are grieving

Tami Shefferd LMSW

District Social Worker

Grief and loss are a part of our everyday lives. As adults, in general, we understand that a loss of any kind makes an impact on us in some way. That loss could be the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the ending of a relationship, the changing of a job, the anniversary of an event or trauma in our lives, the loss of independence or the loss of a physical ability making you unable to do something you love.

With each of these types of loss, people grieve in different ways as we are all unique individuals. And while the holidays are a joyful time, they are also a time that reminds us of the people in our lives that are not with us to share in the joy. Not only do adults feel this loss, but our students do too.

Unfortunately, loss and grief have been something that both students and staff of Hiawatha Middle School have recently experienced together. And with every “new” loss in our lives, it is common for individuals to reflect on their past losses. What adolescents and teens need most when coping with grief is for someone to “be there” for them, which as a parent you already know how to do.

But just in case you find yourself wondering what else you can do to support your student, here are some ideas of ways that you as parents/guardians can help your student if they are coping with a loss or grieving.

• Acknowledge their presence, their importance, their opinions, thoughts, and feelings.

• Be patient and open-minded. Allow them to grieve in their own way.(as long as it’s not self destructive or unsafe)

• Be available – Sit with the child, listen to them, and answer their questions.

• Let them know that a range of different emotions is normal.

• Validate their feelings and do not minimize them.

• Check in with other adults involved in their life – teachers, school counselors, coaches.

If you have any questions for myself or Mrs. Krauter regarding your student and grief, please don’t hesitate to call the Middle School.

Tami Shefferd, LMSW

District Social Worker

Hiawatha Schools

As the weather gets colder and the days become longer, many of us begin feeling a little gloomy. You can call it the winter blues and it is a real thing. This time of year our students tend to spend more time inside alone and less time hanging out with their friends and being active. This affects their overall mental health and wellness. I have listed 10 ways to help your students combat the winter blues and help them to feel stronger and more hopeful during these winter months. Feeling stronger and more hopeful will allow them to be successful in all aspects of their lives. For more specific tips, visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ten-tools

10 Ways to Combat the Winter Blues

1.Connect with others

Encourage them to get involved in activities in and outside of school. Join a club, sports team, go to the library, etc.

2.Stay positive

Have your child start their day and end their day telling you three positive things. No matter how small, three positives can make a big difference.

3.Get physically active

This doesn’t have to be outside. There are many fun exercises for both children and adults on YouTube.

4.Help others

Have them volunteer, go visit residents in the nursing home, or go to the Humane Society and hang out with dogs.

5.Get enough sleep

Students should get anywhere from 8-11 hours of sleep a night.

6.Create joy and satisfaction

Plan fun things, game night at home, a short outing, make dinner together or do a craft.

7.Eat well

8.Take care of your spirit

Allow them to take time for themselves, doing something they love.

9.Deal better with hard times

Journaling and drawing are great ways to help students get out their feelings in a healthy manner.

10.Get professional help if you need it

You know your children best. If you think outside help is needed, seek assistance.

Mrs. Krauter, Counselor

The Flu season is upon us! I would like to thank all parents/guardians of our HMS students for your diligence to get doctor notes sent over when your child is ill and for keeping me updated on health changes for your kids! As we continue to see a variety of illnesses including strep throat, stomach viruses, and influenza, it is imperative to the health and safety of others to keep your student home when they have a fever of 100.0 F or greater. Students should remain home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Advil, etc.).

During this busy season, I have also noticed several phone numbers and emergency contacts that need updating. During break is the perfect time to make sure everything is accurate in case your student was to have an emergency or need to leave due to illness. Please contact the middle school to make corrections or verify phone numbers and names.

Nurse Erin

Email: kgatz@usd415.org
Website: http://www.hiawathaschools.org/
Location: 307 South Morrill Avenue, Hiawatha, KS, USA
Phone: 785-742-4172