West Genesee Counseling Newsletter
Spring 2024
4th Grade Parent Night
Wednesday, May 22nd
West Genesee Intermediate School
6:00 p.m.
4th Grade Student Orientation at WGIS
East Hill and Stonehedge visit on Tuesday, May 21 at 9:30
Onondaga Road and Split Rock visit on Wednesday, May 22nd at 9:30
Senior Decision Day
May 22nd
West Genesee High School
Upper Gym
WGHS Skilled Trades Fair
West Genesee High School
Lower Gym
Tuesday, May 7th
Contact the High School Career Center for details
In 2021, West Genesee High School student athlete Emily Kurz proposed bringing Morgan’s Message to our district. At the time there were no high school chapters in Upstate New York, and she knew this was something that needed to happen. That school year, Morgan's Message started with several dedication games with swimming, lacrosse and hockey. Over the past few years the program has grown in size primarily because our students believe so strongly in the mission of the foundation:
Morgan’s Message® strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.
Since the inception of the club, West Genesee students have held countless dedication games, brought in speakers to talk about the impact of mental health on athletes, led a mental health panel with current athletes, and raised thousands of dollars through fundraising. This active club currently has 13 Ambassadors, 27 Advocates and represents over 20 sports. The club is led by Gayle Mallore, one of our high school social workers. The hope is that our Ambassadors/Advocates who play sports at college continue to have a positive impact on mental health outcomes by bringing Morgan’s Message to a school that may not currently have this program.
Please feel free to follow the club's Instagram page at @westgennymorgansmessage
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.
It is imperative that our students have the tools they need not only to excel academically but also to thrive emotionally and socially. One powerful strategy in this regard is goal setting, which plays a pivotal role in cultivating a growth mindset and fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) in our students.
Goal setting goes beyond mere academic achievement; it encompasses a holistic approach to personal development. When students set goals for themselves, they are actively engaged in shaping their futures and taking ownership of their learning journey. This process instills a sense of purpose and direction, empowering students to navigate challenges with resilience and determination.
At the heart of goal setting lies the concept of a growth mindset—a belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and effort. When students embrace a growth mindset, they view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to their success. By setting and pursuing meaningful goals, students cultivate perseverance, self-confidence, and a willingness to embrace challenges.
In our continued commitment to nurturing the whole child, school counselors and social workers utilize goal setting with students to help them gain insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and values, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their aspirations. This self-awareness forms the foundation for effective self-management, as students learn to regulate their emotions, set priorities, and stay focused on their objectives.
Our classroom teachers reinforce the practice of goal setting through everyday academic tasks and the Second Step lessons they teach in grades K-6. To learn more about the lessons surrounding goal setting, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XszNo9kkcJ20z9Olc-zvoPFi7Zbt8ila/view?usp=sharing.
Parents and caregiver play a crucial role in supporting a child's goal-setting journey outside of school. This article at PBS Kids provides guidelines for helping your child set and reach their goals.
In our ongoing commitment to nurturing the whole child, we will continue to incorporate goal-setting practices into our curriculum and provide resources and support to help students develop and achieve their goals. Together, we can empower our students to become self-directed learners, resilient problem-solvers, and compassionate members of our community.
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.
