MMHS Counseling Newsletter

With many of the events unfolding during the start of the 2021 year, your MMHS counseling team wants you to know that we are here for you. We know that some of the events that have occurred in our nation's capital are difficult to comprehend and unpack. We are here to provide you with an empathetic ear and a safe space to express your thoughts.

Feel free to reach out to us by email, zoom, or phone.

We are here for you Matador Family.

Sincerely,

Your MMHS Counselors

Your MMHS Counselors will be hosting live chat sessions on Zoom!

*Students feel free to drop in and chat with your Counselor on Mondays from 11 am- 12 pm.

*You can find the zoom link below:

https://zoom.us/j/98652699679?pwd=aWtuTUlmc3Y0ZjhWK3BPbEVFSVp2Zz09

Meeting ID: 986 5269 9679

Passcode: YnBVF1

*Open to all students for brief questions.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

If you are in need of a break from all the COVID-19 coverage. If you are stressed about balancing this temporary way of life, and the challenges of online learning please explore our Social Emotional playlist for some peace of mind. Dive into some relaxing activities and great reads or views!

Whenever I find myself overwhelmed, I remember times when I was overwhelmed before. I remember being in high school and how concerned I was about things that I don't even think about anymore. And I remember the compassion and wisdom I have now. I think about how gently I would talk to my teenage self about my concerns. I think about my future self doing the same thing for myself today. She would listen to my concerns and let me process how I was feeling. She would then tell me that what I was overwhelmed about at the moment was no longer a stressor for me in the future. It's easy to get lost in the day-to-day of our lives. Often the things that are most stressful are things that are temporary. Future you wants you to know that not only did you get through it, but that it gets better on the other side.

So here's what you can do to practice this:

1. Grab something to write on and something to write with

2. Tap into your future self and all of the wisdom and compassion that you've developed to write a letter to your current self

3. Write down how you got through what you're going through right now

4. Write down the things that you've done really well

5. List some reasons that your future self would be proud of you right now

As you continue to go through what is overwhelming you, read through the letter you wrote yourself. Sometimes what we need is a reminder that we are doing our best and who better to tell us than our future selves. You got this!

LGBTQ+ and Allies Group: For students in the LGBTQ+ community or allies of the community to connect with one another.

Spanish Speaking Group: A general support group for students who speak Spanish.

Coping with COVID-19: A group for students who have been specifically affected by the pandemic. Discusses coping skills and ways to access support.

Grief and Loss Group: A group for students who have experienced grief and loss either by the pandemic or other circumstances.

Additionally, we are starting an after-school program called Skills for Life that will help students develop skills related to social-emotional, financial, academic, career and otherwise.

Students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can learn more about postsecondary options while possibly getting a scholarship or on-the-spot college admission by participating in the Black College Expo.

The expo will include representatives from about 50 historically black colleges and universities. It will be completely virtual this year, giving even more students the opportunity to take part. Students will get all the advantages of the in-person event without having to worry about transportation.

High school students and education professionals can register for free.

Students who plan to attend also have the chance to win a scholarship from the National College Resources Foundation by submitting a short essay by Feb. 8.

Matadors we encourage you to attend!

Make sure to attend one of the dates below!

Click the image below and sign up to attend!

Via Rápida First Year Experience (FYE) is a student support program at Grossmont College designed to help guide students during their first year of college by providing ongoing social and academic support.

Please sign up to attend one of Via Rapida FYE's info sessions to find out more! Click the image below to access the Google Form and sign up!

For more information on the program click here: https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/via-rapida/fye/index.php

What is the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?

• The Promise is an opportunity for first-time students who are CA residents attending full-time to attend college tuition-free for up to 2 years. The Promise helps students become career and transfer ready, providing seamless guidance and financial support through the completion of their academic and career development goals.

To learn more please visit the Mount Miguel High School Counseling Page or click on the image to the right.

What to Bring for the FAFSA Application:

1. Bring your Chromebook

2. Student's Social Security Number

3. Parent's federal tax return from 2019

4. If not a US citizen, bring alien registration card(s)

5. Parent's Social Security Number (if they have one)

6. Bank account records, investments and business records

7. List of colleges of interest

8. Your FSA-ID for FAFSA-Apply for a FSA-ID at fsaid.ed.gov

What to Bring for the CA Dream Act Application:

1. Parent and student federal tax return and wage information for 2019

2. Bank account records, investments and business records

3. List of colleges of interest

Our counseling team encourages all Seniors to consider applying to the San Diego Foundation. When you fill out this ONE scholarship application, you can send it to multiple local scholarships for consideration. In other words, it is a great use of your time because you only have to fill out one application packet which will be reviewed by many scholarships (as opposed to having to complete a separate application for each individual scholarship). The San Diego Foundation does require essays and letters of recommendation, so please start early! We can help you with your application during College Bound on Mondays and Wednesdays via Zoom 1:45-3:45! The application is due February 3rd by 2 pm!

GUHSD is extending FREE meal service for all students under 18 years of age until December 31st, 2020. Meals will be available for pickup Monday through Friday, at all comprehensive high schools. Here at Mount Miguel High School, meal service can be found at the lower parking lot. Also, don't forget to apply online for your free/reduced meals for the 2020-2021 school year at: https://onlinemealapps.guhsd.net/

You can connect with us through several platforms during distance and blended learning.

• Virtually: Counselors are available for one-on-one virtual meetings via Zoom or Google Meet. Please connect with your counselor to determine which format works best!

• Email: You can email us at anytime and we will respond as soon as we can, Monday through Friday. Our emails are listed below and/ or you can find them on the Mount Miguel High School Counseling Page.

• Counseling Website: We will continue to provide you with the most up to date information on college webinars, virtual career events, scholarships, and much more on the Mount Miguel High School Counseling Page! Make sure to check out the Events section on the right hand side of the page!

• Social Media: Follow us on Instagram! @MMHSCounseling.

• Phone: Please feel free to call! You can view our work hours below!

• Walk-ins: Counselors are available during student's lunch break for quick questions and immediate assistance or after school by appointment. Otherwise, feel free to schedule an appointment with us through any of the above mentioned methods. We are happy to meet with you!