Resources from our Counseling Department

From our High School Counseling Staff

We hope that everyone is feeling well and staying healthy.  This can be a difficult and frustrating time for many students.  We want you to know that we are still here for you.  While we are not in the building, we are still available if you need to reach out to us.  We are happy to help you as you navigate the school year, plan for college, or if you just want to talk.  The easiest way to reach us is by email:

Mrs. Garlipp:  agarlipp@albionk12.org

Mr. Green:  sgreen@albionk12.org

Mrs. Pettit:  vpettit @albionk12.org

Mr. Christiansen:  echristiansen@albionk12.org

Resources and Links for Families

Below are links, phone numbers and resources for our students and families.  

Links for Parents:

Elementary School Newsletter:  Covid-19 Special Edition for Parents and Children (English)  (Spanish)  

Corona Virus (Covid-19) Questions & Answers for Children (by Counselor Keri)

What Can I Do if I am Feeling Worried? (by Counselor Keri)

Parent Resources for Talking to Children about Covid-19/Helping Children Cope  (from nasponline.org - National Association of School Psychologists)

Tips on Countering Covid-19 Stigma and Racism  (from nasponline.org - National Association of School Psychologists)

Five to Thrive - Things you can do to "reboot" your brain (from School Counseling Success, 2020)

The Story of the Oyster and the Butterfly: The Coronavirus and Me (For PreK-2 students who may need help managing their feelings about the virus) 

Tips for Grown-Ups and Kids from Imagine Neighborhood about how to handle Quarantine Feelings

 

Community Resources - 

If you are in immediate crisis, please know that counseling staff is not available immediately.  Below are resources for students and parents.  They are available 24/7:

Orleans County Mental Health
Crisis Hotline:  585-344-4400
Office:  585-589-7066
Offering crisis counseling 24 hours a day

Care and Crisis Services Helpline
585-283-5200
or Text: 741741
24 hours a day, can connect you with a variety of services

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
24 hours a day and provides resources and support for those in distress or crisis. 
1-800-273-8255
Text 741741

Internet Safety

Internetmatters.org - has important advice and information on a number of areas to help you learn more about these issues. We encourage you to visit the site and click the tabs under “ADVICE BY AGE”  and also a tab for “ISSUES”  that discusses the potential dangers of unsupervised internet use and can help you notice signs that your child may have visited one of these inappropriate sites.

Netsmartzkids.org - is an interactive site for elementary school students to learn about online safety.  

Tips for Families

from "School Mental Health Resource and Training Center"

Social Distancing Does NOT Mean Social Isolation:

Social isolation is a known risk factor for mental health disorders, substance use and dementia, especially for those who are already vulnerable. During this time, it's important to be vigilant about maintaining positive social interactions. Luckily technology can help.

Reach out to friends and family daily, especially those who are alone. Try not to focus on the current situation; mix it up with these conversation starters:

• tell me something I don't know about you.
• tell me a family story I've never heard.
• tell me about your first job.
• if you could have dinner with any three people, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
• if you were stranded on a deserted island, what three  (foods, books, etc) would you want?

Maintain a Regular Routine

While its ok to stay in your pajamas and binge watch your favorite shows if that makes you feel good, two weeks is a bit much!  Maintain routine provides structure and encourages healthy choices, and helps us to be mindful and stay present.

• Prepare and eat meals together, and disconnect from technology.
• Schedule time to do something that helps you relax - reading, yoga, walking the dog, etc.  
• Schedule cardio and strength exercise using fitness routines, apps and videos from web.
• Encourage routine hygiene - teeth brushing, showering, getting dressed, etc. 
• Keep up with regular activities, such as practicing instruments and karate at home

Looking for resources? YouTube is filled with yoga videos; enter "yoga for kids" or "family yoga" in the search bar and gyms like the YMCA have online classes posted. PInterest is a great resource for quick craft projects and kid-friendly recipes. Finally, many services are working to provide online options.  Check with your kids' music teachers, tutors, etc. for virtual instruction or suggestion for online resources.

Remember to Breathe

When we are stressed, we tend to tense up and our breathing is limited. Practice breathing even when you don't think you need to.. There are many different techniques. Find what is most comfortable for you. A few tips:

• Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth
• Count or repeat a phrase to keep your breathe steady.  A common recommendation is 4-7-8 (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8). If this is uncomfortable, modify the count. Another recommendation is a 1:2 ratio (inhale:exhale).
• Search YouTube for "breathing with guided imagery" or use a free app such as Calm to help visualize your breathing.
• Make your own bubbles. Blowing bubbles forces us to exhale slowly. There are many DIY bubble recipes online.

Get Crafty!

• Make worry stones. Collect smooth stones from around your house and write inspirational words on them with a marker.. Place them around your house to rub, when needed.
• Make a glitter jar. This article from Parents magazine provides the "how to" and the "why".
• DIY coping cards: brainstorm ideas for things to do when stressed and draw or write them on index cards or pieces of paper. There are also many printable options online.