Counselors' Corner



BISHOP Kayla

Secondary School 
KNOBOCH Eileen
Middle School 
HALL Shandra

Elementary School 

A Counselor's Guide to Mental Health and Wellness

posted Nov 28, 2017, 2:29 AM by yasmineb@faculty.isd.sn

This article was originally published by Bradley University here

Depression

  • Depression (Major Depressive Disorder): Click this link to the Mayo Clinic to read the definition for depression. The page also includes links to other pages on the site that cover basic information about the condition such as causes and risk factors.
  • Depression: People who are interested in learning about depression may click this link to visit the Family Doctor website. The page reviews important information ranging from the cause of depression to how to live with it. Visitors to the page will also find a list of questions to ask their doctor.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Depression: This link opens to the Depression page on the National Alliance on Mental Illness website. People who visit the site may watch a video that explains what depression is and read information on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of it.
  • How is Depression Treated: When diagnosed with depression, individuals and their families often want to know how it is treated. Click this link to read what the three basic treatment approaches are and what other options are available.
  • FAQ About Depression: Open this link to read FAQ about depression on the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website.

Suicide Prevention

  • We Can All Prevent Suicide: This page on the Suicide Prevention Hotline website teaches site visitors how to help prevent suicide. The page reviews common warning signs and risks. The Hotline phone number is also featured prominently on the page so that one can speak with crisis workers who have counseling degrees and/or are trained to provide the proper support.
  • Suicide Prevention Tip Sheet (PDF): Read this page for tips on how to help youth who are potentially suicidal. Tips on the page advise readers on what to say and how to address suicide. In addition, the page also covers warning signs and provides a list of resources.
  • Warning Signs and Risk Factors: Visit this page on the American Association of Suicidology website for warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide. The page also explains how to get help.
  • Reduce Access to Means of Suicide: People who commit or attempt to commit suicide will typically use items in their environment that can cause harm. The information on this page reviews why it is important to remove potentially lethal means from one’s immediate surroundings and how to go about doing it. Other information discusses how to take action and share knowledge with others.
  • Urgent Crisis – Suicide Prevention: Click open this link to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance website to for information about suicide, recognizing signs, and what to do if feeling suicidal or if someone else is in need of help.

Eating Disorders

  • What are Eating Disorders: Get general information about what eating disorders are by clicking on this link to National Eating Disorder Association. The page also provides readers with statistics.
  • For Parents – Eating Disorders: This link to KidsHealth site outlines eating disorder information for parents. The article is six pages and covers information that includes the effects of eating disorders, warning signs, and treatment.
  • Eating Disorder Types and Symptoms: Learn about the types of eating disorders and symptoms that are associated with them by opening this link to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.
  • Review of Eating Disorders: Open this link to read about two of the more common and recognized eating disorders. The page also reviews warning signs and how these disorders can impact relationships.
  • Treating Eating Disorders: When a person is diagnosed with an eating disorder it is necessary to start treatment. Read the information associated with this link to discover how eating disorders are treated.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention

  • Preventing Drug Abuse and Excessive Alcohol Use (PDF): Click this link to read actions that the government, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can do to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.
  • Ten Tips for Prevention for Youth: Parents and people raising kids may click this link to the NCADD website for a list of ten tips that can be helpful in preventing youth from using drugs.
  • Preventing Drug Abuse the Best Strategy: This article focuses on drug addiction and youth and it also discusses research-based prevention programs. The page also features several charts that site visitors may click on and enlarge.
  • Prevention Tips for Every Age: On this page of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, site visitors will find tips on how to prevent drug abuse for kids and young adults in various age groups. Tips begin with discussing drugs with children 2 to 4 years old and end with young adults who are 19 to 25 years old.
  • Is It Possible to Prevent Alcoholism: Read the answer to whether alcoholism can be prevented by clicking on this link. The page also includes information about follow-up after treatment.

Anxiety and Stress Management

  • Coping With Stress: Stress is a problem that everyone faces, however it shouldn’t become so severe that it begins to negatively impact one’s life or health. This CDC page reviews reactions to stressful situations and healthy ways to cope with the stress.
  • Stress Management: Click this link to read tips on how one can successfully manage their stress. The page also reviews why it is important to keep stress under control.
  • Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress: Go here for an infographic by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America that talks about various stress and anxiety management techniques.
  • Four Ways to Deal With Stress: The American Heart Association offers advice on how to cope with stress on the Healthy Living section of their website. They provide examples to go with each coping method and in the panel to the right they include links to additional information.
  • Stress, Anxiety, and Depression – Ten Stress Busters: Learn about things that reduce stress by visiting the National Health Service’s Choices website. Physical activity, forming social networks and time for oneself are some of the solutions that it discusses. Also, find additional useful links on the right side of the page.
  • Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety: Get advice on how to properly handle stress and anxiety by clicking on this link to the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education website. It discusses the meaning of stress and what makes it different from anxiety, and links to additional subjects can be found in the bar along the top of the page.

Proper Nutrition and Health

  • Importance of Good Nutrition: The US Department of Health and Human Services offers advice about nutrition on their President’s Council website. Look at the panel on the left for additional information about the School Breakfast Program, dietary guidelines, and other resources.
  • Let’s Eat For the Health of It (PDF): Go here to read a four-page PDF brochure about proper dieting. This publication focuses on what foods to cut back on, watching calories, physical activity, and examining food labels.
  • It’s About You (PDF): This link opens to a PDF article by the Dietary Guidelines Alliance about making a commitment to healthy eating. Subjects covered include how to set sensible goals and deadlines, with regards to physical activity and dieting.
  • Men And Women: Learn about proper eating by visiting the Choose My Plate website by the US Department of Agriculture. It talks about dieting, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight.

College Week: October 2-6

posted Sep 22, 2017, 4:29 AM by catherinek@alumni.isd.sn   [ updated Sep 22, 2017, 4:37 AM ]

October 2nd-6th is college week here at ISD! 

What is College Week?

A week where the ISD High School celebrates higher education through visiting university representatives, teacher hosted informational sessions on the college they attended, presentations on how to choose the best fit in a college, and a school wide promotion of higher education. This week is all about getting our students to think about university and explore schools in places they may not have thought about before. 

We have two visiting schools on the ISD campus during college week with presentation options for both students and parents. 

Northern Kentucky University: http://nku.edu/about.html

Student Presentation - Monday Oct 2, 11:25 am, ISD PAC

You know the kind of place that offers a comfortable, safe, energetic learning environment - a place that will get the most out of you and mold you into a person who will shape the future? 

We're that kind of place. 

Welcome to Northern Kentucky University, a growing metropolitan university of more than 15,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Ky. - just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati - we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students' names. And while growth in numbers and reputation is wonderful, we are not satisfied with this success. 

We want more. 

University of British Columbia: http://you.ubc.ca/admissions/how-to-apply/

Student Presentation - Monday Oct 2, 11:50 am ISD Library
Parent and Student Presentation - Sunday Oct 1, 2:00pm Radisson Blu Dakar

What if the best university in the world was in Canada? Come learn about study options in Canada, and how students from all over the world choose the University of British Columbia. UBC is consistently ranked among the top 40 universities globally. With a campus in Vancouver and the Okanagan, on the west coast of Canada, students discover an environment that is perfect for their personal experience. A wide range of academic programs, and a focus on active learning, lead to employable degrees that are recognized around the world. Learn more about the international student scholarships programs available, and the application process that is student focused. Come discover Canada and all about UBC!

UBC BY THE NUMBERS

36 – Ranked globally in 2016 Times Higher Education World Rankings

99% - Full time Professors have PhDs , highest in Canada

34,000 – Population at Vancouver Campus

8,000 – Population at Okanagan Campus

151 – Countries represented in student body

212 – Undergraduate Programs 15:1 – Student / Teacher Ratio

USD$25,000 – 1 Yr International tuition for Bachelor of Arts Degree

52% – International incoming class to received a merit based scholarship



Orientation - New MS Students

posted Jun 1, 2017, 5:04 AM by Marieme MBAYE

Mark Your Calendars

The Middle School Orientation for all new MS students will be on Wednesday, August 9th from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Students will meet in the Performing Arts Classroom (PAC). They will connect with other students who are new to the middle school. This includes ISD students who were in grade 5 for the 2016-17 school year.

We will play some get to know you games, take a school tour, meet teachers, and answer questions. The entire middle school staff will be ready to welcome your adolescent.

To ensure your son or daughter gets the most from this experience, please make sure your son or daughter is dropped off and picked up at the times listed above.

If you have any questions, please email me at EileenK@faculty.isd.sn.

Transition Meetings

posted May 5, 2017, 9:55 AM by Suzanne WARDINI   [ updated May 5, 2017, 3:01 PM by Marieme MBAYE ]

Looking Ahead

Every year of middle and high school has its unique opportunities and challenges. The secondary school counselors will be holding parent meetings every day next week from 8:30 – 9:30AM in the Admin Conference Room. In these meetings parents will learn the general academic focus, grade level requirements, student expectations, and social-emotional demands at the new grade level. Counselors will also share what parents can do to support their student’s learning and development.


Please mark your calendars and plan to attend these important informational meetings.

Tuesday, May 9                    8:30 - 9:30AM                       Incoming Grade 7 Parent Transition Meeting

Wednesday, May 10            8:30 - 9:30AM                        Incoming Grade 8 Parent Transition Meeting

Thursday, May 11                 8:30 - 9:30AM                       Incoming Grade 9 Parent Transition Meeting

Friday, May 12                      8:30 - 9:30AM                       Incoming Grade 10 Parent Transition Meeting

Monday, May 15                   8:30 - 9:30AM                       Incoming Grade 6 Parent Transition Meeting

ISD is Hosting Mr. Michael Kabbaz of Miami University in Ohio

posted Mar 16, 2017, 4:41 AM by Marieme MBAYE

Dear ISD High School Parents,

ISD is pleased to host Mr. Michael Kabbaz of Miami University in Ohio on Tuesday March 21. Mr. Kabbaz is the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success at Miami University. Mr. Kabbaz will be visiting ISD as part of the Overseas Schools Project through the US State Department.

We would like to invite you all to an evening parent presentation on Tuesday to hear from Mr. Kabbaz and have him answer some of your questions on the US college application system.


What: Demystifying the US Higher Education System and College Application Process
When: Tuesday March 21 5:30-6:30pm
Where: ISD Conference Room

We hope to see you there!


Tim Burns Parent Workshop Video Now Available

posted Feb 1, 2017, 9:17 AM by Unknown user   [ updated Feb 2, 2017, 6:50 AM by ISD Communications ]



If you were unable to attend the recent parent workshop on mindfulness presented by visiting consultant, Tim Burns, please email one of the school counselors and we will send you a link to the video.

Secondary Counselor:       kaylb@faculty.isd.sn
Middle School Counselor: eileenk@faculty.isd.sn
Elementary Counselor:      pamp@faculty.isd.sn

Let's make MS Career Day a Success!

posted Jan 27, 2017, 9:18 AM by ISD Communications   [ updated Jan 27, 2017, 9:21 AM ]

Inspire Young Minds

Do you or someone you know have an interesting job? If so, please sign up, or encourage your friend to sign up, to give a Career Day presentation.


Career Day will be Friday, February 17th from 12:30 – 3:20pm. Presenters will spend approximately 25 minutes with a small group of middle school students each session. There will be approximately four sessions throughout the afternoon.

Please help us make the MS Career Day a success by volunteering your time. Just complete this form and more information will be sent to you. If you have any questions, please contact Eileen Knobloch at Eileenk@faculty.isd.sn.

Quotes from Career Day 2016 Speakers
:

“I had a blast, and found the students' questions thoughtful and the students engaged and polite. “ MS Parent

“Thanks so much for the opportunity! That was super fun and some (students) had great questions. “ MS Parent

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to talk about our jobs to the middle school students.

They were such an engaged and interested bunch of children. “ MS Parent

Quotes from teachers about Career Day 2016:

“The kids loved their day . . . and it opened their eyes to something new!”

“They (the students) were intrigued by the variation of jobs and this got them to thinking about their own variety of interests.”

Mindfulness

posted Jan 20, 2017, 8:46 AM by Marieme MBAYE

Give Mindfulness A Try . . .

Tim Burns, a mindfulness educator and presenter, spent three days at ISD this week.  Tim enlightened and inspired students, staff, and parents throughout the week.  He shared images and research about the brain and how it functions.  He gave tips on how to keep the brain in top shape and how use it most effectively.  Perhaps the strongest suggestion he shared was to give mindfulness a try.   


Most of our students and staff had the opportunity to experience mindfulness during their sessions with Mr. Burns.  Many have used this experience to begin a practice of their own.  


Approximately 35 individuals attended the parent workshop on Friday and were able to learn about the brain as well as the benefits of mindfulness.  If you were unable to attend the session due to scheduling conflicts but are interested in the topic, please explore the links below for more information about Tim Burns and the value of mindfulness.


Can mindfulness really help parents and students have better relationships?

Read the following article to find out.

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_mindfulness_help_parents_and_preteens_have_better_relationships


Mindfulness has a positive impact on elementary classrooms.  Read this article to learn about the details.

http://www.todaysparent.com/family/education/mindfulness-for-kids-learning-emotional-regulation-in-school/


If you want to give mindfulness a try but aren’t sure what to do, read the following article.

http://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/


To learn more about Tim Burns and the types of presentations he offers, explore his website.

http://www.timburnseducare.com/


Mindfulness Expert Tim Burns at ISD

posted Jan 10, 2017, 3:46 AM by Kayla BISHOP

Dear ISD Parents, 

 

We are Thrilled to announce that next week, January 18th-20th, mindfulness expert Tim Burns will be on campus to speak with our grade 2-12 students on Mindfulness and the Developing Brain. 

 

Before Mr. Burns moved into his role as professional development specialist, he was a high school teacher, counselor, and university professor. He has presented to over 3,000 schools, professional organizations, businesses and agencies across the America's, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. 

 

ISD High School Counselor, Kayla Bishop, had the opportunity to attend several of Mr. Burn's presentations at a Professional Development conference in 2015. Through the ISD Innovation Grant, the ISD Counseling Team, with support of the Physical Education department, was able to bring Mr. Burns to ISD to further educate our community of students, parents, and teachers on mindfulness exercises aimed at reducing stress, and promoting psychological well-being and physical health. 

 

On Wednesday, Mr. Burns will speak with our middle school students for two 75 minute sessions, On Thursday he will see our high school students for two 75 minute sessions, and on Friday he will visit with students in grades 2-5 and deliver one 45 minute session per grade. We encourage you to speak with your students about mindfulness and what they learned through these sessions. 

 

All ISD parents are invited to attend a parent session on Friday, January 20th from 8:30am to 10:30am in the conference room of the administration building. 

 

You can access more information about Tim Burns and his workshops at www.timburnseducare.com

 

For more information on mindfulness and it's benefits, please see http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition

 

For further readings about mindfulness and why we think this is a great initiative to support ISD's social emotional learning program please see the online article How Mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning Can Work Together. http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_social_emotional_learning_and_mindfulness_can_work_together

 

Remember to mark your calendars with the following:

 

What: Mindfulness and the Developmental Brain Parent Session

When: Friday January 20th 2017, 8:30am-10:30am

Where: ISD Conference Room, Administration Building

 

ISD Counseling Team 


How to Awaken Joy in Kids

posted Nov 10, 2016, 5:22 AM by Kayla BISHOP   [ updated Nov 11, 2016, 1:55 AM ]

Dear ISD Parents, 

Many times, the counselors come across articles or have articles shared with us that we love and get us thinking about our students and families at ISD. We will begin sharing these sources with you through Counselor's Corner on the Jag Journal. Many of the articles have to do with themes we are discussing with your students through the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program at ISD. These common themes are taught across grade levels and can be easily transferred into conversations at home. This week's article is about awakening joy in kids through gratitude and building resilience. 

Two weeks ago, I led a high school advisory lesson with grade 12 students. I started the lesson by asking the students to take a moment for gratitude and share something they were grateful for today. The majority of the students in this advisory class shared that they were grateful for their parents. Many of those students elaborated by saying they were specifically grateful for the opportunities their parents had provided and the support they are given. So, thank you parents for all you do for your children. They may not often tell you, but they are certainly willing to tell others. 

I do hope you enjoy this weeks article, How to Awaken Joy in Kids by James Baraz and Michele Lilyanna. 

Warmly, 

ISD Counseling Team

1-10 of 99