MAY 2011 Page Hilltop School
School Counselor Corner Newsletter
School Counselors: Dr. Jayne Garrett: Preschool through Grade 2
Mrs. Betsy Dolan: Grade 3 through Grade 5
Phone: 772-8600; PH Guidance website: www.phguidance.weebly.com
In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are happy to announce:
Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children (ages 3-6)
A Free workshop for PH PARENTS who want to:
facilitated by
Sarah Gates, Psy.D.
“Together for Kids” Early Childhood Consultant
May 31st at 9:45-11:15
Page Hilltop School
Please register:
Email: jgarrett(at)ayershirleyregion(dot)org
Or phone Jayne Garrett at 772-8600 x458
Light refreshments provided.
Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children (ages 3-6)
A Free workshop for PH PARENTS who want to:
- understand tantrums, biting, aggression, and other disruptive behaviors
- help their child strengthen social and emotional skills
- use positive approaches to teach their child better ways to express themselves
facilitated by
Sarah Gates, Psy.D.
“Together for Kids” Early Childhood Consultant
May 31st at 9:45-11:15
Page Hilltop School
Please register:
Email: jgarrett(at)ayershirleyregion(dot)org
Or phone Jayne Garrett at 772-8600 x458
Light refreshments provided.
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month!
Did you know that:
"May is Mental Health Month" began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all. The first week in May is Children’s Mental Health Week.
About 216,000 children in Massachusetts are estimated to have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Source: Accessing Children's Mental Health Services in Massachusetts: Workforce Capacity Assessment October 29, 2009
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24, and 90% of them had a diagnosable mental health disorder at the time of their death. (Mary Lou Sudders, President and CEO of MSPCC, March 14, 2011. http://www.mspcc.org/document.doc?id=295)
Helpful Information for Parents
You can find helpful information about parenting emotionally healthy children and coping with common behavioral and mental health conditions and stressors at the American Academy of Pediatrics Website: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/behavmenthlth.cfm
or at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website:
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/facts_for_families
or at the National Institute of Mental Health website:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml
Talk to the pediatrician If you have concerns about your child’s behavior or emotional development, speaking with his/her primary care physician is an excellent first step to solving or ameliorating the problem.
Mobile Crisis Team: In Massachusetts if a child is suicidal or acts out, the parents may call mobile crisis intervention services (1-800-977-5555) instead of the police or an ambulance. This is part of the recently enacted Massachusetts Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative. Follow-up services are also available, but differ based on child’s needs and insurance.
Parity: If your child has private health insurance (BC/BS, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, etc) or MassHealth, the “Parity Law” requires the insurance company to cover the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders the same way they do physical disorders. Most insurance cards include a number to call for mental health referrals.
Mental Health and School Problems: “Fifty percent of youth with a mental illness drop out of school, the highest of all “disability” categories.” (Mary Lou Sudders, President and CEO of MSPCC, March 14, 2011.) When mental health interferes with attendance, learning, or other aspects of school, you are encouraged to share your concern with your child’s school counselor. We are happy to work with you to find solutions, in-school supports, and/or community resources for your student.
Mentally ill students may also be entitled to accommodations or special education services. If a child has an emotional impairment or autism and as a result of the disability, the child is unable to make effective progress in the general education program, and the child requires specially designed instruction in order to make effective progress and/or the child requires related services in order to benefit from special education or in order to access the general curriculum the child qualifies for special education services. Students with a mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions are likely to be eligible for accommodations through a 504 Plan. Read more at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/504_IDEA_Rosenfeld.html
Did you know that:
"May is Mental Health Month" began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all. The first week in May is Children’s Mental Health Week.
About 216,000 children in Massachusetts are estimated to have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Source: Accessing Children's Mental Health Services in Massachusetts: Workforce Capacity Assessment October 29, 2009
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24, and 90% of them had a diagnosable mental health disorder at the time of their death. (Mary Lou Sudders, President and CEO of MSPCC, March 14, 2011. http://www.mspcc.org/document.doc?id=295)
Helpful Information for Parents
You can find helpful information about parenting emotionally healthy children and coping with common behavioral and mental health conditions and stressors at the American Academy of Pediatrics Website: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/behavmenthlth.cfm
or at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website:
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/facts_for_families
or at the National Institute of Mental Health website:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml
Talk to the pediatrician If you have concerns about your child’s behavior or emotional development, speaking with his/her primary care physician is an excellent first step to solving or ameliorating the problem.
Mobile Crisis Team: In Massachusetts if a child is suicidal or acts out, the parents may call mobile crisis intervention services (1-800-977-5555) instead of the police or an ambulance. This is part of the recently enacted Massachusetts Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative. Follow-up services are also available, but differ based on child’s needs and insurance.
Parity: If your child has private health insurance (BC/BS, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, etc) or MassHealth, the “Parity Law” requires the insurance company to cover the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders the same way they do physical disorders. Most insurance cards include a number to call for mental health referrals.
Mental Health and School Problems: “Fifty percent of youth with a mental illness drop out of school, the highest of all “disability” categories.” (Mary Lou Sudders, President and CEO of MSPCC, March 14, 2011.) When mental health interferes with attendance, learning, or other aspects of school, you are encouraged to share your concern with your child’s school counselor. We are happy to work with you to find solutions, in-school supports, and/or community resources for your student.
Mentally ill students may also be entitled to accommodations or special education services. If a child has an emotional impairment or autism and as a result of the disability, the child is unable to make effective progress in the general education program, and the child requires specially designed instruction in order to make effective progress and/or the child requires related services in order to benefit from special education or in order to access the general curriculum the child qualifies for special education services. Students with a mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions are likely to be eligible for accommodations through a 504 Plan. Read more at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/504_IDEA_Rosenfeld.html
Podcasts, Webcasts, and Other Events
Note: Please contact the facilitator of your preferred lecture to confirm date and time.
Are The Kids All Right? A Look at Children’s Mental Health in Massachusetts
This five part series was aired Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, 2011 on WBUR 90.9, but you can still listen to podcasts, read the transcripts, or view slide shows at:
http://www.wbur.org/2011/01/31/childrens-mental-health-massachusetts
- Connect the Dots: Understanding Children’s Mental Health
NIMH Research Panel Videocast; National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
May 3, 2011, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time Zone Location: online
NIMH is sponsoring a videocast panel of children's mental health researchers. It's a great chance to hear directly from experts working in the field. Learn the state of the science in children's mental health and ask top NIH scientists about topics ranging from normal brain development to anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Register to receive an email with instructions and a link to the videocast.
http://www.cvent.com/events/child-mental-health-awareness-day-videocast/event-summary
- Ayer-Shirley Middle School PTO Presents:
“Race to Nowhere Screening”: May 11th 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Ayer-Shirley Middle School, 1 Hospital Road, Shirley
About the Film: “Race to Nowhere” features the heartbreaking stories of young people across the country who have been pushed to the brink. It is a screening not to be missed for parents concerned about anxiety and pressure children and teens experience.; Tickets $10 in advance or $15 at the door: To register go to http://rtnayer-shirley.eventbrite.com/
- “Coffee Talk” May 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- “Ask the Advocate” May 17, Noon to 2 p.m
Appointment suggested to receive one-on-one discussion, contact PAL Central Mass. at 508-767-9725; Location for both: CMCC Youth and Family Center, 365B Broad St., Fitchburg, MA; Sponsored by Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL)
- “How Do Learning Differences Contribute to Anxiety?”
Tuesday, May 19, 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Free & sponsored by Groton-Dunstable Sepac; Location Groton-Dunsable High School – Library 2nd Floor
Speaker: Dr. Nancy Roosa, Psy.D.
Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children and Adolescents-Newton, MA http://www.nesca-newton.com/index.php; Dr. Roosa will discuss how learning differences can easily contribute to anxiety in children and adolescents. Dr. Roosa is a neuropsychologist at NESCA (Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children and Adolescents) in Newton, MA where she specializes in working with children with ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, and developmental disorders, including ASD.
- The Peter Pan Friendship Circle: Meet & Greet
Sat. May 21st, 2011, 12:30-1:30 PM
Location: The Peter Pan Center, 280 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451
For families with children ages 5-12
Free, but must RSVP: Donna Shea 978/772-1255
The mission of the Peter Pan Center is to create a safe welcoming atmosphere to give children the opportunity to learn and practice friendship skills. The Peter Pan Friendship Circle is a new way of offering kids more social opportunities and ways to meet and make new friends. Kids can participate in fun activities in a safe and chaperoned environment. This is a one time only Meet & Greet to get to know other families in the area and to chat about creating opportunities for kids to get together both in and outside of the Center. This first meeting will be for all kids ages 5-12 and programs for both younger and older children will evolve from this first event. http://www.peterpancenter.com
MAY MCAS DATES
3rd Grade: 17th & 18th
4th Grade: 10nd & 11th
5th Grade: 12th , 13th, 19th, & 20th
3rd Grade: 17th & 18th
4th Grade: 10nd & 11th
5th Grade: 12th , 13th, 19th, & 20th