End of Another School Year!
First of all, we hope you have found the quarterly counseling newsletter helpful as we try to keep you abreast and informed on things particularly related to the department
As we finish this school year, it is important to recognize student efforts regardless of the result. Students are still developing character, and since everyone is unique, the process is different from one child to another
The maturity, growth and learning that happens from year to year at SJA will help develop the person that each student will become as they grow into adulthood (best version of self). However, the summer is a perfect time for self-reflection, and setting new goals as students try to achieve their personal and academic goals for the coming year and beyond. It is also a great time to start visiting a college(s) of interest as a family. Much can be learned from the college website, but the best way to get a true feel for the campus is to feel the personality and environment of a school.
Awards Night
On Tuesday, April 18th at 6:30pm in the Brother Francis Garza Student Center, students in grades 7-12 will be recognized for their great accomplishments in academics and/or extracurricular activities. Invitations for this even will go out on Thursday, April 13th. Parents are encouraged to attend this important celebration.
SJA Middle and High School Information
This is a great time to start thinking about and planning with your middle schooler what they could be doing this summer that is fun, engaging and meaningful. Therefore, you may consider the following:
Attend a Summer Academic Programs
Create or Participate in a Service Project
Engage in an Independent Learning Project
Spend Quality Time with Family
Take Time to Reflect (Past and Future) - link below
Activitiestomarktheendofaschoolyear
Middle School High School
Know The Facts About Vaping
Vaping is an issue facing teens and families today At times, it can be difficult to distinguish between myths and facts on this subject. Test your knowledge about vaping by reviewing the following statements.
Myth: Vaping is harmless.
Fact: Vaping can cause damage to the lungs, liver, heart, and brain It can also negatively impact memory and learning abilities.
Myth: Vape pods only contain water vapor
Fact: Most e-cigarettes and vape pods contain nicotine, heavy metals and other cancer-causing chemicals. Some flavorings, such as the chemical diacetyl, have been linked to serious lung damage.
Myth: Vaping isn’t addictive
Fact: Nicotine is very addictive, and it can be especially harmful to adolescent brain development.
Myth: Vaping among middle and high school students is rare
Fact: An estimated 10% of middle school students and 25% of high school students use vapes, and the number of teen users has been increasing.
Myth: Few resources are available to help teens and parents with the issue of vaping
Fact: Many resources are available that address the issue of vaping.
Interested in more information? See this link for a helpful article from the GetParentingTips.com website on how parents can talk to teens about vaping
(GetParentingTipscom is a free resource for parents provided by the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)