Counseling Newsletter April 2023

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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.

April 2023 N e w s l e t t e r N e w s l e t t e r Page1 SJACounselingDepartment In This Issue:
Greetings 1 2 MiddleandHighSchoolInformation 3 CollegeCounselingInformation https://wwwsjaus/academics/counseling Phone(956)542-3581*Website

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)

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SJA College Counseling Information

It is that time of year for seniors to start preparing for a college transition. We know that this process might be filled with much excitement, but we also know that there might be some feelings of anxiety which is totally normal

Some students will be moving, and as a way to prepare we wanted to share some helpful information: make sure you have signed up for orientation (check portal and emails), make a list of dorm items needed, think about campus safety, understand potential mental health concerns and consider joining clubs and/or organizations (below you will find links with more information on these topics)

To celebrate this next step in the academic journey, the president's office will be having the annual College Signing Day on Tuesday, May 16th at 2:30 pm in the Student Center.

DORMITEMS

CAMPUSSAFETYTIPS

MENTALHEALTHTIPS CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

Juniors should be planning ahead and preparing for college applications. The majority of the juniors and their parent(s) have met with their college counselor and are aware of the items they can be working on now

and through the summer

It is important to continue doing college research via Cialfo or these two websites that may also be helpful in this process.

THECOLLEGETOUR

BESTCOLLEGES

April is National Financial Literacy Month

The United States Senate passed a resolution in 2003 officially designating April as Financial Literacy Month. President Obama made a proclamation in March 2017 highlighting the importance of being financially capable and declaring the month of April as National Financial Capability Month.

It is never to early to start teaching your teenager about money (see link below).

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