“Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself ” – Unknown
Welcome to 2025!
Our hope is that this newsletter nds you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for the new year! Conversations about New Year’s resolutions are taking place - at home, in the media, in our hallways at school With that in mind, we’ve decided to dedicate this month’s newsletter to this topic Information is included around mindfulness, coping strategies to manage stress, positive body image, and nding healthy ways to enter the new year We look forward to continuing to work alongside your students and your families during the second semester
Counseling Lessons and Programs
Grade 6 will participate in a Quarterly Counseling Lesson on January 14 The focus of this presentation will be stress, anxiety, and healthy coping strategies - both inside and outside of the classroom Students will also continue
Peer-2-Peer Tutoring
The start of the second semester is a wonderful time to begin working with a Peer-2Peer Tutor Peer-2-Peer Tutoring continues to be available for all Viz Middle and Upper School students and is a wonderful way to gain one-onone attention and positive
Coping Skills Toolbox
Healthy copings skills are critical for managing our emotions. Stress, anxiety, and coping strategies continue to be a focus for our classroom lessons with our middle school students.
meeting with their Girl Talk Leaders in January to continue learning from their Upper School mentors.
Grades 7 and 8 will have a Counseling Lesson during the weeks of January 13 and January 20. January’s Counseling Lesson will be on Teasing, Gossiping and Rumors: What is too far? The lesson will focus on how teasing, gossiping, and rumors affect our relationships/friendships and how to tell when you or a friend has gone too far with teasing. Finally, the girls will review Mean, Rude, and Bullying and how to respond.
reinforcement from their peer tutor. All subject areas are covered by these tutors and tutors are available during a variety of times All Peer-2Peer Tutoring is free of charge.
Students can access more information by logging into the Viz Portal, clicking on the Resources Tab, and then clicking on the Peer-2-Peer image on the right side of the MS News Resource Board This site allows students to select from a list of tutors based on grade level, subject matter, and availability Please note only those with a Viz email address can access this site. Parents/Guardians, please work alongside your student to nd a peer tutor match, and do not hesitate to reach out if we can assist further.
Healthy Habit Tips for Middle School Students
If interested, I would encourage your student to create her own personalized Coping Skills Toolbox for support at home. This could be a great tool to have for the start of the second semester. The items included should be of interest to her and engage her senses.
Here are a few ideas for items that could possibly be included – watercolors/brushes, PlayDoh, bubbles for deep breathing, crayons/colored pencils, art pad, mindfulness cards, textured pipe cleaners, journal, dget, mints/gum, bubble wrap, and yoga cards.
As we begin the second semester and start a new calendar year, there are often discussions around new year’s resolutions The U S Department of Health and Human Services provided a list of “8 Healthy Habits for a Mindful Life” They describe these eight steps as a starting place for living a mindful life and taking care of ourselves. These tips are helpful regardless of our age and are excellent reminders for our middle school students You can access this article here –https://www.wethinktwice.acf.hhs.gov/8-healthy-habits-mindful-life.
Remind your student(s) of these important habits -
1. Discover the science behind mindfulness.
2 Live in the present moment
3. Reclaim your newsfeed.
4 Create a calming environment
5. Rest well.
6 Move your body daily
7. Take one step forward.
8 Connect with people
UPCOMING DATES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
Girl Talk (Grade 6) – January 14
Counseling Quarterly Lesson (Grade 6) – January 14
Counseling Lesson (Grade 7) – Weeks of January 13 and 20
Counseling Lesson (Grade 8) – Weeks of January 13 and 20
MS Wellness Club Meetings – January 23
Student-Led Conferences – April 8 (Grade 8), April 10 (Grade 7), and April 11 (Grade 6)
Please keep an eye out for more information and signups in February/March
CHECK IT OUT - RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Article – “Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Children and Teens” (by Dr Lanre Falusi –Healthychildren.org – American Academy of Pediatrics 2023) https://www healthychildren org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Healthy-New-YearsResolutions-for-Kids.aspx
Article – “New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Kids of All Ages” (by Kara Nesvig – Parents.com –2023) https://www parents com/new-years-resolution-ideas-for-kids-and-teens-8410873
Article – “Promoting a Healthy Body Image in Children, Teens” (by Dr Sasha Ulrich –Mayoclinichealthsystem.org – 2021) https://www mayoclinichealthsystem org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/promoting-healthybody-image-in-children-teens
Article – “Body Positive for Kids” (by Dr. Ashley Kroon Van Diest – The Kids Mental Health Foundation – 2023) https://www kidsmentalhealthfoundation org/mental-health-resources/bodyimage/body-positivity
Podcast – “How to Talk to Middle Schoolers About What Matters Most” (How to Talk to Kids About Anything with Dr Robin Silverman) https://drrobynsilverman.com/how-to-talk-to-middle-schoolers-about-what-matters-most-withphyllis-fagell-lcpc-rerelease/
Mrs. Ashley Giljum and Mrs. Catie Tyler Middle School Counselors
Grades 6-8
Email: agiljum@visitationacademy.org or ctyler@visitationacademy org
Website: www.visitationacademy.org
Phone: (314) 625-9225 or (314) 625-9155