Parent Info

From Natasha Prime, MSW (SPUSD counselor):

Dear Middle School and High School Parents and Caregivers,

We hope that you are staying safe and taking good care of one another during this most unusual time. We have been thinking of our students, and you, and send you continued strength and courage as we move into summer.

As per State Assembly Bill 2246, a mandated suicide prevention curriculum for secondary school stakeholders, we are sending you a link to a short program on this topic. Normally, we deliver this presentation in person at parent meetings. Due to Covid-19, we are sending it to you virtually.

More extensive training modules have already been sent out teachers, staff, and administrators.

There are three parent training videos at about 15 minutes each. There is also a Spanish language presentation in the bottom link. 

If you have any concerns for your student, there are some resources at the end of the video. If you have an immediate concern for your child’s mental health, please call 911, or contact your healthcare provider. You may also contact me or your child’s counselor until the last day of school.

Suicide Prevention and Awareness for Parents videos:
Episode 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdZ_m37g2Io&feature=youtu.be

Episode 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k41iZPAJI4&feature=youtu.be

Episode 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsFVkWZKRu0&feature=youtu.be

Spanish Suicide Prevention and Awareness presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hPpLskmmht-D2UjiK1pAz1JqIFunTpTX/view

Let us know if you have any questions. Stay safe!

Your Suicide Prevention Team,
Natasha Prime, Natasha Stebbins, Sandra Jarrous and Diana Olivarez
School Social Worker and
Child Welfare Counselor
(626) 441-5820  ext. 2985 SPHS
(626) 441-5830  ext. 3913 SPMS

________________________________

From the authors of “Screenagers”:
How to teach them the “hard stuff” from home

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has been gaining traction in middle and high schools, but still far too few of them teach these skills.  A landmark study of studies (called a meta-analysis) found that in schools where schoolwide SEL is taught, students averaged an 11-percentile gain in academic performance compared to other students. Of course, there were also gains in emotional skills, attitudes, and behaviors.  Now is an excellent time for us to step into the work of educating them on coping with emotions, which our schools do not usually cover in much depth, although it is vital.

Documentary Series

Last year, SPMS PTA offered monthly, free screenings of documentaries to inform, inspire, and ignite conversation. We followed-up with open Q&A with experienced, knowledgeable professionals from our community.

2019-2020

• September 11 — “Like”
• November 13 — “The Bully Project”
• January 21, 7:30 pm — “Screenagers 2”
• February 21, 7:00 pm — Screenagers 2
• February 26 7:00 pm — Screenagers 2
• March 3, 7:45 pm (after General PTA meeting) — Screenagers 2*
• May — The Edge of Success  — cancelled

*Screenagers Parent Guide

2018-2019 Screenings were:

The Mask You Live In, “Miss Representation”, “Race to Nowhere”, More Than Sad, MAY I BE HAPPY, HE NAMED ME MALALA,  ANGST,  and Screenagers, Growing up in the Digital Age.

Supplemental information below.

Middle School Athletic Boosters

DUAL IMMERSION INFO:

Please see the attached SPUSD Snapshot which provides a link to the new Dual Immersion Program Fact Sheet.

SPUSD Snapshot Dual Language Immersion Fact Sheet.pdf

Helpful Information From Past Parent Forums:

PTA Forum on Teens & Stress

• Generation Stressed! How to Restore Calm at Home (PPT)
• 9 Tips to Reduce Teen Stress
• More Resources

PTA Forum on Common Core Standards

• Common Core Parent Presentation

PTA Forum on Drug Use
Is Your Child At Risk for Drugs? What’s a Parent to Do?

• Is Your Teen Using: Detailed Signs & Symptoms
• https://www.drugrehab.com/guides/parents/