School Counseling Center

 

CURRENT EVENTS

  • Our March TOPS meeting addressed ways to keep track of academic progress. Student were provided with a "Grade Tracker" where they could keep track of the grades they earn, in each class. We also discussed how to convert points earned, into percentages. This tracking can increase awareness of student performance and assist in setting goals for improvement.

  • In preparation for NJ ASK Testing, our April 15th meeting with focus on "Test Taking Strategies." We will present ideas for preparing ahead of time and relaxation techniques to minimize anxiety and stress.

  • The Counseling Department is also organizing a "Go Green Against Tobacco Week" during March 10-14, 2008. This is to increase the awareness of the dangers of smoking & tobacco use. Each day we will have a "Public Service Announcement" by a PAC volunteer and a theme of the day (notices will be sent home with the list). We are also having a presenter from "Prevention is Key" during our Health and Phys. Ed classes, on Tuesday,
    March 11 and Wednesday, March 12, 2008. He will demonstrate the effects of smoking on a "pig's lung" and the damage tobacco can cause with "Mr. Dip Lip."


 

TOPS - TACKLING ORGANIZATION AND PREPARATION SKILLS

TOPS (Tackling Organization and Preparation Skills) meets every month and during some lunch periods. During each meeting, members are given a monthly calendar in which they can keep track of school events, long-term projects, tests and quizzes. This is designed to help students learn to plan better. Also, the calendars can be used for planning "personal events" so they don't conflict with academic success. In addition, there are topics that we discuss and strategies that are learned to help us be more organized, plan better, and increase our study and test-taking skills. At the end of the monthly meeting, each member earns a chance to win a locker organizer!

The January meeting was on January 8, 2008, and the topic was "Homework Hints." We discussed strategies for creating a "Thinking Space" at home, ranking the order of assignments, and asking for adult support with our homework.

The February meeting will be on February 8, 2008. Our topic will be "Procrastination is not my plan!" Students will take a survey and identify whether or not they "put things off" until the last minute. We will also learn strategies to plan better!

The March TOPS Meeting will be on March 4, 2008. This meeting will offer tools to track our progress on assessments. Student will be given a "Tracking Sheet" so they can keep track of their progress and set goals for themselves.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Mrs. Dock at 973-838-5250 x174.

 

Helping Children Cope

Click the above link to find some helpful information from the TLC (Traumatic Loss Coalition) on "Helping our Children Cope with the Virginia Tech Shootings". It includes strategies for dealing with tragedies and assisting youth with their sense of safety and security.

 

 

A Parent's Guide to Preventing Inhalant Abuse


Every year, young people in this country die of inhalant abuse. Hundreds suffer severe consequences, including permanent brain damage, loss of muscle control, and destruction of the heart, blood, kidney, liver, and bone marrow.

Today, more than 1,000 different products are commonly abused. Many youngsters say they begin sniffing when they're in grade school. They start because they feel these substance can't hurt them, because of peer pressure, or because of low self-esteem. Once hooked, these victims find it a tough habit to break. Sniffing can cause sickness and death. For example, victims can become nauseated, forgetful, and unable to see things clearly. Victims may lose control of their body, including the use of arms and legs. These effects can last 15 to 45 minutes after sniffing. In addition, sniffing can severely damage many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Even worse, victims can die suddenly - without any warning. "Sudden Sniffing Death" can occur during or right after sniffing. The heart begins to overwork, beating rapidly but unevenly, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Even first-time abusers have been known to die from sniffing inhalants.


What products are used?

Ordinary household products, which can be safely used for legitimate purposes, can be problematic in the hands of an inhalant abuser. The following categories of products are reportedly abused: glues/adhesives, nail polish remover, marking pens, paint thinner, spray paint, butane lighter fluid, gasoline, propane gas, correction fluid, household cleansers, cooking sprays, deodorants, fabric protectors, whipping cream aerosols, and air conditioning coolants.

How can you tell if a young person is an inhalant abuser ?

  • Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing.
  • Slurred or disoriented speech.
  • Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance.
  • Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn't normally be, such as on the face or fingers.
  • Red or runny eyes or nose.
  • Spots and/or sores around the mouth.
  • Nausea and/or loss of appetite.
  • Chronic inhalant abusers may exhibit such symptoms as anxiety, excitability, irritability, or restlessness.

Inhalant abusers also may exhibit the following signs

  • Constantly smelling clothing sleeves.
  • Showing paint or stain marks on the face, fingers, or clothing.
  • Hiding rags, clothes, or empty containers of the potentially abused products in closets and other places.

What is a typical profile of an inhalant abuser in the U.S.?

There is no typical profile of an inhalant abuser. Victims are represented by both sexes and all socioeconomic groups throughout the U.S. It's not unusual to see elementary and middle-school age youths involved with inhalant abuse.

How does a young person who abuses inhalants die?

There are many scenarios for how young people die of inhalant abuse. Here are some of them:

  • A 13 year-old boy was inhaling fumes from cleaning fluid and became ill a few minutes afterwards. Witnesses alerted the parents, and the victim was hospitalized and placed on life support systems. He died 24 hours after the incident.
  • An 11 year-old boy collapsed in a public bathroom. A butane cigarette lighter fuel container and a plastic bag were found next to him. He also had bottles of typewriter correction fluid in his pocket. CPR failed to revive him, and he was pronounced dead.
  • A 15 year-old boy was found unconscious in a backyard. According to three companions, the four teenagers had taken gas from a family's grill propane tank. They put the gas in a plastic bag and inhaled the gas to get high. The victim collapsed shortly after inhaling the gas. He died on the way to the hospital.

What can you do to prevent inhalant abuse?

One of the most important steps you can take is to talk with your children or other youngsters about not experimenting even a first time with inhalants. In addition, talk to your children's teachers, guidance counselors and coaches. By discussing this problem openly and stressing the devastating consequences of inhalant abuse, you can help prevent a tragedy.

Be alert for symptoms and if you suspect there's a problem, you should consider seeking professional help!

Contact a local drug rehabilitation center or other services available in your community, or:
1. National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at 1-800-269-4237 or www.inhalants.org
2. National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Service at 1-800-662-HELP
3. National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686 or www.samhsa.gov

All information above was provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission!


 

The Family Service of Morris County continues to offer their prevention program called “NOW YOU KNOW” – an educational group for teens and their parents where the goal is to prevent substance abuse before it becomes a major problem! The program offers a discussion group for teens to talk about peer pressure, physical and emotional consequences of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and current laws regarding underage use. There is also a support group for parents that explores how to stay involved with your teen, current trends with teens and where to turn for help if needed in the future!

The groups are held monthly (two evening sessions) at Family Service in Morristown, NJ located at 62 Elm St. This program is offered at no cost to participants!

For further questions about this program please contact:

Sharon Rosenzweig, MSW,LSW
ATOD Resource Coordinator for Morris County Schools
Family Service of Morris County
62 Elm Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
srosenz@optonline.net
973-538-5260 x133