Suicide prevention is an important topic.  We need to be able to identify suicide warning signs and know how to help someone who may be feeling suicidal. The following information was obtained from resources provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Suicide Warning Signs:                 

If a person talks about:                                                     

Killing themselves

Feeling helpless

Having no reason to live

Being a burden to others

Feeling trapped

Unbearable pain

 

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for materials or means

Withdrawing from activities

Isolating from family and friends

Sleeping too little or too much

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Giving away prized possessions

Aggression

Fatigue

 

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

Depression

Anxiety

Loss of interest

Irritability

Humiliation

Agitation

Rage

 

 

Suicide Prevention Helpful Tips and Resources:                      

Assume you are the only one who will reach out for help

If you’re concerned about someone, talk in private Listen to their story and let them know that you care.  Ask directly about suicide (calmly ask without judgement).  Show understanding and take their concerns seriously.  Let them know that their life matters to you.  That one conversation could save a life. 

If a person says they are thinking about suicide Take the person seriously: someone considering suicide is experiencing a life-threatening health crisis and may not believe they can be helped.  Work to keep them safe.  Tell a trusted adult, talk to their parent, and/or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  Be sure to follow up with them after the crisis to see how they’re doing.

If YOU are struggling Don’t wait for someone to reach out.  Seek mental health treatment, or tell your clinician about your suicidal thinking.   Treat yourself like you would treat someone else who needs your help. You are not alone.

*Please remember we are all helpers.  We can do our best to help, but we all have our limits. We can only do what we can do but reaching out is always a good place to start.  We have included resources and contact information for professionals who can help.

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Text TALK to 741741

Call 911 for emergencies

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

TrevorLifeline 1-866-488-7386

SeizeTheAwkward.org

Translifeline.org

Visit your Primary Care Provider Mental Health Professional Walk-in Clinic, Emergency Department, or Urgent Care Center

Find a mental health provider:  findtreatment.samhsa.gov

 mentalhealthamerica.net/finding-help

 

The Wetzel County Mental Health team is here for you.  We will help if you or someone you care about is suicidal or just needs someone to talk to.  We all struggle.  We all need someone to talk to.  We are here for you.

School Counselors

 NMS-Valerie Clark vaclark@k12.wv.us               MHS-Robert Gomez robert.gomez@k12.wv.us

NMS-Chad West cwwest@k12.wv.us                  MHS-Rebecca McClain remcclai@k12.wv.us

 

PCE-Jason Bennett jason.a.bennett@k12.wv.us   SLS-Sherry Croasmun scroasmu@k12.wv.us

PCHS-Kelli Meeks kelli.meeks@k12.wv.us              VHS-Jessica Mace jessica.mace@k12.wv.us       

 

LDS-Teresa Sleeth teresa.sleeth@k12.wv.us

HHS-Beverly VanScyoc  bvanscyo@k12.wv.us

 

School Social Workers                                                        School Pscyhologists

 Terri Beaty terri.beaty@k12.wv.us                             Meghan DeLorenzo mdelorenzo@k12.wv.us

 Jacqueline Watkins jnwatkins@k12.wv.us                 Morgan Lauff   morgan.lauff@k12.wv.us

 Gianna Shriver gianna.shriver@k12.wv.us

Lindsey Eddy lindsey.eddy@k12.wv.us

 

Transition Coordinator Caryn Puskarich  cpuskari@k12.wv.us            

Tips for Transitioning Back to In-Person Learning
1) Build a Predictable Routine
• By getting back into a regular sleep schedule. Most of us have become relaxed in our bedtime routines. Parents can ease into this by moving bedtime up in 15-30 minute time frames until the kids are back to bed on time.
• Starting a new morning sequence. This can begin the night before by setting an alarm, picking out clothes for the next day, and making sure all school stuff is together and ready to grab and go.
2) Have Conversations About Possible Changes
• Like how to keep themselves healthy at school by wearing their masks, practicing good personal hygiene habits with hand washing and using hand sanitizer, and by practicing social distancing.
• Explain some of their friends might not be there during the A/B schedule, or their lunch routine may be different from what they are used to.
• Ask them if they have any questions about what returning to school will look like for them.
3) Be a Role Model
• Feelings of uncertainty or worry are completely normal during this pandemic. Our kids our very perceptive and pick up on our slightest cues such as facial expressions and tone of voice. Modeling a calm and confident manner and being upbeat when saying goodbye will give your student a positive attitude towards returning to school.
• Be kind to yourself! By taking care of your own mental health and well-being you are more able to take care of the mental health and well-being of your child.
• Hand washing, wearing masks, and social distancing are critical to keeping our students and staff safe and healthy so we can keep everyone in school. Let your kids see you practicing these behaviors and make them fun by picking up some fun patterned masks or singing songs while you wash your hands.
4) Focus on Things Going Well
• Seeing friends and teachers, using the backpack bought for this year, and getting back into routine are all things to focus on if your child is worried or uneasy about returning to school.
5) Stay Connected to Your School
• Use social media sites for your county and your school to be up to date on any changes.
• Talk to your students’ teacher. This will keep you informed to pass information along to your student, and will help keep your teacher in the know about anything going on with your child so they can be the best possible educator for your child.
• Utilize your school’s mental health team. The counselors, social workers, and school psychologists are excellent resources to provide help for any family and student who may need extra support during the transition back to school. We are here for you!

This is the season of giving. In this animated story, a young bunny, Howard B. Wigglebottom, learns the difference between getting and giving.  Please visit the We Do Listen website for activities to go along with this story.  

https://wedolisten.org/books-and-lessons/book/Howard+B.+Wigglebottom+and+the+Power+of+Giving%3A+A+Christmas+Story

 

10 Ways to Keep Your Kid Active Indoors

(Making Slime is NOT on the List)

With the weather turning crummy and families at home more due to the pandemic, we know everyone is getting restless. Here is a list of activities kids can do with little to no mess/clean up. 

1. Have a Dance Party: We know this is the first one usually recommended, and there are good reasons why: Little to no equipment, no clean up, and this really gets kids moving. Let them teach you their favorite moves, see who can come up with the silliest dance, and throw in some of your favorite songs from when you were young.
2. Play Twister: Right hand blue! Left foot green! This game gets the wiggles out in no time!
3. Play Hide and Seek: See who can come up with the most creative place to hide, or who can find everyone the fastest.
4. Build a Blanket Fort I don’t know about you all, but I would do this even if I didn’t have kids.
5. Scavenger Hunts: These are a goodie because you can make so many variations. Have your kids find 10 objects that start with the same letter, or 5 objects that are the same color. If you’re felling extra creative you can even create clues for your kids (“Your favorite book”, or “The shirt you wanted to wear everyday last summer”).
6. Simon Says: Take turns being Simon!
7. Balloon Games: Don’t let the balloon touch the ground! The Penguin Waddle (put the balloon in between your knees and see how far you can waddle without dropping it), and Balloon Ping Pong are just a few suggestions. Sometimes the simplest thing can provide tons of entertainment.
8. Alligator Alley: This is a variation of “the floor is lava” that will hopefully save your couch. Pretend the floor is alligator infested waters. Throw down pillows or stuffed animals as “boats” or “islands” and have them jump from object to object. Don’t fall in the water!
9. Mirror Mirror: This game takes 2 people standing across from each other. One person is the leader. Whatever the leader does, the other has to follow (jumping jacks, silly faces, use your imagination!). Take turns being the leader!
10. Reading Roundup: Pick a repetitive book, like The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, and choose a word used often in the book, such as “hat”. When you read the book, every time you read the word “hat” everyone has to do an activity (5 jumping jacks, running in place, hopping on one foot).

GRATITUDE

 

This week we are going to look at gratitude or ways of being grateful for what we have.  It is easy to focus on what we cannot do because of the pandemic, but what about what we can do.  Many have had plans cancelled or postponed including sports and Thanksgiving vacations.  Let’s switch our focus to what or who we can appreciate.  There are many things you can do to feel grateful or show gratitude towards others.  You can go on a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt, help around the house, provide snacks for essential workers or even just say “Thank you” when you get take-out.

 

Watch the included YouTube video and think about how you will show gratitude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uzynHWxn5Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRATITUDE

Scavenger Hunt

 

1. Find something you enjoy looking at.
2. Find something that is useful for you.
3. Find something that is your favorite color.
4. Find something you know someone else will enjoy.
5. Find something that makes you happy.
6. Find something that tastes good.
7. Find something that smells amazing.
8. Discover something new.
9. Find something that makes you feel safe.
10. Find something that makes a beautiful sound.
11. Find someone you are grateful for.
12. Find something that is unique to you.
13. Find something that makes you laugh.
14. Find something in the night that you enjoy.
15. Find something in the morning that you enjoy.
16. Find a friend/pet that you love spending time with.
17. Find your favorite place to spend alone time.
18. Find something that reminds you of the people you love.
19. Find something that you enjoy doing outside with friends.
20. Find a place that you love.

Talk-O Tuesday Family Game Night

 

Welcome to Talk-O Tuesday!!!

November 10, 2020

Brought to you by

the New Martinsville School Counselors

Mr. West & Miss Clark

Let’s Learn about Board Games and Card Games!

 

This week we wanted to encourage you to try something different. It’s time to unplug and enjoy playing a fun game as a family! We have decided to talk about Board Games and Card Games. There are many benefits to sitting down and spending fun quality time as a family playing different types of games. We have listed some games for you to check out and have also provided you with some information on how board games and card games can be very beneficial for kids and adults of all ages.

 

It is very important to take a break from the following:

Your phone

Video games

YouTube

Social Media

The Internet

We hope that you will give one of these games a try and have lots of fun with your family!

 

Parents/Guardians information

Playing board games increases brain function.

Playing stimulates brain areas that are responsible for memory formation and complex thought processes for all ages. Engaging in play assists in practicing essential cognitive skills, such as decision making, higher level strategic thinking, and problem solving. 

 

What are the benefits of playing board games?

Here's the top health benefits of board games:

Have fun and feel good. ...

Family time. ...

Memory formation and cognitive skills. ...

Reduces risks for mental diseases. ...

Lowers blood pressure. ...

Speed up your response. ...

Reduce stress. ...

Grows your immune system.

 

These are some of the most popular family board games.

Monopoly. Ages: 10 years + (Junior version from 3 years +) ...

Scrabble. Ages: 8 years + ...

Upwords. Ages: 8 years + ...

 

 

Scattergories. Ages: 8 years + ...

The Socially Speaking Game. Ages: 8 years + ...

Perfection. Ages: 5 – 10 years. ...

Catch Phrase. Ages: 12 years +

 

8 Ways Board Games Teach Life Skills

Logic & Strategy. Many games promote strategic and logical thinking. ...

Focus & Attention. Following directions, taking turns and planning strategies all require focus and attention. ...

Patience. ...

Collaboration. ...

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving. ...

Resource Management. ...

Creative Thinking. ...

Negotiation & Communication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Detailed Benefits of Playing Board Games

 

1. Board games offer opportunities for early learning.

 

Even simple games help young players identify colors, count spaces, and develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity in moving cards and pieces around the board. Plus, learning to wait your turn and follow the rules are important lessons that serve kids far beyond the living room floor.

 

2. They get older kids' brains buzzing, too.

 

Board games are an easy way to encourage healthy brain development in older kids and teens. “Strategy games are useful in helping the frontal lobes of the brain develop”.

3. They boost their language skills.

 

Board games can be a sneaky way of helping school-aged kids work on skills they’re struggling with.

 

4. They sharpen your child's focus.

 

Board games, when played without interruptions, can help lengthen a child's attention span.

 

 

 

 

 

5. They teach the value of teamwork.

 

Board games often offer kids meta-messages about life: Your luck can change in an instant, for better or for worse. But in addition to teaching them that nothing is guaranteed, board games are a good way to encourage kids of different ages to team up and work together — something they'll need to do throughout life. Form teams of older kids working with their younger siblings.

6. Board games are an alternative to time out.

 

The next time you find yourself going through a rough patch with one of your kids, consider playing a board game together instead of sending them to their room.

7. Board games soothe anxiety.

 

They may help anxious kids learn how to navigate friendships more easily. Because they're structured, board games can provide an easier way to build interpersonal relationships with peers, since the child knows what's expected of them.

8. They show kids how to be a good loser.

 

If you're playing with a child who has low frustration tolerance, and losing is difficult for them, allowing them to break the rules at first can make the game more tolerable and fun.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Board games are a great way to unplug!

The lack of technology required to play board games makes them special. They are a simple way to get quality, screen-free time with the kids — and you might be surprised by how much they love playing.

10. It is always FUN to learn something new!

Great games to play as a family for a variety of different age levels.

Sorry

Scrabble Junior

Battleship

Checkers

Chess

Jenga

Monopoly

Memory

Guess Who

Connect 4

Bingo

Sequence for Kids

Scattergories

Perfection

I Spy

Life

Clue

Hungry Hungry Hippos

Candy Land

Mouse Trap

Operation

Pictionary

Charades for Kids

Tic Tac Toe

Trouble

Risk

Chutes and Ladders

Othello

Cranium

Yahtzee

Twister

Pop the Pig

Zingo

Pete the Cat “The Missing Cupcakes Game”

Family Feud Kids vs Parents

Dominoes

Junior Blokus

Double Shutter

Pancake Pile-Up!

Count Your Chickens

Baa Baa Bubbles

Crocodile Dentist

Mouse Trap

Pictomania

UNO is a Great Card Game to Play

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNO-The Card Game

UNO      is a card game suitable for the whole family. You may already have this one in your collection, but if you don’t, it’s a great one to have and can be played almost anywhere!          

Objective of the game – To be first player to get rid of all the cards in your hand.

Number of players – Two or more.

How to play

Shuffle the cards and deal seven cards, face down, to each player. The rest of the deck (the draw pile) is placed face down in the center of the table.

Turn over the first card in the Draw pile face up to create a Discard pile.

The first player (normally the person to the dealer’s left) looks at his/her cards and tries to match the card on the top of the Discard pile by color, number or symbol. If there are no matches, the player must draw a card from the Draw pile. If the drawn card can be discarded, they draw again until they cannot discard a card. Then play passes to the next player.

There are several Action cards that can change the course of the game.
‘Reverse’ – changes direction of the order of play.

‘Skip’ – the next player must skip their turn.    

‘Draw Two’ – the next player will have to pick up two cards.

‘Wild’ – This card denotes all four colors and can be placed on any card. The player can choose a new color for the next person’s turn.

Wild Draw Four’ – This card is just like the wild card except that the next player also has to draw four cards.

As soon as a player has just one card left, they must yell “UNO”. If they do not, and are caught by another player, the player must draw two new cards. The first player with no cards remaining is the winner!

 

 

 

 

Educational Benefits of UNO

Fine motor skills – holding and playing the cards can be a challenge for small hands. As your child finds the best way to do this, they will develop their fine motor skills and learn to manipulate the cards with control.

Numbers and colors – your child will get plenty of practice identifying colors and number recognition

Matching – The game teaches your child how to match numbers and colors (visual discrimination).

Counting – The counting of cards throughout and at the end of the game provides a fun opportunity to count with your child.

Social interaction – Playing cards is valuable interaction with your child as this may be one of the few times, they can view themselves as a peer rather than a small person! Your child will also learn to take turns and engage in friendly competition.

Strategy – As your child gets confident with the game of UNO, you will notice them engage their intellect as they not only start thinking about the best way to win, but the best cards to

play to prevent others from winning.

Get a Deck of Cards and Learn and New Game!

 

Crazy Eights

Euchre

Spades

Hearts

Rummy

Speed

Solitaire (A Card Game to Play by Yourself)

School Counselors

NMS-Valerie Clark vaclark@k12.wv.us

NMS-Chad West cwwest@k12.wv.us

MHS-Robert Gomez robert.gomez@k12.wv.us

MHS-Rebecca McClain remcclai@k12.wv.us

PCE-Jason Bennett jason.a.bennett@k12.wv.us

PCHS-Kelli Meeks kelli.meeks@k12.wv.us

SLS-Sherry Croasmun scroasmu@k12.wv.us

VHS-Jessica Mace jessica.mace@k12.wv.us

LDS-Teresa Sleeth teresa.sleeth@k12.wv.us

HHS-Beverly VanScyoc bvanscyo@k12.wv.us

School Social Workers

Terri Beaty terri.beaty@k12.wv.us

Jacqueline Watkins jnwatkins@k12.wv.us

Gianna Shriver gianna.shriver@k12.wv.us

Lindsey Eddy lindsey.eddy@k12.wv.us

There is a self-referral form which is located on the Wetzel County Schools website. Please fill one out if your child needs any help during this difficult time.

STAY SAFE!!!