Welcome back to school!

Hello Falcons!
We would like to welcome everyone to this brand new academic year. Although there are a lot of crazy changes brought about the pandemic, always remember that we are all in this journey TOGETHER! If you have any concerns you would like to talk about or would require support in any way, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
We are very excited to have you back in school!

Michael Abarca - Counselor
​email: [email protected]

Welcome
​to the September edition!
​

For this month’s newsletter, we will be discussing a procedure called Behavioral Momentum – an effective and research backed-up technique to teaching skills while preventing occurrence of problem behaviors during instructions.

SELF-CARE TIPS & STRATEGIES

MINDFULNESS APPS

The applications below can be downloaded via Smart Phone or Tablet and can assist in mindfulness and calming activities that may help you relax during this chaotic time:
  • Calm
  • Headspace
  • Breathe
  • Aura
  • Mind Yeti
  • Mandala Coloring

PARENT RESOURCES

​Talking to Your Children about COVID-19
​
1. Be available to talk
  • Kids will have questions and confusion about what is happening and why they are being forced to stay home from school. Try to use developmentally appropriate language so it is easy for them to understand. Try to discuss things that are in your control like washing your hands and avoiding crowded places. You can also use videos like the one below that will be helpful in navigating those often difficult conversations.
2. Stick to routines if you are able
  • Kids thrive on routines and knowing what comes next. Predictability and routines can give kids a sense of security and help keep them comfortable during this confusing time. Try to maintain routines as usual if able or modify as needed.
3. Make daily goals
  • Set and monitor daily goals so kids feel like they have something important to work towards
  • Example: I will read 15 pages from my favorite book today and spend 20 minutes doing physical exercise inside (modify activities - stretching, yoga, sensory activities, rolling a ball, etc.)
4. Limit News Exposure
  • With the increase in negative media consumption due to COVID-19, it is important we modify when we watch the news around children (especially younger children)
  • Unfamiliar words like pandemic and outbreak can cause fear in kids
  • Try watching or listening to news when kids are in bed or reading news articles instead
5. Set a Timer
  • When it's hard to let go of worries, set a 3 or 5 minute timer - during those minutes tell kids they're allowed to think about all the worry they want but when the timer goes off, it's time to get up, move to a different room or environment and think of something else
6. Exercise Creativity
  • If you have a child who likes to draw or write, try a creative exercise - have your child draw a picture of what their worries or fear might look like (dragon, monster, superhero, etc) or have them write a story about a superhero who saved the world from COVID-19. Be creative!
7. Journal or Feelings Tracker
  • Give your child a journal to write about feelings or use a feelings tracker - if we keep track of our feelings with a visual tool it will help us learn to balance emotions effectively

TEACHER SUPPORT

1. Embrace the differences and opportunities in learning at home
  • Encourage families to turn home activities into educational opportunities
  • Example: Integrate real-life lessons into activities or incorporate home life into their daily schedules
2. Give parents and families the right scaffolding​
  • Set clear and simple expectations for families and students for every lesson and activity.
  • Clear instructions for assignments
3. Set clear expectations for communication
  • Explain how and when you are available to be contacted
  • Set virtual office hours
4. Be mindful and supportive of different backgrounds
  • Make your lessons flexible - some students may be working independently at home while others have parents to help them
Resource: TpT

UNIVERSITY PLANNING & PREPARATION

Below are resources that can help you start researching different universities, what programs they offer and what you need to do to start preparing.

SAT COLLEGE BOARD & IElts UPDATE

*IELTS exams will continue as normal as of May 5, 2020*

College Board SAT Update:
"In accordance with the guidance issued by international health organizations and evolving travel restrictions, College Board has canceled the registrations of students testing in China and students who appear to be traveling from China to take the March SAT. The College Board is refunding all registration fees. The next international SAT administrations are May 2 and Aug. 29.

College Board will provide weekend SAT administrations every month through the end of the calendar year, beginning in August. This includes a new administration on September 26 and the previously scheduled tests on August 29, October 3, November 7, and December 5. Students can register for these administrations starting in May. 

Students who are currently located outside China and believe their registration was canceled in error may be able to reinstate their registrations by contacting Customer Service by Feb. 24. If you receive questions from students, please direct them to [email protected] or 866-756-7346 (domestic) or +1-212-713-7789 (international). Customer Service hours are 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, Monday—Friday."
Reference: College Board

VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY FAIRS & TOURS

USA, UK Universities 
USA, UK & Canada Virtual University Tours
Weekly University Webinars

UCIS Nursing Department COVID Health Tips