The mission of the school counselor at AES is to promote healthy overall growth of all students through developmental counseling programs, small group interventions and individual counseling. The school counselor partners with parents, community, administrators and teachers to create and maintain a safe and enjoyable learning environment to enhance social and emotional growth.

Counseling Department Philosophy:

• Kids do well if they can
• All children can learn
• All children have dignity and self-worth
• All children have the opportunity to participate in counseling programs
• All children will have support

The counseling program at AES is designed to be preventative and developmental. Individual, group and classroom sessions increase students’ social and emotional awareness. These sessions address issues of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making in line with the CASEL framework. Second STEP is a violence prevention curriculum delivered to all students through targeted classroom lessons.

In addition, the school environment is rich with concepts and strategies to encourage a GROWTH MINDSET. Growth mindset enhances skills of focus, perseverance, and positive self-talk.

TIP: Adding the word YET to statements like, “I can’t do this”, “This isn’t working” and “I don’t understand”, changes the mindset from fixed to growth and changes the outlook. See the newsletter for more information on this and other topics.

I am available by phone at 978-743-1005 EXT 5450 or email at: kreich@nmrsd.org at any time to discuss the needs of students.

Casel.org

Mindsetonline.com

Thinkkids.org

Livesinthebalance.org

Socialthinking.org

85 Growth Mindset books for children and adults

Wondering about Mental Health Service?

How is your child’s mental health? (National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts/namimass.org)

See below for information if you notice that your child:

• Often seems unhappy, angry or withdrawn and nothing seems to help
• Seems distracted and restless and can’t sit still as long as other children of the same age
• Is falling behind in school or has problems in the classroom
• Puts him or herself down and seems to feel worthless
• Has few friends and doesn’t get along with family members
• Seems to be upset and highly stressed about family problems
• Shows signs of using substances
• Is making comments about suicide

911: IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY SERVICE

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE/ 1-800-273-8255/ suicidepreventionlifeline.org

24 HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE SERVICE: (800) 977-5555

This hotline can provide support for students and family 24/7, 365 days of the year. Youth can also for support. You may also call and place your child “on alert” and let them know that you are concerned about your child’s mental health status.

MOBILE CRISIS INTERVENTION (MCI): (800) 977-5555

This service is for Mass Health enrolled youth up to age 21. This service mobilizes to the location of the child (home/school etc.). The service is provided 24/7, 365 days of the year. EMERGENCY SERVICES PROGRAMS (ESP): 1-877-382-1609 and enter zip code

MA Health Partnership regional Partner Guide PDF

Community-based emergency services are available to help individuals having a mental health or substance abuse crisis. They are an alternative to hospital emergency departments.

• Health Alliance Hospital-Leominster, MA
  60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA
  (978) 466-2000
• Emerson Hospital (On-Sight Youth Psychiatric Hospital)
  133 Old Road Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA
  (978) 369-1400