|
|
The SCCoop
Words on Wellness
February 2019
|
|
February starts the busy season for the Safe Community Coalition. Between the rescheduled Teen Trafficking event (
tonight!
Feb 19), a second screening of "Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety" (Feb 28), and Sixth Grade Ethics Days (Fridays in March), all building up to our major speaker event with Lynn Lyons talking about reducing anxiety (tickets
now on sale
) on April 1, we have a lot on the pipeline. We hope to see, and meet, many of you at our events; we love to hear about how community members are participating in, using, and benefitting from our programs and materials.
As alw
ays,
let us know
how the SCC can help in your community, school, and home!
Brad Kuebler, President, and Elizabeth Hale, President Elect
|
|
SECOND SHOWING!
Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety
An IndieFlix Original Documentary
Thursday, February 28 at 7 pm
Langley High School Auditorium
All teens experience some amount of anxiety – it’s a normal reaction to stress. But when temporary worries or fears become pervasive and interfere with relationships, schoolwork and health, anxiety disorders are at play. Anxiety disorders are highly common and highly treatable, yet most who suffer don’t seek assistance. How can we as a community recognize the signs of this mental health epidemic and what resources are available? In a yearlong focus on youth anxiety, the Safe Community Coalition, in conjunction with the Langley High School PTSA, is hosting a free showing of the IndieFlix Original Film
Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety
on Thursday, February 28 at 7 p.m. in the Langley High School auditorium. This important, eye-opening documentary features students affected by anxiety, mental health professionals and Olympic athlete and mental health advocate Michael Phelps in opening up the conversation and providing hope around a topic many find difficult to discuss.
Following the movie, a panel of mental health professionals from Langley High School and the community will lead a panel discussion and question and answer session to provide further information.
This event is free and recommended for adults and students in 6
th
grade and up.
|
|
RESCHEDULED! Not Just Someone Else's Problem: Teen Trafficking
Trafficking and exploitation of teens is appallingly prevalent and underreported in Fairfax County. Help us eradicate teen trafficking locally by learning what makes children vulnerable, how to identify the signs of a possible victim, and what to do if you suspect a teen is being exploited. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon against a predator. Together we can protect our families and our community.
To learn how you can help, please join us
Tuesday, February 19, 7-8:30 pm at the McLean Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
for a 90-minute panel presentation by the Just Ask Prevention Project with Audience Q&A addressing our teens’ vulnerability to the imminent danger of human trafficking.
Just Ask
is a 501(c)(3) based in McLean with a team of multidisciplinary experts who bring an unmatched level of knowledge to fight human trafficking and exploitation.
|
|
Woman’s Club of McLean, New Dominion Women’s Club, and Safe Community Coalition are honored to commemorate
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
with a panel presentation featuring Just Ask Prevention Project.
|
|
Sixth Grade Ethics Days
This program serves all 6th graders in the McLean and Langley school pyramids, with the goal of helping students navigate difficult ethical situations that may arise as they progress through middle school, high school and beyond. During the program, students are provided with an ethical decision-making model called “Could, Should, Would” in a group setting with adult leaders. New this year is a small group program on anti-bullying called “One Person Many Roles” presented by the Anti Defamation League and also featuring their adult leaders. Ethics Days are half-day events and lunch is provided.
Volunteers are needed to serve as table leaders for small groups of students from 9am-1pm on the following dates: March 1, 8, 15 & 29. No prior experience is needed, and training is provided. Click
HERE
to volunteer. For more information, contact
Maria Barnett
.
|
|
April 1, 7 pm
McLean Community Center Alden Theater
Anxiety is a very persistent master; when it moves into families, it takes over daily routines, schoolwork, bedtime, and recreation. Join us to learn strategies for breaking the worry cycle so we can raise courageous and independent children and improve the emotional functioning of our families.
Licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist Lynn Lyons will discuss concrete strategies parents and educators can use with children and teens to handle current anxiety and also to prevent the development of anxiety and depression later in life.
Lynn is the co-author with Reid Wilson of "Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle" and Raise Courageous and Independent Children and the companion book "Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids." She presents internationally to mental health and medical providers, educators, school nurses, and parents. She is regularly featured on television and public radio, including Katie Couric and Morning Edition. Books and DVDs will be available for purchase.
|
|
Athletic Mental Health Symposium
sponsored by Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Service (NCS) office.
Date: Tuesday February 26th, 2019
Time: Check-in at 6:30 p.m., start at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Va. 22035
Audience: All Parents, Coaches, and Administrators
Cost: Free
Join NCS as they launch the conversation about mental health and the role coaches, parents and sports administrators can play in supporting and encouraging youth athletes as they cope with the struggles and pressures of their early development. Come and hear from renowned local experts as they help adults who work with student athletes:
• Understand the pressures facing student athletes in 2019
• Recognize the warning signs for potential youth in distress
• Guide athletes to available local resources for assistance
It is time to “have the discussion” as we work toward breaking down misconceptions and barriers regarding mental health in athletics.
|
|
Opportunity to Speak with FCPS Superintendent Dr. Brabrand
- Tuesday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
- McLean Community Center
The McLean Community Association will be hosting an open forum meeting with Superintendent Dr. Brabrand and Dranesville District School Board Member Janie Strauss focused on mental health, academic pressure, and the vision for McLean-area schools. Bring the entire family. Students will be given priority to ask questions.
Launching Your Child to College
The time is fast approaching when we will launch our students to college. Whether you have a Senior or a Freshman, the launch to college comes all too quickly. Do you know what conversations you SHOULD be having with your teen BEFORE they leave? Our own Dr. Melissa Sporn will be giving her Launch talk as part of The Study Pro's monthly Lunch and Learn program on March 14, 11:45-1:15.
Registration
is required.
Middle School Forum
Our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) has been hard at work training to bring our Middle School Forum program to Cooper and Longfellow Middle Schools. The Middle School Forum designed help relieve middle schoolers’ anxiety about the transition to high school. At MSF, eighth graders have the opportunity to ask YAC representatives any questions they have about high school. YAC-ers answer with candor and speak from their individual perspectives, showing middle schoolers that there are many different ways to navigate high school, and choices are theirs to make. YAC responses point to the value of knowing yourself, making choices that are right for you, and being prepared to deal with the consequences of your actions.
|
|
Community Read
The McLean HS PTSA is partnering with MHS Student Services to offer a Pyramid-Wide book talk series and author event on
The Self-Driven Child, The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives
by William Stixrud, PhD, and Ned Johnson.
The Self-Driven Child
empowers parents with practical tools to help their children reduce stress and anxiety, while building capacity for resilience, success, and optimal development. The strategies shared in the book are relevant for parents of children of ALL ages.
Kathleen Otal, counselor at McLean High School, will lead three book talks in the pyramid throughout the year. Two have already taken place, but on Wednesday, March 20, 7-8:30 pm, we'll hear from
William Stixrud and Ned Johnson in McLean's auditorium
. Even if you don't have time to read the entire book or didn't come to the previous book talks, you will learn valuable parenting strategies that will help your child develop the skills to succeed!
|
|
On the Rise
from Langley HS Principal Greer and Longfellow MS Principal Kihm
Eating disorders are behaviors that can lead to serious health problems. These behaviors can begin as a child and affect both girls and boys. When discovered early, eating disorders are treatable. In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system provide information to parents annually about eating disorders. This information is given to parents of students in the fifth through twelfth grades.
It is important to note that eating disorders are not identified based on weight changes as much as behaviors and attitudes. Signs of eating disorders may differ between males and females and in different age groups. Often, a young person may not recognize the signs that they might have an eating disorder. Parents/guardians and family members are in a position to notice behaviors that cause concern. It is important that a child with an eating disorder be treated early by someone who understands this type of care.
After reviewing
this fact sheet
, if you think your child may be showing signs of a possible eating disorder, please contact your doctor, school nurse, or one of the resources listed below.
Additional resources may be found at:
|
|
In the News
The government in the UK is considering taking action on social media and its serious effects on mental health. This includes creating new rules for social media companies and teaching mindfulness in the classroom.
These concerns were brought up after a teen girl died by suicide in 2017. It was later found she had viewed content on social media of and relating to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Her father believes that social media algorithms encouraged her to view this type of content.
Cyberbulling has also become an increasing area of concern. A study carried out by the Prince's Trust (a charity for young people in the UK) has shown that about half of 16-25 year olds surveyed have feelings of inadequacy and an overwhelming pressure to succeed.
The UK will start testing mindfulness classes in 370 schools in 2021, which will include breathing practices, relaxation, and working with mental health experts.
Read the full article on
CNN
.
|
|
Safe Community Coalition | mcleanscc.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
