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Gorzycki Middle School

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Counselor News

 
Dear Austin ISD Families,

We know that many students last year watched the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. With the second season being released May 18, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some information with you.
 
Based on the book by Jay Asher, the show sensationalizes serious themes, including drug use, sexual assault and suicide. Even if your children are not watching the show, they may be hearing about it from their peers. Counselors and administrators are addressing concerns as they are brought to our attention. We take every report we receive seriously.
 
Schools have an important role in preventing youth suicide, and being aware of potential risk factors is vital. We would like to ask you to partner with AISD to help students in need. You can make a world of difference by following these three simple steps:
 
Know the warning signs of suicidal ideation:
• Talking or joking about suicide.
• Seeking out weapons, pills or other ways to die.
• Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless.
• Writing social media posts about death, dying or suicide.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
• Changes in behavior can also be a warning sign:
o Changes in school attendance or grades.
o Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
o Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs.
o Change in friendships, or withdrawing from friends and social activities.
o Mood swings or personality changes.
o Loss of interest in activities.
o Bullying (both the victim of bullying and the bully are at risk.)

Talk to your children:
• Let your children know you care.
• Do not be afraid to ask your children if they have or are thinking about suicide.

Seek help:
• If it is an emergency, call 911.
• Contact your child’s pediatrician or doctor.
• Contact a local mental health provider—Integral Care at 512-472-HELP (4357), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HELLO” to 741741.
• Notify your child’s campus administrator and counselor.
 
Attached (Mental Health Resources) you will find information on resources available for anyone struggling with mental health issues, including help for anyone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor for help.

We care deeply about the well-being of all our students and we know that you care about the well-being of your child. By working together, we can make a difference for all students at AISD. Thank for your support.
 
Sincerely,
AISD Counseling Office
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Suicide Prevention Hotline
 
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Online Registration

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR

If you haven’t yet registered your student online for school next year, you may do so at any time. You will need to have or sign up for a Parent Cloud account in order to register online. For instructions on how to set up a Parent Cloud account, please visit www.austinisd.org/technology/parents-guardians/cloud

The Parent Cloud also allows you to access Parent Self-Serve to check your student’s grades, assignments, and attendance. 

Please remember to write down your password for future reference. 

To access Online Registration, click on the Student Registration icon on the Cloud Desktop. If you have students at other AISD schools, you should see them and can register all of your students at once. If you have any problems with online registration, please call your child’s campus or the Parent Technology Support Help Line at 512-414-9187. For more information, please visit www.austinisd.org/enroll. 

If you prefer not to register your student online, you may complete the paper registration forms, which will be sent home with your student during the first week of school (August 20-24). 

For incoming Gorzycki parents, please join our GMS Newsgroup to receive important school information. Go to our website, www.gmstigers.org select GMS Newsgroup, and enter your email address. Please follow us on Facebook too!

 
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Social Media and Our Kids

 
Stay informed about social media issues such as cyber bullying, tips for parents to talk about social media, and how to protect your family from the negative impact of social media. Camera and video capability are powerful tools and require common sense. Let’s talk to our teens about when and where these tools are appropriate and empower them to use good judgment.

Please follow these links for more information from the experts:
Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, and Social - Common Sense Media
How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers | Child Mind Institute
Talking to Your Kids About Social Media Safety- University of Texas

DO foster a culture of conversation in your family from the beginning.
DON'T make social media a forbidden fruit.
DO keep the conversation age-appropriate.
DO make your teen the expert.
DON'T belittle your teen's interest in social media.
DO talk about your own social media use, if applicable.
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Student Record Request:  If you are in need of records such as report cards or STAAR result, please email
emily.heckroth@austinisd.org with your specific request. These requests will be fulfilled within 48 hours of receiving the request. If student is applying to a private school, please submit the form from the school and we will send the records directly to the school requesting them.  
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