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Counselor News

 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please use the Suicide Prevention Hotline https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/  or toll free number 1-800-273-8255  to get help for you or a friend.

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f it is an emergency with someone potentially in imminent danger, call 911 for immediate help. They have specially trained mental health officers who will respond and assess. They can contact AISD police to get specific information about AISD students like contact information that you may not know, to help find and help the person in question.

Another very helpful resource is MCOT (mobile crisis outreach team) also called Integral Care. Put their number in your phone for quick access 24/7 512-472-4357. They are prepared to dispatch mental health counselors to your home should you need help in a mental health crisis. You can also text TX to 741741 to connect to their Crisis Text Line for 24/7 crisis support via text.

 

DO NOT leave a voicemail or send an email about a mental health crisis - contact the above resources right away for immediate care, then let us know so we can follow up and continue to support your student with their mental health recovery and connect you with other outside services as needed.

 

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Counselor Monthly Newsletters

March 2020

January/February 2020

December 2019

November 2019

October 2019

September 2019

 

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Camp Bowie Express for Rising 9th graders
REGISTER HERE: http://bit.ly/CampBowie2020 
Bowie High School is pleased to share information about Camp Bowie Express, an upcoming high school transition activity for your current 8th graders! We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this information, using email, newsletters, social media, announcements, and/or any other avenues you deem appropriate, with your students and their parents/guardians who reside in Bowie's attendance zone. In addition to the information contained in this email, please see the attached flyer. 

Camp Bowie Express for Incoming 9th Graders - One of the unfortunate consequences of upcoming summer campus construction is that Bowie is unable to offer the traditional format Camp Bowie, a multi-day transition-to-high-school experience, to our incoming 9th-grade students. However, Bowie’s amazing staff, wanting to give students a taste of their future at Bowie and wanting them to feel more confident about entering high school, has organized this abbreviated version of the traditional camp. 

What to Expect at Camp Bowie Express - Rising freshman can choose one of the following Camp Bowie Express sessions:
May 2nd 8:30 - 11:30
May 2nd 12:30 - 3:30
May 9th 8:30 - 11:30 
May 9th 12:30 - 3:30
Students participating in the event will have the opportunity to explore the campus, learn about some of the Bowie traditions, hear from current students about how to be successful in high school, meet students from other middle schools, and more! Be assured that information shared at Camp Bowie Express will be shared again during the first couple of weeks of school so that students unable to attend the camp are not disadvantaged. 

How to Sign Up for Camp Bowie Express - There is no cost to attend, but students do need to sign up for Camp Bowie Express in advance using the link below. Students can also use the link to order their official Class of 2024 t-shirt (optional). Questions about the camp or registration can be directed to our Camp Bowie Express Director Patricia Maney maney@austinisd.org
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Websites for students and parents - the presentation to freshman:
 
Freshman link on website: 
 
New this year is course videos! There is extensive info on all our courses here:
 
May 2nd & May 9th
REGISTER HERE: http://bit.ly/CampBowie2020 
Camp Bowie Express for Rising 9th graders
 
May 16
Geometry Readiness Exam (9-11 AM)
Current 5th grade students only
Sign up available here in April
 
May 20
Geometry Readiness Exam (4:30-6:30 PM)
Current 5th grade students only
Sign up available here in April
 
June 8-9
GMS Tiger Camp (Transition Camp)
 
August 3,4,6 & 7
GMS Tiger Camp (Transition Camp)
 

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Foreign Language with Dyslexia

Many kids with dyslexia find it difficult to learn a foreign language. Most school districts don’t offer foreign language instruction tailored for kids with dyslexia. There are strategies parents can try to help kids learn another language. 

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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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Suicide Prevention Hotline

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Dear Austin ISD families - 
 
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