Wellness Center

Gratitude: A Path to Positivity

Gratitude is the act of appreciating the good in our lives. It helps shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and joy. Expressing gratitude can improve mental well-being, strengthen relationships, and even boost physical health. It encourages us to pause and recognize the small blessings we often overlook, like a kind word, a sunny day, or simply having a loved one by our side.
 
Gratitude Activity: The “Thank You” Letter

• Objective: To cultivate a habit of gratitude by expressing appreciation to someone who has positively impacted your life.
• Reflect: Think about someone who has done something meaningful for you—perhaps a teacher, friend, family member, or mentor.
• Write: Take a piece of paper and pen. Start the letter with “Dear [name]” and describe why you’re grateful to them. Be specific—mention a memory, action, or quality of theirs that made a difference in your life. 
• Deliver: If possible, give or mail the letter to the recipient. If not, keep it as a reminder of your appreciation.
• Reflect Again: Notice how you feel after expressing your gratitude. Often, the act of giving thanks brings its own joy.

This activity not only brightens the recipient’s day but also helps you build a stronger connection and deepen your appreciation for the people around you.

Join Contra Costa young people and adults to learn about the latest tobacco and cannabis products, including tobacco pouches (Zyn), the impact of tobacco and cannabis on young people, and ways adults can support young people in their lives. The event will be in English with simultaneous Spanish translation. No pre-registration is necessary.
 
Who/Intended Audience: Parents/guardians, educators, community partners, and other caring adults.
When: Thursday, Nov 14, 6-7pm (optional Q&A, 7-7:30pm)
Link to join webinar: https://bit.ly/VapingandTeensWebinar2024

While teens are no longer smoking cigarettes, vaping nicotine is at an all time high. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can affect healthy brain development in adolescents. Did you know that some of the most popular vape brands have as much nicotine as 27 packs of cigarettes? In order to be informed of the most up to date information about teens and vaping, please take the time to watch Danger of Vaping: What Parents Should Know in 2024.

Teens are being targeted with videos, ads and social media posts, especially with new products such as Zyn Nicotine pouches. The more parents know about these products the better they can talk with their teens about them. 

With SATs and PSATs right around the corner, it may be beneficial to discuss test anxiety with your AHS student. Test anxiety is actually a form of performance anxiety which affects 25-40% of students. While it’s perfectly normal for a student to feel nervous before a test, test anxiety can be overwhelming for students and disrupt their concentration and ability. Here are a couple steps you can take to support your student in combating their test anxiety:

• Positive Self Talk can go a long way in altering one’s perception of their ability. Encourage your student to talk to themselves how they would talk to a friend or loved one experiencing the same anxiety. We are often our own worst critic and in many instances, we talk to ourselves more negatively than we would ever talk to someone else.
• Acceptance of mistakes can also shift your student’s mindset around their ability. First, remind your student that trying their best is realistically the most they can do. Even when trying our absolute best, people still make mistakes. Second, model this behavior for your students. Are you shaming your student when their best effort isn’t “good enough” or beating yourself up when you make a mistake? Offer grace in the face of mistakes. We’re all human after all.
• Teach test taking basics to your student so they might feel more confident when the time comes to take a test. Believe it or not, study skills and test taking strategies are learned. Just because students have to take tests, doesn’t mean they are actually equipped to do so successfully.

Join us on Tuesday, Oct 8 for a districtwide parent education event regarding the fentanyl crisis and its impact on teens. There will be a screening of a documentary from the nonprofit organization Song for Charlie followed by a question and answer panel. Panelists will include Outreach Coordinator from Song for Charlie Laura Didier, LLHS Principal Heather Thorner, LLHS Wellness Coordinator Amelia Whalen, and other community experts. The event will take place on from 6:30-8pm in the Las Lomas High School Theater. All parents within AUHSD and parents from partner districts are welcome to attend.
 
Please use this link if you are interested in attending. RSVP is not required but is helpful for our planning.

Join us on Tuesday, Oct 8 for a districtwide parent education event regarding the fentanyl crisis and its impact on teens. There will be a screening of a documentary from the nonprofit organization Song for Charlie followed by a question and answer panel. Panelists will include Outreach Coordinator from Song for Charlie Laura Didier, LLHS Principal Heather Thorner, LLHS Wellness Coordinator Amelia Whalen, and other community experts. The event will take place on from 6:30-8pm in the Las Lomas High School Theater. All parents within AUHSD and parents from partner districts are welcome to attend.
 
Please use this link if you are interested in attending. RSVP is not required but is helpful for our planning.

Join us on Tuesday, Oct 8 for a districtwide parent education event regarding the fentanyl crisis and its impact on teens. There will be a screening of a documentary from the nonprofit organization Song for Charlie followed by a question and answer panel. Panelists will include Outreach Coordinator from Song for Charlie Laura Didier, LLHS Principal Heather Thorner, LLHS Wellness Coordinator Amelia Whalen, and other community experts. The event will take place on from 6:30-8pm in the Las Lomas High School Theater. All parents within AUHSD and parents from partner districts are welcome to attend.
 
Please use this link if you are interested in attending. RSVP is not required but is helpful for our planning.

September is suicide awareness and prevention month. Although this is an extremely difficult topic to discuss with your student, it is also extremely necessary to do so. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34 and it can touch any community at any time. It is important to know the warning signs and what to do if you suspect that your child or someone else who you care about is suicidal. Here you can find resources specifically for parents looking to educate themselves on the statistics, warning signs and preventative measures surrounding teen suicide.
*If you or your student are ever experiencing a mental health crisis call 988 or 211 for crisis support resources. Or, text ‘HOPE’ to 20121.

The Wellness Center is available for drop ins starting tomorrow, Monday Aug 26. This year, we will be located in the glass hallway next to the main office in room 8. The space is bigger which will allow us to accommodate more students looking for wellness services. Please encourage your students to drop by to check out the new space! Cheers to the best school year yet!

The Wellness team wants to welcome everyone to the 24-25 school year! We look forward to serving our AHS students and providing them with mental health and wellness resources throughout the year.

The Wellness Center is closed for drop ins until Monday Aug 26 as we prepare for new support counselors and move locations. However, we’re always available to support students in crisis. This year, we will be located in the glass hallway next to the main office in room 8. The space will be bigger which will allow us to accommodate more students looking for wellness services. Please encourage your students to drop by to check out the new space when we open. Cheers to the best school year yet!