November is National Gratitude Month

Having gratitude is more than saying “thank you”, it is appreciating the things that you have. Gratitude also allows us to focus clearly on important aspects of our lives, rather than dwelling on the negatives that might bring us down. Most importantly, having gratitude builds character and helps us build and maintain relationships throughout our lives. Taking just a few minutes out of your day to reflect and remember what and who you have can make you happier. Some things that you might be grateful for are family, friends, pets, teachers, colleagues, life, good health, and more. Being grateful is more than just being thankful, it is admiring all of the things and people in your life. Never take anything for granted because you’ll never know how much you appreciate someone or something until you can’t have it anymore.

                    -Mattie Lomoglio

• The CURE to Social Media Addiction It’s Not What You Think - YouTube
• The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships - Jarvee

My Experience Doing a College Tour

By: Mattie Lomoglio

As a junior in high school, I have started to think about college and what I want to do after high school. Recently I did a campus tour of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and I absolutely loved it! It is located in the small town of Durham, New Hampshire and is ranked the second-best college in the state. From club sports teams, movie nights, pools, and campus and community jobs, UNH has several opportunities and resources for student involvement both on and off campus. The undergraduate enrollment is around 15,000 students, making it a diverse and richly populated school. I had many doubts as to if I was going to like UNH because it was further away from home than I wanted, and I was afraid that I was going to get lost on campus because it is a bigger university. However, the moment I stepped on the campus all of my doubts and worries went away. It had a very welcoming feel to it, and the campus was very organized and easy to navigate. One of the coolest features of the university is that you can take a train to Boston, and it only takes about an hour! UNH also has a transit bus that transports students to wherever they desire. The different transit options that UNH offers is really helpful, especially because they don't allow first year students to have a car on campus. With GPAs of all different levels, there are several scholarships that are available for UNH students. UNH also provides several great opportunities to study abroad and internationally.

What is peer pressure and how does it effect others?

Peer Pressure is predominately found in middle and high school cliques or popular groups of students who are trying to convince others to do harmful or dangerous things.

Peer pressure can introduce teens to harmful and unhealthy habits and trigger different addictions and hobbies. Although there are positive effects of peer pressure, the negative effects are far more extensive and impactful. The effects of peer pressure can be life changing and can affect a teen's future in more ways than they might think. Teaching your child about the dangers of peer pressure can prepare them in the event where they are in an uncomfortable situation. It can also make it easier for them to exit the situations efficiently, stay out of trouble, and speak out if they are a victim of peer pressure.

How does Peer Pressure effect mental health?

Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses. Peer pressure is one of its several causes. Some of the negative effects of peer pressure are drug and alcohol abuse, It can be difficult to understand why and how people are peer pressured. Although there is no way to prevent yourself or your child from becoming a victim of peer pressure, it is possible to not let it affect you. Surrounding yourself with people who want to see you succeed and practicing efficient refusal skills can help you to avoid extensive effects of peer pressure.

What should you do?

• Surround yourself with good people
• Tell a trusted adult if you are in an uncomfortable situation
• Practice effective and necessary refusal skills, don't be afraid to say "no"
• Be confident
• Hear advice and ideas from others but, make decisions only for the benefit of yourself!

The New York State Office of Mental Health is excited to share the newest educational resource about 988 in New York! 

The 988 Palm Cards explain what happens when 988 is contacted by call, chat, or text and includes a helpful flow chart that is easy to understand. The 988 Palm Cards also include a QR code to learn more information about 988.

The North Country Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center provides Special Education support and resources to families, preschools, school districts, and community partners.

All services are free and confidential

The following learning opportunities for families and caregivers will be offered in November.

• Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

11/8/22 2:00-3:30 PM (Virtual)

This training package is the fourth in a suite of trainings on the development and use of specially designed instruction (SDI) for students with disabilities. This foundational level training is intended to develop participants' basic understanding of specially designed instruction in order to increase knowledge of parents and other family members as engaged meaningful partners in the special education process and the education of their child.

For more information or if you have any questions please contact Rebecca Sanger at [email protected]

Click HERE to register 

• Student-Directed Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families

11/15/22 4:00-6:30 PM (Virtual)

This training is intended to promote and encourage student and family involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) development process and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. Participants will identify ways to build and encourage their child’s self-determination skills in order to meaningfully participate to the greatest extent possible, in their own educational planning and active involvement in annual review meetings. The Student-Directed IEP approach can be utilized at any age from K-12th grade. Tools, resources, and research-based information will be provided.

For more information or if you have any questions please contact Theo Gossou at [email protected]

Click HERE to Register

St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau

80 State Highway 310

Canton, New York 13617

315-379-9464

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