Guidance
If you need to speak to your child's school counselor during the year please email or call (352) 259-0044 and the front desk will connect you:
Mrs. Sheryl Graham- 6th & 7th Grade School Counselor Sheryl.Graham@TVCS.org
Ms. Allisun Haight- 5th & 8th Grade School Counselor Allisun.Haight@TVCS.org
*Ms. Haight will be facilitating a seperation/divorce group for 5th graders beginning the second week in January. The group will meet one time per week during the school day for 10 weeks. Ms. Haight will also be visiting the 5th and 8th grade classrooms to conduct classroom guidance activities. 5th grade will focus on social skills and peer interactions and 8th grade will focus on goal setting and preparation for high school education.
HOT TOPICS IN GUIDANCE
CHATTING WITH KIDS ABOUT BEING ONLINE
The best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them. Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents. Not sure where to begin? Consider the following:
START EARLY: After all, even toddlers see their parent use all kinds of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone, or any mobile device, it's an imperative time to talk to them about online behaviors, safety, and security. As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your kid about what's important before anyone else does.
CREATE AN HONEST, OPEN ENVIRONMENT: Kids look to their parents to help guide them. Be supportive and positive. Listening and taking their feelings into account helps keep conversation afloat. You may not have all the answers, and being honest about that can go a long way.
INITIATE CONVERSATIONS: Even if your kids are comfortable approaching you, don't wait for them to start the convsersation. Use everyday opportunities to talk to your kids about being online. For instance, a TV program featuring a teen online or using a cell phone can tee up a discussion about what to do-or not-in similar circumstances. News stories about internet scams or cyberbullying, for example, also can help start a conversation with kids about their experiences and your expectations.
COMMUNICATE YOUR VALUES: Be upfront about your values and how they apply in an online context. Communicating your values clearly can help your kids make smarter and more thoughtful decisions when they face tricky situations.
BE PATIENT: Resist the urge to rush through conversatons with your kids. Most kids need to hear information repeated, in small doses, for it to sink in. If you keep talking with your kids, your patience and persistence will pay off in the long run. Work hard to keep the lines of communication open, even if you learn your kid has done something online you find inappropriate.
(reference: Net Cetera & OnGuard Online)
FAMILY & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
TOLL FREE HELP LINES:
Family Support & Abuse Prevention
· Florida’s Parent Support Helpline- Provides confidential counseling and referral to parents who are stressed. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-FLA-LOVE (1-800-352-5683)
· Abuse Registry-Florida hotline determines if the information presented complies with the mandates in law and assists all callers with information and referral to enhance the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-96-2873)
· Child Help USA- Offers crisis intervention, information and referrals. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) www.childhelp.org
· Parents Without Partners- Provides single parents and their children with an opportunity for enhancing personal growth, self-confidence, and sensitivity towards others by offering real help in the way of discussions, professional speakers, study groups, publications, and social activities for families and adults. Available 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. 1-800-637-7374 www.parentswithoutpartners.org
· AARP Foundation Grandparent Information Center- A resource for grandparents raising grandchildren, professionals, support groups, researchers and policy makers. 1-800-OUR-AARP (1-800-687-2277) www.aarp.org
· Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America- Volunteers support families under stress and single parents by working with children in need of additional attention and friendship. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-888-412-BIGS www.bbbsa.org
Disabilities
· CHADD- A national non-profit organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADD/ADHD. Automated phone service. 1-800-233-4050 www.chadd.org
· Family Network on Disabilities- Provides family-driven support, education, information, and advocacy. Available 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. 1-800-825-5736 www.fndfl.org
Health Services, Food & Nutrition
· ACCESS Florida- Toll-free number to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance. 1-866-76ACESS(1-866-762-2237) www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/index.shtml
Suicide
· National Suicide Hotline- Trained volunteers and professional counselors are there to listen. 1-800-784-2433 or Teen Hotline 1-877-968-8454
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