SMS JANUARY 2022 Counselor News

School Counselor News

Southern Middle School Guidance Staff

Mrs. Lisa Zapach, Guidance Clerk A.M. x3520

Mrs. Jackie Winterson, Guidance Clerk P.M x3536

Mr. Jason Katz, School Counselor Last Names A-K x3523

Mrs. Lisa Hall, School Counselor Last Names L-Z x3522

Please reach out and contact us with any concerns, so we are able to work with you in a proactive manner to ensure your son/daughter gets what they need to make school a happy, safe place to learn.  You may contact us at [email protected], [email protected] or at 717.235.4811, extension 3520.

We know that 2021 has been a very difficult year for most in helping your students navigate not only the natural challenges they’ve faced as a middle schooler but also with all the curveballs the current landscape has thrown their way. We all hope that 2022 brings good health and happiness to your families.

Career Readiness with Smart Futures

Southern Middle School is looking forward to using the Smart Futures program with our students this year for career-readiness activities.  SmartFutures.org is an online career planning and career portfolio platform that many school districts and charter schools in Pennsylvania use to 1) meet the new requirements for Career Readiness Indicators that are part of the Future Ready PA Index, 2) integrate career education and social-emotional learning curriculum to our students from grades K through grades 12, and 3) provide each student a personalized career plan and portfolio upon graduation. 

The Student Assistance Program 

& School-Based Outpatient Satellite Program 

The Student Assistance Program continues to function actively in the middle school.  The SAP team is a group of trained staff members who work to identify, intervene and refer students who are having difficulties due to a variety of possibilities.  The student assistance program is available to all students at SMS (the exception being someone who is already receiving drug/alcohol or mental health counseling).  Please contact the guidance office to make a referral or obtain additional information. 

The SYCSD/PCBH School-Based Counseling Program utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to bridge the gap for young people who need mental health care, and young people who receive mental health care by providing coordinated mental health services at a licensed satellite office of PCBH in the familiar environment of the school setting. Please contact Mrs. Hall or Mr. Katz for more information if needed.

Crisis Intervention Services

If you are concerned for the immediate health and safety of a child, please call 911 and send them to the location of the child.  If you share the crisis information with a student and have any concerns, please contact your school counselor as soon as possible so they are able to follow up.

• TrueNorth Wellness Crisis Intervention: 1-866-325-0339 or 717-632-4900 (For students experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation.) Open for phone calls – no walk-ins or home visits.
• York Hospital, Hanover Hospital and UPMC Memorial Emergency Departments have 24/7 Crisis Intervention Services available, but due to the influx the departments may have with COVID-19 cases, you may want to avoid these locations unless you have no other options.

Aevidum Club

The word Aevidum, which means “I’ve got your back,” was created by students after they lost a classmate to suicide in Lancaster County. The organization is now a nationwide movement. 

During the week of January 10th, SMS and SHS club members participated in a joint Aevidum campaign spending their day in a banana costume in order to explore how often someone asked them about the costume they were wearing in comparison to checking on them as a person and how they are doing overall. It was a very revealing week and the students across both buildings had a blast.  

Aevidum’s four characteristics of a healthy community include acceptance, appreciation, acknowledgment, and caring. Aevidum at SMS promotes positive mental health by raising important issues facing young people, empowering students to be advocates for themselves and their peers and to have each other’s backs. For more information on what Aevidum is working on, follow the club on Instagram @smsaevidum. 

Counseling Connections

Each month we will share with you a resource or article about teens or middle school life that can hopefully assist you and/or your student. 

Anxiety in Teens: 8 Ways You Can Help Your Child (September)

How to Better Cope With Stress For Your Family’s Sake (October)

Six Reasons School is Tough This Year (November)

A Guide to Your Child in Middle School  (December)

51 Things I’ve Learned About Raising Teenagers (January)