8 Black Day O' Fun Champions...Mr. Brauns' advisory team win the day and keep the trophy for a second year in a row...first time in Day O' Fun history for back to back wins
6 Black AR Awards Q4
7 Red award winners on the last day! Great job everybody! What a great year!
Winner of the 6 Black Stock Market Challenge- Lexi Fogg
Caring for your child's mental health over summer break!
By Lynette Dixon, PhD, LPC, NCC, CRAADC
Summer is a time of year that students have looked forward to for as long as school attendance has been the norm in the United States. Songs such as "School's Out for Summer," demonstrate the sentiments that many hold for this precious time of year when demands are often lessened and students are free to enjoy the warm weather and extra time with family and friends. However, as celebrated as summer often is, it can be a difficult time for students who thrive on structure and more organized times for them to interact with their peers.
The freedom of summer can be difficult for some students who may not be as well versed at organizing social interactions with peers and may lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Students may fall into patterns of sleeping late and the lounging around at home too often. While typical summer behavior that is enjoyed by many, engaging in less activity can lead to feelings of boredom, unproductivity, and can lead to an increase in depressive symptoms, especially for students who are already pre-disposed to this condition.
Students who struggle with mental and emotional issues often receive a lot of support during the school year from caring teachers, school counselors, and other staff whom they form relationships with and who are able to more closely monitor how they are doing. Without the support of these caring relationships signs can go un-noticed. However, summer can provide a time for parents or other caregivers to reconnect with their children and make some lasting memories.
Here are some tips for parents to help their children take care of their mental health during summer break, as well as some signs to watch for:
- Establish a summer routine. While summer is the perfect time to relax and embrace a slower pace, it is still important to maintain a routine so that children are continuing to engage in stimulating activities.
- Practice healthy habits. Staying active, eating right, and practicing healthy sleep habits are important to maintain over the summer months. Our mental well-being is impacted by our physical health.
- Encourage journal writing. This can provide an outlet for emotions.
- Encourage children to start something new. Now can be the time to try something that they have always wanted to try. Embark on a new hobby or project. This can provide children with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Take extra time to engage in activities together. Family activities can be great, such as going to the park or tossing a ball back and forth after dinner. It can also be fun to spend some one-on-one time with each child during the summer months, such as a special breakfast with mom or dad, alternating which child to take out. These low pressure activities can open up some space for your child to share what is on his or her mind.
- Keep an eye on their behavioral patterns. Many kids love to sleep late during the summer months, and this can be okay, but if they sleep for the majority of the day, no longer want to engage with others, experience extreme irritability, or if they stop engaging in activities that they once enjoyed, then this may be a cause for concern.
- Watch for signs of excessive worry or concern, especially if the child also disengages from others or if they suddenly begin to engage in more sedentary activities.
If you do notice any troubling signs with your child, starting a conversation with them can be a good place to start. It is also a good idea to consult with your pediatrician or even seek out a counseling appointment.
Summer camp information was sent out in an email to parents today. Volleyball, Tennis, Football, Baseball, Softball, Swim Team, etc. Flyers are available at the Highland Middle School office. 651-8800.
https://sites.google.com/highlandcusd5.org/hhsathletics/spring-sports/boys-tennis?authuser=0
Tennis Camp
Individual and group instruction from the HHS Coach & players. Comprehensive Footwork and Movement drills. Fun games that review techniques. Free Camp T-shirt
Dates: June 17, 18, 19 & 20 Time: 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Boys and Girls entering Grades 3 - 9
For questions contact Matt Pellock at 618-973-7637 or at highlandiltennis@gmail.com.
Summer Tennis Program
Instruction by former Highland High School top players and coaches. Drills that focus on stroke development and footwork. Fun games that review techniques and match play
3 Session options available: 2, 4 or the full 6 weeks / Boys and Girls entering Grades 6 - 12 / Participants must bring their own racket and water bottle / Location: HHS Tennis Courts
Dates: June 24 to August 2nd. Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
For questions contact Matt Pellock at highlandiltennis@gmail.com
7 Red students celebrating 4th Quarter Great Page Challenge with water balloon toss and chalk art of favorite quotes from the year.
7 Red Mentathalon!
The Highland Bulldog Hockey Club would like to invite anyone that might be interested in playing ice hockey to join the team this summer during our open ice skating. Any student interested (male or female) with a birth year prior to 12/31/2006. Opening skating is free to anyone wanting to participate. If they would like more information the can contact Kevin Miles the club president at mileskh4@gmail.com.
The dates for this summer’s open skating for the Highland Bulldog Hockey Club are:
7/7 McKendree RecPlex at 5:00
7/14 East Alton Ice Arena at 3:00
7/21 East Alton Ice Arena at 3:00
7/28 East Alton Ice Arena at 3:00
8/4 East Alton Ice Arena at 6:30
8/11 East Alton Ice Arena at 6:30
8/18 East Alton Ice Arena at 4:15
8/25 East Alton Ice Arena at 4:15
Team 8Red VIP trip to Silver Lake
Shout out to the Highland Lions Club for donating and grilling lunch today at the 8red picnic VIP trip at Silver Lake!
On our way back from an incredible day.
Team 8 Black annual Day O Fun. Beautiful weather + Great kids = Fun way to end the year! Post 2 of 2...Kyleigh Buchen taking on the other team solo!!!
Team 8 Black annual Day O Fun. Beautiful weather + Great kids = Fun way to end the year! Post 1 of 2
If interested in playing Highland Bulldog Ice Hockey for the 19-20 season, contact Kevin Miles at mileskh4@gmail.com for more info. Boys and girls entering grades 7-12. Summer skates will start in July to test it out. No experience necessary!
6 Red Fun at Incredible Pizza.
8red science class balloon car winners
8red science class balloon car winners
Congratulations to August Rottmann from team 6 Red on winning 1st place in the 12U section at the National Wrestling Tournament for Girls in Irvin, Texas, last weekend.
Great job, August!!!
