DISTRICT NEWS
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Laura Costello, Jr./Sr. Health Teacher
Fall 2012 Shelly Kempton, LMSW
Each year over one million women become victims of physical assault by someone with whom they are intimate. “One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime” (Domestic Facts). About 85% of all victims are women. Most domestic violence involves power and control against another. Warning signs of domestic violence may not always be visible, but it is important to be aware of the signs and know what to do if you, or someone you know needs help. Some of the visible signs include bruises the person can’t explain, bruises on the neck or arms and possible sprained wrists or broken bones. Other signs to be aware of, but not limited to are drug or alcohol abuse, talking about their partner’s temper and losing interest in daily activities that they use to enjoy. Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to authorities. If you or someone you know needs help, please call: THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE at 1-800-799-7233 THE NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE AT 1-800-656-4673 THE NATIONAL TEEN DATING ABUSE HOTLINE AT 1-866-331-9474
For more information about the warning signs and ways to get help, visit the following web sites: http://www.ncadv.org/ http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default. aspx?query=domestic%20violence http://www.thehotline.org/
From the Health Office Germs are everywhere! Some bacteria are actually good for us i.e. helping with digestion. In preventing transfer of harmful bacteria and viruses, we all know that frequent hand washing is important. Covering a cough/sneeze minimizes airborne illness being spread. Staying home when you are in the acute stages of illness also diminishes communicability. Keeping our environments clean is another important factor. Sinks, faucets, the toilet-flushing handle and the paper towel release handle are all places that need frequent cleaning (or avoid touching by using a paper towel). Door handles and floors are important to clean also. During any outbreak of a contagious illness, notifying your School Nurse as a confirmed diagnosis helps us to know what to watch for. Also children must be fever and/or symptom free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Please remember to keep the school informed of any changes in contact phone numbers.
9
As fall has arrived and the leaves are separating from the trees and students have adjusted to school and are hopefully completely involved with the learning of the day. Thoughts of what it takes to be completely involved in anything come to mind. Being present, emotionally integrating the haunting emotions that can circle in our heads and showing up for each moment, even the difficult ones. The essence of being ethical for the greatest good and least amount of harm to all is important. Also important is setting an example of what we believe in and what we are passionate about. Maybe this thought is associated with the knowledge that this is an election year and the sides seem so polarized. I am not sure if this is the most ethical. I suppose that is up to each individual to decide. However, the example of people very passionately believing in something and demonstrating it frequently is apparent. Besides just in the political venue, it is important for all of us to act on what we passionately believe in and what we can give to these ideas, ideals and dreams. How can we support our family, our neighborhood, our community, our schools. Ask yourself what you can give by volunteering or helping a neighbor or a group in the community. It is easier to be helpful when we feel that we have plenty of free time. It is much more difficult in times when we feel overwhelmed and undone and distraught. These difficult times are the ones that can create our inner resilience, our ability to push beyond what we feel we are capable of. We are creating some “mix it up activities” in school, where students get a chance to interact with students they don’t typically hang out with and get a chance to stretch and grow socially and emotionally as well as intellectually. Take a moment at home to discover how you can continue this idea. Ask your student and collaborate and enjoy.
November 2012