“March is an example of how beautiful change can be.” – Tracy McMillan (American Author)
March begins to give us a little bit of warmer weather and the beginnings of Spring. Change is upon us – a good reminder of the need to be exible and provides us with hope! We have a lot of programming taking place this month in the middle school and want to keep you informed of all that is going on As you know, in Counseling, we aim to be proactive and provide our students (and families) with the best information to prepare them for the future (to support themselves and one another)
Student-Led Conferences
Save the Date!
Student-led conferences will be held individually with each student and their advisor and parent(s) These will be conducted in twenty-minute increments during the school day on the dates below, either in person and/or via Zoom
Counseling Lessons and Programs
Grade 6 will continue meeting with their Girl Talk Leaders in March to continue learning from their Upper School mentors about topics related to middle school In February the focus was on being a good friend and con ict resolution
Summer Opportunities
Save the date for our summer Middle School Camp experience here at Visitation Academy – May 28, 29, and 30 from 8:30-11:30 a m This is open to all students attending Viz Middle School in 20252026. The camp will include fun activities, games, and the opportunity to enjoy time with
Eighth Grade Student-Led Conferences – Tuesday, April 8
Seventh Grade Student-Led Conferences – Thursday, April 10
Sixth Grade Student-Led Conferences – Friday, April 11
Sign Up/Registration will open at 10:00am on Monday, March
3. An email was sent to all Middle School parents/guardians on February 26 regarding conference information. We have also included the registration link here -
https://www schoolbookings n et/code/9ncvc. Should you have any questions, please contact Catie Tyler at mailto:ctyler@visitationacade my.org.
Grade 7 will have a Counseling Lesson during the weeks of March 24 and March 31
Seventh graders will focus on Stress and Coping Strategies Students will learn how to recognize stress/anxiety and develop a toolbox of appropriate coping strategies for school
Grade 8 will participate in a presentation by MOEDA (Missouri Eating Disorder Association). Eighth graders will learn about eating disorders, signs and symptoms, and how to support someone in need.
friends and meet new classmates. In addition to the Middle School Camp, please note that Visitation Academy is offering additional summer camp opportunities as well. More information can be found on the Viz website
If you are interested in other local area summer opportunities for your student(s), please go to the Counseling Resource Board on the Viz Portal to nd a list of 2025 Summer Opportunities
Conversation Starters (The Kids Mental Health Foundation)
Talking to kids about their feelings, experiences, and mental health can be challenging I recently came across an article titled “Starting the Conversation with Kids” by Ariana Hoet, PhD that gave some helpful tips for parents I’ve outlined the tips below however, you can access the full page by clicking here - https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/startingconversations/starting-conversations
Three tips to start conversations -
1. Set the stage – make daily check-in conversations a habit for your family.
2 Pick times with low distractions – these include family dinner, during bedtime routines, while on a walk, etc.
3 Model the behavior – share about your day and reinforce that having feelings is normal while sharing your coping strategies. Ask open-ended questions Find the right time for di cult conversations
UPCOMING DATES FOR
Girl Talk (Grade 6) – March 25
Counseling Lesson (Grade 7) – Weeks of March 24 and March 31
MOEDA Presentation (Grade 8) – March 25 or March 28
MS Wellness Club Meetings – March 6 and March 27
MS Wellness Week – March 10-14
CHADS EYES Presentations – more information to come prior to presentations
Grade 6 – Bully Free – March 31 and April 1
Grade 7– Peer Pressure – March 31 and April 1
Grade 8– SelfInjury – April 14
Student-Led Conferences – April 8 (Grade 8), April 10 (Grade 7), and April 11 (Grade 6)
• Please keep an eye out for an email with more information and signups
CHECK IT OUT - RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
About 1 - Missouri Eating Disorders Association (MOEDA)
Eating disorders are real, complex conditions that have serious consequences for health, productivity and relationships. They affect 9% of the population and have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses.
moedastl org
CHADS Coalition
This year, we proudly celebrate 20 years of serving our community. Over the past two decades, CHADS has worked to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide vital support through Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) education, family support counseling, and mentoring services.
chadscoalition org
Mrs. Ashley Giljum and Mrs. Catie Tyler
Middle School Counselors
Grades 6-8
Email: agiljum@visitationacademy org or mailto:ctyler@visitationacademy org
Website: www.visitationacademy.org
