Adolescent social/emotional wellness Parent Seminar 16-17 Adolescent social/emotional wellness

What is “ Normal” Development Pat Moran; School Social Worker Adolescent Development    1)Physical changes: Puberty- growth spurt, sexual maturation, Development of secondary sex characteristics. Cognitive Changes: Development of “Formal Thought” Development of “Moral Reasoning” Psychosocial Changes: Development of “Identity” “Self Esteem” Making vocational choices Peer relations Cliques Family relationships

High School Programming What is Student Support What is Intervention Team What is MAP What is Advisory Michele Mandel 719-685-2050 Alisha Strupp 719-685-2059

MSHS Social Supports Laurie Wood- Partners for Healthy Choices PHC 6-12 Student Liasion Jane Squires—685-2004 jsquires@mssd14.org School Nurse LeAnn Sharon—685-2074 lsharon@mssd14.org

Safe2Tell What is it? http://safe2tell.org (719) 520-7435 School Resource Officer- Mark Gillis Jesse Hull

Crisis Information DHS hotline: report or to get services 719-444-5700 Colorado State Crisis 1-844-493-8255 TEXT --Talk to 38255 Aspen Pointe Crisis Line 1-855-277-3678

Suicide Prevention Suicide Crisis Hotline 1-844-493-8255 Resources available through Suicide Prevention Partnership 719-573-7447

Signs of Drug Usage Definition: The term warning signs refers to behaviors that strongly suggest a teen is experiencing significant challenges in their growth and development. In most cases teens who exhibit warning signs are struggling with problems they can’t handle on their own.  Teen warning signs range from the extreme such as a teen who is running away to more subtle signs like a teen who suddenly becomes secretive in his activities or starts picking at her food. Other examples include severe mood swings, self-harm, extreme defiance, doing poorly in school, illegal behaviors or any sudden or significant change in a teens’ behavior or mood.

Signs of Depression An irritable, sad, empty or cranky mood and belief that life is meaningless. Loss of interest in sports or activities they used to enjoy, withdrawal from friends and family, pervasive trouble in relationships. Changes in appetite, significant weight gain or loss. Excessive late-night activities, too much or too little sleep, trouble getting up in the morning, often late for school. Physical agitation or slowness, pacing back and forth and/or excessive, or repetitive behaviors. Loss of energy, social withdrawal, withdrawal from usual activities, or boredom. Making critical comments about themselves, behavior problems at school or at home, overly sensitive to rejection. Poor performance in school, a drop in grades, or frequent absences. Frequent complaints of physical pain (headaches, stomach), frequent visits to school nurse. Writing about death, giving away favorite belongings, comments like “You’ve be better off without me.”

Signs of Anxiety Consistent or excessive worry about school, friends, following rules or approval of teachers and parents. Although it may be normal for teens to be concerned about different parts of their life, if your teen is showing excessive worry every day for a period of time, he or she may have anxiety.  Complaints of physical problems such as headaches, stomachaches, or tiredness with no physical cause.  Problems sleeping. This could be having a hard time falling asleep, waking up throughout the night or waking up early. When teens feel tired either when they first wake or throughout the day, they may not be sleeping properly.  Using self-depreciating statements, being overly critical of himself or herself or doubting their abilities. Low self-esteem.  Continually seeking the approval of their teachers, parents or other adults in their life.  Continually checking and rechecking schoolwork or other chores to make sure it has been completed correctly. Although double-checking work is always a good idea, if a teen never feels satisfied with work and must check and recheck their work. Avoidance of social activities, a withdrawal from friends or not wanting to go to school. Inability to stop the worry despite reassurances from school personnel or parents.  Irritability, mood swings or experimentation with alcohol or drugs.

Policy and Procedures A report- Post Discipline or a report of concern Contact parents Meet with kiddo- Administration, Counselors, Social Worker, PHC Call a meeting; safety plans, behavior plans Restorative Practices