Counseling Update/Message from the Nurse: September 2023

9/28/2023

The school counseling office is pleased to welcome new students and parents. We are especially excited about seeing the returning students and families come back refreshed and ready to take on this upcoming year’s academic and social challenges.

Counseling Updates & Information

The first week in October is Mental Illness Awareness week. This year, Mental Illness Awareness week will take place on October 1-7th. Millions of people live with a mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one in six youth in the US, aged 6-17, experience a mental Health disorder.

Every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10th. The theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’. Archmere’s Student-led Mental Health Club will be doing awareness activities all week to educate our community about mental illness and the resources that can help.

Culture Night

Archmere’s Cultural Night will be on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Student Life Center. This event is for the families and staff of Archmere. Please consider hosting a table about your native country. Your table can incorporate any interesting information about your native country including its food, geography, people, traditions, and holidays. Cultural games will also be facilitated by student leaders. Click here to register.

Standardized Testing Information

Standardized testing will take place on Wednesday, October 4 2023; 9th and 12th grade students are off from school.

10th grade will begin testing for the Pre ACT. Testing will begin shortly after 8:05 am. Students will need calculators and #2 pencils. The day will end at 11:30am. Vans and buses will depart shortly after 12 noon. Students who are approved for extended time will complete testing closer to 12:40 pm and should plan accordingly for transportation.

11th Grade will begin testing for the digital PSAT. Testing will begin shortly after 8:30 am. Students will need to bring their fully charged laptops. Also, prior to testing students are expected to complete their readiness check for the Bluebook program. The day will end at 12:00pm. Vans and buses will depart shortly after 12 noon. Students who are approved for extended time will complete testing closer to 12:40 pm and should plan accordingly for transportation.

DEI

The New YW Leader training begins on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 6:00pm. If you are interested in becoming a certified racial and social justice facilitator please sign up at: YW Leader Registration.

Message From the Nurse

We are already seeing a number of absences due to illness, including some Covid. There are currently no requirements for masking or testing, unless one tests positive or has a household exposure. We ask, as always, that parents monitor their children for symptoms of illness, and keep them home if they seem to be sick.

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Flu Symptoms

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

fever* or feeling feverish/chills
cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
muscle or body aches
headaches
fatigue (tiredness)
some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

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