Last Updated: May 1, 2008

Helpful websites related to adolescent issues such as: grief and loss, internet safety, anger management and suicide prevention can be found at the bottom of this web page.

Friends,

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for all of the kind wishes I have received throughout my pregnancy.  From deliveries of ginger ale to encouraging e-mails, I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of our wonderful community.   The community’s support is one of the reasons why as excited as I am to begin this next phase of life and welcome my child to the world, as I head to maternity leave it will be difficult to say good-bye to all of you and to end the year. Unless the baby has other plans, my last day for the school year will be Friday, May 16th.

I feel unbelievably fortunate that Jen Cort, Director of Student Support Services, will fill in for me during my leave.  Jen will teach the Life Skills classes, and provide counseling for students as needed. Because she is part-time, her role will be more limited than mine.  Jen will gladly respond to phone calls and e-mails if you have a concern about your child.  She can be reached at extension 119 and via e-mail at jen.cort@ssfs.org.  While out on leave, I will be unable to check e-mail or voice mail, so please direct all concerns to Jen.  The students will have the opportunity to meet Jen and will be encouraged to make an appointment with her if they would like some support.  Fortunately, many of the students know Jen well as she was the Lower School Counselor for many years before taking on her current role.  Jen is not only a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, author, wife and mother of two, but an incredible resource for parents, students and faculty.  I could not be more pleased that the community will have the benefit of working with her in my absence. 

This year has taught me a great deal about priorities.  SSFS is a special place and I feel so fortunate to be part of this community.  While my role as middle school counselor will always be a priority in my life, I have become increasingly aware that my family must be an equal, if not greater, priority.  With that in mind, I will no longer be able to respond to e-mails or phone calls during the evening or weekend hours when I return in September.  As parents, I know you will be understanding and supportive of this shift.   Thanks again to all of you for your support, kind wishes and sound advice. Have an amazing summer and I look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Best,

Lauren

May's Value Theme is:

Loyalty

LIFE SKILLS 2007-2008

6th grade Life Skills Lesson Plans

7th grade Life Skills Lesson Plans

8th grade Life Skills Lesson Plans

Wondering How to Keep Your Head during the “Tween” Years?  You are not alone!  Understanding the preadolescent stage between childhood and adolescence (often referred to as “tweens”) can be difficult for many. Find strategies and suggested resources below.

Tween Notes

Tween Resources

BULLYING Information:

Bullying Prevention Workshop

Definition as outlined in the handbook

Helpful Web sites:

http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/bullies.html

http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2001/10/bullyingexpert.html

In my time at SSFS I have participated in and/or observed several workshops. Please find my notes on the various workshops below.

Rachel Simmons, author of the New York Times bestseller, Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls, discussed internet safety and cyberbullying prevention at SSFS.

Rachel Simmons Presentation Summary

Dr. Neil Bernstein, author of How to Keep Your Child Out of Trouble and What To Do If You Can't , spoke with the SSFS Parents Association. Dr. Bernstein shared the many helpful strategies for parents. He focused on how parents can help their adolescents avoid risky behaviors. On the link below you will find some of his helpful hints.

Helpful Hints from Dr. Neil Bernstein

Diversity Notes

Substance Abuse Workshop

"Can We Talk?" Notes

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION

Our goal at Sandy Spring Friends School is for every Middle and Upper School parent to read the Community of Concern booklet or to take their online course (www.thecommunityofconcern.org). We want every MS and US parent in our community to affirm that,

I have read the Community of Concern booklet or I have taken their online course. Therefore I am educated with basic information on the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. I will promote wellness and safety in our school community, and I am willing to work with other SSFS parents to prevent the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs among Sandy Spring Friends School students. I strive to uphold the SSFS Party Statement.

Substance Abuse Education Web Sites:

http://www.informedfamilies.org/ www.health.org

http://www.thecoolspot.gov

http://www.thecommunityofconcern.org

Suicide Prevention:

Each month, over 8,500 people speak with a crisis worker by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Although suicide prevention is their primary mission, people call the Lifeline for many reasons including:

Suicidal thoughts
Abuse/violence
Information on suicide
Economic problems
Information on mental health/ illness
Sexual orientation issues
Post-disaster needs
Substance abuse/addiction
Physical illness
To help a friend or loved one
Loneliness
Relationship problems
Family problems

Who Should Call?

-Anyone, but especially those who feel sad, hopeless, or suicidal
-Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings
-Anyone interested in suicide prevention, treatment, and service referrals

The service is free and confidential
The hotline is staffed by trained counselors
The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The service has information about support services that can help you

For additional information, including warning signs, please click on the link below:

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/newsroom/articles/SuicideWarningSigns.aspx

Counselor's Corner features monthly tips for parents and students in the Wednesday Bulletin. Additional resources for parents can be found below.

Parent Web-sites:

Internet Safety: http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/parents/

Discipline:http://www.disciplinehelp.com/

Parental Supervision

Grief:www.kidsgrieve.com

Lauren's tips for students and parents

Anger Management: http://members.aol.com/AngriesOut/

Talking to Children About Violence

Additional SSFS Resources:

Department Head: Jen Cort

Lower School Counselor: Tim Croft

Upper School Counselor: Ilene Lees

Dorm Counselor: Nancy Preuss

Who Am I?

I completed my undergraduate degree in History and Women's Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Go Badgers! It is there that I began working with students and their families as an Orientation Coordinator and Campus Tour Guide. Upon graduating, I moved to the DC area and worked in event planning for the Georgetown University Law Center. I quickly realized that my true passions were counseling and education, and enrolled in the School Counseling graduate program at Johns Hopkins University. Shortly after beginning my graduate work, I left Georgetown to teach sixth grade Social Studies and Language Arts at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. I was at JDS for three years. In addition to my teaching, I completed counseling internships at Wheaton High School (2002-2003) and Cabin John Middle School (2003-2004) in Montgomery County. I received my masters in School Counseling in May of 2004.