Articles
Parents/Guardians -
As counselors and staff that serve your students on a daily basis, we know just how hard it can be having an adolescent living under your roof. However, we also know that it can be a tremendous blessing. This page serves as a space for you to gain tips, tricks, and greater understanding of how we can all team together to help our high school students. Below you will find articles, videos, and other informative materials to help (if you need it), or simply to provide in depth looks at what we all face in parenting, serving, and existing with adolescents.
What test-optional colleges don't tell you about test scores
Many schools have transitioned to being "test-optional" for college applications since the COVID pandemic began. This can be to the benefit of students, but also works in favor for the college/universities.
Find out what you don't know and may need to know in considering reporting scores for applications.
Social media has made teen friendships more stressful
We live in a world that teens are constantly on their smart devices, often looking at social media. Regardless of how you feel about these platforms, there are ways to help teens navigate the difficulties they face in talking with friends and feeling "pressures".
Find out how you can help and how your teen may be feeling here!
We know students are struggling with their mental health. Here's how you can help
Mental health concerns are on the rise and our students, parents and staff are struggling to navigate this "new norm". This article discusses how adults can help their students, by first helping themselves.
Dear struggling parents, it's not just you. This is hard
This pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. And as parents, it can be especially difficult navigating the new "normal" with virtual classes, technology demands, etc. Please read this article that addresses these concerns that parents around the nation are facing.
12 Questions you should ask your kids at dinner
With hectic lives, adolescents going here, there, and everywhere, busy schedules, and life (plain and simple), it can be difficult to have a genuine conversation with your children. Good news, it it doesn't have to be! Here are some questions that you can ask your child around the dinner table to strengthen family relationships and get your student to look up from that screen.
Everything parents need to know about cyberbullying
With technology at their fingertips, it's no big secret that students are being bullied or bullying others. It takes place via social media, through text, email, and other facets of the internet. Read this article to find out what you can do to prevent these behaviors, recognize when it may be happening, and learn how to deal with this reality.
Mental health when your students leave your home
As seniors are preparing to graduate and move on to the workforce and college, families need to be prepared for what could come. This articles details the rise of mental health concerns and what families can do to help their children through the transition from high school to post-secondary environments.
Outbreak of lung illness associated with using e-cigarette products
We are seeing more and more students vaping in and out of school. This is quickly becoming an epidemic that the CDC is investigating and reporting on the known and unknown dangers. Please read to gain more insight on outbreak information, recommendations, and investigation detials.
Redefining School Counseling
We are huge advocates of our specific role within the school setting, and in the walls of St. Stephens High School. Harvard University's Mandy Savitz-Romer discusses how important School Counselors are and what our roles really consist of - from school violence, to gender identity, test anxiety, to depression.
Find out how/why your students' School Counselors are so important!
'Safe' teen drinking? Here's why parents shouldn't facilitate it
We know that alcohol is a part of our society, like it or not. Researchers and experts give their evidence as to why parents shouldn't faciltate or encourage their teens to drink, even if it's in a "safe environment".
Read me for more insight on the dangers of "safe teen drinking"!
Teen with double lung transplant from vaping
It's a sad reality that a vast majority of teens, even at SSHS, are using "vapes" or e-cigarettes. It's an even sadder reality that they could face detrimental health consequences and even death resulting from such usage. This article and video clip talks about one teen's fight for his life after having a double lung transplant from the damage caused by vaping.
The consequences of sexting
Our teens have technology at their fingertips. Part of having these devices is showing technological responsibility, but unfortunately, their adolescents minds don't always think of the repercussions of their actions. This article touches on the consequences that can come with irresponsible technology use and getting involved in "sexting", or sending others sexual images.
Sexting is real, find out more about how to protect your teen!