PARENT RESOURCES

Balancing academics with extracurriculars and other responsibilities can cause some students to require additional support.  Below are several resources for all students and families to consider, however, the first point of contact when needing additional help should be the classroom teacher.  Many FHC teachers utilize Google Classroom through which students can communicate with their teachers.  A comprehensive email list of FHC teachers can be found here.

Academic Success Center

The academic success center is a tutoring workshop after school Mondays-Thursdays from 2:45-3:45. It is run by National Honors Society students free of charge, and all high school subjects along with general study skills are available for tutoring. Middle school students are welcome to walk up from CMS and attend tutoring also. If your child is struggling with grades, this is a great opportunity for them to be taught by students who have already gone through the course.  

IXL

IXL is a resource that offers personalized recommendations for standardized testing preparation.  SAT study plans can be developed and can help students target the exact skills that will improve their test scores. Additional information can be found here.  A family guide on the use of IXL can be found here.

GVSU K-12 Connect Virtual Tutoring

GVSU K-12 Connect Virtual Tutoring is available for any student in grades K-12.  Through this virtual 1:1 tutoring service, students can harness additional learning support through connecting with university students, faculty, or staff with expertise in various subjects.  Whether you are looking for a one-time appointment or recurring, weekly sessions, the tutoring center can accommodate any student's tutoring needs.  Students connect with tutors through the platform Zoom.  Please use the link found here to sign up. 

Additional Tutoring Options

Many additional options are available for help.  Click here for more information.

Where to Turn if You Need Help

FHC Counselors are trained mental health professionals who are here to support your student in their time of need.  FHC Counselors partner with mental health liaisons from Pine Rest when students are in a crisis and/or require direct access to inpatient or outpatient services. Please do not hesitate reaching out to your student's assigned counselor for more information.

Mental Health Agencies in the Grand Rapids Area

Pine Rest
Forest Hills Clinic, 877 Forest Hills Ave. Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
To schedule a new appointment for outpatient therapy call 616-455-5000.

Network 180 (medicaid only)
790 Fuller Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Open 24/7 for mental health crises. To schedule an assessment for ongoing services call 616-336-3909.

Forest View Hospital
1055 Medical Park Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Toll-Free Phone: 800-949-8439  Local Phone: 616-942-9610

OK2SAY
Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. Tips can be submitted 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

Additional Local Agencies Offering Help and Assistance

2-1-1- United Way
Call 2-1-1 United Way, West Michigan
Food assistance and pantries, utility assistance, COVIS-19 Kent County resources
Call: 211

North Kent Connect
An organization committed to improving the lives of all people in northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence.
Call: 616-866-3478.

Spectrum Health/COVID-19 Resources
Call: 1-833-559-0659

Mercy Health – St. Mary’s
Call: 1-833-247-1258

Feeding America
Call: 616-784-3250

Kent County Health Department
Call the clinic: 616-632-7100

The Bridge at Arbor Circle
This is a safe shelter program for youth, ages 10-17, who are facing homelessness or considering running away.
Call: 616-451-3001

Crisis Support via Texting
Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor (24/7 support at your fingertips)

Aunt Bertha
Search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. Resources listed on Aunt Bertha are organized by zip code. Families outside of our area still may find assistance. Click HERE to get started.

A Coronavirus Response Fund has been established to help meet immediate needs in the community and support nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. Text “COVID” to 40403 or visit https://www.hwmuw.org/ to make a donation.

Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, AA/Substance/Drug Abuse

• • YWCA for Domestic Violence
    Call: 616-454-9922

  • Kent County, Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services for Abuse of Children and Adults
    Call: 616-248-1000

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse

Michigan.gov Mental Health Resouces

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Grief and Loss

Tips for Supporting Your Child Through Grief and Loss  

It is difficult to think or talk about death. Experiencing loss during a national pandemic creates even additional and unique challenges. Many of the traditional ways of processing grief will look different due to social distancing requirements. This will be an adjustment for all. We are hopeful that the suggestions and resources below will be helpful as you and your child process this loss. 

• It is important to talk about death even though it is hard. Allow your child to ask questions and answer truthfully. It is also okay not to have all the answers. 

• Expect that your child may exhibit mood swings, struggle with emotional expression and require reassurance that they are safe. It’s normal for everyone to have different feelings – fine and happy at times or sad or even mad at other times. 

• Be available to process feelings with your child. Validate their feelings using phrases such as “I can see why you would feel that way.”, “It is ok to feel that way.”, or simply “Tell me more about what makes you feel that way.”

• Encourage self-care for both yourself and your child. Model ways to take care of yourself through physical exercise, spending time with family pets, music, etc.

• Allow choice regarding how or if your child would like to be involved in events that are planned in celebration of the life that was lost.

• Dedicate time to put down electronic devices and talk. We are in the midst of a time where everyone is working hard to stay connected virtually, while connection is key to feeling part of a community of support it is also important to set healthy boundaries with screens.

Helpful Resources

Ele’s Place: Ele’s Place West Michigan is dedicated solely to helping children and teens work with and through grief. Unfortunately, the need for our services will never go away. Unresolved grief negatively affects our children and teens, contributing to alarming rates of depression, addiction, and violence. Among the information on their website is an article about talking to your children about death.

The National Alliance for Grieving Children has a toolkit, in English and Spanish, parents can download for free. For many that offer grief support to children, teens and those that care for them there are many challenges as a result of the social distancing that is necessary in light of the global pandemic.  The National Alliance for Grieving Children created a series of free resources.

FHPS school counselors and mental health liaisons. If you would like additional support or have concerns about your child please reach out to a FHPS counselor or mental health liaison. Contact information is provided on this web page, listed above.

Take time for self-care. The Virtual Calming Room website offers sounds and music, visual relaxation, links to apps, and more and was created by OSSEO Area Learning Center of Minnesota.

Additional Articles about Grief and Loss

• Grief and COVID-19: Saying Goodbye in the Age of Physical Distancing, by the American Psychological Association

• Understanding Grief in the Age of the COVID-19 Pandemic

• How to Cope with Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic, by Psychology Today

• Grief and COVID-19: Mourning our Bygone Lives: The pandemic has led to a series of losses, from our sense of safety to our social connections, to our financial security. Psychologists point to ways we can heal by the American Psychological Association.