Resources for Parents
Parents can get expert advice, share with other parents, and learn about connecting with your teen.
A great resource to help navigate all the media kids are exposed to including ratings, age appropriateness, and content. Learn about what movies and shows your kids are watching, what games they are playing, and what apps they are using.
Family Community Resource Guide to resources in the community including food pantries, shelters, and counseling services
The Peer-Run Warm Line (1-855-845-7415) is a non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking emotional support. We provide assistance via phone and webchat on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need.
Talk by Phone or Text to receive Emotional Support and Referrals for Parents and Youth in both English, Spanish and other languages. 1-855-427-2736
Health Resources
Emergency Dental Services During COVID-19
Additional Twin Rivers Resources and Support
District Support
Support and Resources including phone lines, websites, apps, and information. (Click on flyer to make image larger).
TRUSD SEL SS (2).pdfMHUCC Temporary Change of Hours 4.20.20.pdfDistrict Mental Health Support
Please call directly to get up to date hours and information as they may change.
The Source
A Local Resource for Students and Caregivers
Please take a look at this two page brochure to see if this is a good resource for you or your student.
(Not affiliated with Twin Rivers School District-this is an outside agency)
The Source Brochure.pdfParents in the Know-Knowledge is Power!
Scroll down for more topics that are added monthly
Topic for August - Vaping
Dangers of E-Cigarettes
Learn more about why e-cigarettes are dangerous for teens
The FACTS About Vaping
Watch parents and their kids take a quiz on vaping and learn some facts
vape facts.pdfInformation on Vaping
Facts and Knowledge to help you talk to your student about the dangers of vaping
vape facts spanish.pdfInformación de vapeo
Hechos y conocimientos para ayudarlo a hablar con su estudiante sobre los peligros del vapeo
Topic for September-Suicide Prevention (National Suicide Prevention Week)
Having a conversation or asking your teen three questions could save their lives. Read about the warning signs and what to do. There are additional resources and phone numbers on the Health +3 page.
green-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline-wallet-card.pdfen-espanol-suicide-prevention-lifeline-wallet-card.pdfTopic for October-Sleep for Teens
What Happens When Teens Don't Sleep.pdfHow Long Should My Teen Be Sleeping
Check the chart to see how long your teen should be sleeping!
Topic for November-Cyberbullying
Tell Someone!
It is important that parents keep talking to their kids about telling someone, parent, sibbling, teacher, counselor, whatever adult they trust, if they are being bullied. Below are some links to report bullying in our district and on social media sites.
Want more information on cyberbullying, the signs, and strategies?
Click the button below to read my November newsletter to read articles and learn more.
Topic for December-How to Gage if Your Student Needs Help
Emotional Support-Is it Moodiness, Sadness, or Depression? (No time to read? Scroll below the article to watch a video)
This is such a hard time for everyone but it can be especially hard for teens given that so much of their focus during this stage of development relies on social interaction. Here are some things to look out for:
SIGNS IT'S MORE THAN JUST THE BLUES OR BEING MOODY
Changes in eating habits either eating much less or eating a lot more than normal.
Sleep much more or much less than normal
Lose interest in activities they normally enjoy such as video games, spending time with friends, being with family.
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt with no real reason.
Having trouble concentrating or making decisions (if that was not their personality before).
Having thoughts or making comments about "not being here anymore" or "better off without me" or even mentioning death.
Everyone has bad days. It’s perfectly normal to feel down or sad once in a while. It only becomes a problem if there seems to be no real reason for your student's sadness or if the sad and low feelings last longer than they should. If those symptoms and feelings interfere with your student's daily routine it's time to get some help!
Tips to Help Increase Overall Mental Health
STRUCTURE YOUR DAY. Give yourself something to do, even if you start small. Having some structure in your day can make a big difference in how you feel. Start with basic daily activities like showering or walking the dog
EXERCISE. Daily physical activity improves your health and mood, and helps you get rid of stress.
SLEEP. Getting 8-9 hours of sleep each night will help you feel better the next day.
EAT HEALTHY. Eating a balanced diet gives your body the fuel it needs to help combat stress. Try not to skip meals and go easy on the junk food.
GO OUTSIDE. Staying inside all the time can be really draining. Getting outside and enjoying the sun and fresh air can help you feel better. This is especially true during the pandemic. Practicing safe measures while in your own backyard can help you get the sunshine you need.
TALK. Talk to the people in your support network about your feelings and concerns. Sharing your feelings with someone else can feel like a weight is lifted off your chest.
Topic for February-Preparing for High School
Programs Jr High Students & Their Parents Should Know About
Last month our 8th graders had the opportunity to meet with Grant High School Counselors to learn more about what Grant has to offer and choose their classes. One of my goals for Rio Tierra students is for them to start thinking about their future-through high school & beyond! I want to share some of the great opportunities that ALL Jr High students and parents should know about.
CTE Programs (Career Technical Education):
These programs focus on a special area of study such as the arts or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). CTE programs provides career, college, and workforce preparation for high school students, and include advanced training and the upgrading of existing skills so students are ready to work when they complete the program. Grant has 6 different CTE Pathways. To see a list of all the district's CTE programs, click the button below.
ARC (American River College):
This is a program where students start taking college courses (on their high school campus) starting in the Spring of their freshman year and continue through their Senior year. When they graduate, they do so with a high school diploma AND a college Associates Degree. They just did their first two years of college! The benefits of this include: less expensive college, finish college faster, may lead to job opportunities and higher pay.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact your student's high school counselor.