Spring Forward
SYAB Newsletter
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Girltelligence app + SafeSpace girls
Join us on Monday (22nd) from 8:30pm-9pm; girls supporting girls <3
Ingredients:
1/4 a cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of water
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1-1/2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips with water; stir until smooth. Stir a small amount of hot chocolate mixture into egg yolk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Quickly transfer to a small bowl. Stir occasionally until completely cooled.
In a small bowl, beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Fold into cooled chocolate mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and raspberries.
Monthly Recipe
Semi Sweet Chocolate Mousse
Pet Feature!
From Novak:
Here are some pictures of my kittens!
Spring Book Club!
Next Book Club Read: We've Been Too Patient, Kelechi Ubozoh
In this round, we will invite the co-author to join us for a discussion in April!
Alumni Spotlight
Hi everyone, my name is Sarah Pistorino and I was one of the founding members of the SafeSpace Youth Action Board (SYAB). I am currently a freshman at American University in Washington, D.C. where I am double majoring in Political Science and Justice & Law. When I joined the Youth Action Board as a freshman in highschool, I had no idea how important SafeSpace would become to me. I had no idea how many friends I would make, lessons I would learn, mentors I would meet, or experiences I would have. As SafeSpace grew, there were more students, more projects, more work, and more opportunities to help others. I dove head first into the organization and SafeSpace essentially became a second home to me. Honestly, there was a solid period of time where I probably spent more time at the SafeSpace house than I did at my own house. It is crazy to look back and see just how far the organization has come. While I was sad to step away after graduating, I knew it was time to pass the torch to the next group of leaders and I couldn’t be prouder of all the work you’re doing.
I’m not going to lie, this has been a super weird year to go to college. Being at home the first semester, doing online school with a time change and limited social interaction was really challenging. While we are still 100% virtual I was able to move to D.C. this semester, and am actually living in a long term stay hotel. It has been such a crazy time to be in D.C.. For the first two weeks I was here, the area I was living was essentially a military zone with the national guard everywhere and security checkpoints every couple of blocks. As things have calmed down and opened up a bit, I have been doing my best to get out and explore the city. While this is definitely not a traditional college experience, I am trying to make the most of the flexibility online classes provide and the opportunity to live downtown in the epicenter of the city. I still can’t believe I am here or even in college, it’s unbelievable how fast time flies. You know if I could’ve given myself advice in highschool, I would’ve said to take advantage of all the opportunities you are given, and to really enjoy every moment.
SafeSpace gave me so much, and you guys really have such a unique and amazing opportunity to make a difference. Enjoy highschool, enjoy the time you have with your friends and family, make amazing memories, and invest your time in the things you are passionate about. I am constantly in awe of the dedication and creativity you all have, and couldn’t be prouder of all you have and will accomplish.
Welcoming New Members!
Brodie Guggenhime, 11th Grade, Castilleja (she/her)
Favorite Quote: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”
- Rocky Balboa, Rocky
Anushka Gundimeda, 10th grade, Irvington (she/her)
Favorite Quote: “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” — Joshua J. Marine
Sacred Heart Update
We are currently working on multiple projects! We are now starting to gain middle school members that will hopefully continue to serve throughout high school! We have a meeting next week to start planning some events in the middle school and get to know the new members. Additionally, we are planning to give two presentations in a school-wide event during April.
Menlo Update
Mental Health at Menlo Club will premier the QuaranTEEN Diaries and host a discussion session afterwards. We have created a new sub-committee of student council called the "Wellness Committee" to coordinate student wellbeing with the administration. The committee is comprised of representatives from each grade and affinity group clubs on campus!
We are also conducting a bake sale to raise money for Safespace!
M-A Update
Our QuaranTEEN Diaries screening went well in January, so we received the green light to host another screening for all M-A students and families in April!
Sequoia Update
Last week we presented on the importance of peer support, who we are (SYAB) and shared our latest film!
We had over 200+ students on Zoom and received amazing feedback!
Woodside Update
We (Elle, Xamara, and Gigi) have been working with our school’s mental health coordinator to develop and deliver a lesson in both English and Spanish about mental health during the pandemic and our QuaranTEEN Diaries video. Currently, we are trying to push it to the whole student body via asynchronous lesson as to maximize its impact.
Foothill Update
Hi SYAB, my name is Anthony Mitine, and I am a current junior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton! I just recently joined SafeSpace, and I am planning on starting a committee for the Tri-Valley. I'd like for SafeSpace to be a part of my community, especially because a friend of mine committed suicide 2 years ago and many community members are still grieving. I would greatly appreciate any help! If you are interested, you can email me: anthonymitine@gmail.com
Gunn High School
We screened QuaranTEEN Diaries at Gunn last week and
we had over 400+ students on Zoom!
We'll be back again on Monday morning to facilitate a workshop on:
Self-care
Positive coping mechanisms
Why youth mental health is important
SYAB!
High Schools
Look out for the following updates in our next newsletter:
Castilleja
Crystal Springs
Nueva School
Halfmoon Bay
Palo Alto
San Mateo
Foothill
Homestead
Boys & Girls Club
Get ready SafeSpace members...the kitchen takeover is back!!
We need you to sign-up and self register using the link in the weekly update.
April 20th: Redwood City
April 26th: East Palo Alto
COMMUNITY & COUNTY UPDATES
Screening the QuaranTEEN Diaries to:
San Mateo Public Library
Bay Area Young Adult Librarians
San Mateo Behavioral Health Recovery Services
(English & Spanish)
*If you would like to be a part of the screening and youth panel, please email: Annie@safespace.org
Working with San Mateo Behavioral Health on the City Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness month!
Our very own SYAB members will represent:
Menlo Park, San Mateo and Atherton! Hopefully the City Buildings will be lit during the ceremony.
What has been keeping you motivated recently?
Thinking about what I want to accomplish in the future has been keeping me motivated recently. I try to be the person I aspire to be in the future.
Taking time to relax whether it’s reading a book or watching a show
Sticking to a specific schedule every week has been very helpful for me
Pacing myself and taking breaks periodically throughout the day
Cooking new recipes
My countdown app to graduation!
Seeing everyone in person again!
Well-Being Challenge!
Staying hydrated is super helpful to your well-being
Reach out to friends! It's important to stay social!
Spring Break: How to have fun @ home!
Have a bake-off with friends or family
Try meditating
Find a fun new TV show or movie to binge watch
Go camping in your backyard
Rearange / redecorate your room
Explore nature mindfully
Discover a new workout
Find fun new books
Create a feel good playlist
Plant something
Communications Committee
We are working on the newsletters and keeping the internal instagram up to date with events and reminders! We have been hearing really good feedback from members about this new format. Please continue to check the internal instagram @safespaceyab for exciting new updates! Last but not least, we know there's A LOT to learn about SYAB for new members. So we decided to work on a Welcome presentation and orientation guide to help all of our new members as we continue to grow!
Resources Committee
The resources committee has completed our comprehensive resources directory that is comprised of various categories of resources, and it is LIVE on the SafeSpace website! Now, we are working on growing the directory beyond the SafeSpace website, and creating new resources!
SpaceSpace's first SPANISH resources are here:
English version: I need help....
Spanish version: I need help...
For more Eng/Spanish resouces, you can find them in our SYAB Drive --> Resources
Hillview Middle School requested 300 of our Eng/Spanish resource guides and 300 of our newest brochures to include in their spring break self-care packets to all of their 6th graders!
Community Committee
The Menlo Park Community Committee has been working tirelessly to execute two current initiatives. The presentation about eating disorders was a huge success. Currently that group is working on a second presentation and getting ready to have a focus group for our summer film planning.
The other initiative is the middle school group. They've got some fantastic ideas, and we hope to be able to do presentations to schools very soon!
We are also planning our first in-person meeting hopefully on
Saturday, May 1st to kick off Mental Health Awareness month! I won't reveal too much, but let's just say that you might need a hat. All in all, the group has been phenomenal, and were hoping to pack in some more initiatives before the end of the school year when we say farewell to our much-loved seniors :(
I could not be more proud of my committee for being so hardworking, perseverant on Zoom, and truly passionate about mental health. Thanks for always entertaining my ridiculous check-in questions <3
Digital Media Committee
The digital media committee is creating a SafeSpace TikTok account! Soon, our account will be launched and feature SafeSpace members, as well as self-care tips and motivating content.
Reach out to mira.devgan@menloschool.org if you are interested in joining this project! Episode 2 of Beyond the Picket Fence, our podcast, is also coming soon!
San Mateo Community Committee
Have you heard of Sentate Bill 14? This bill (if passed) will allow high schoolers an excused absence due to mental health reasons. We are sending our letters to our state representatives. Let us know if you want to add your own story and we're happy to share what we've written so far.
Email: 22heaths04@stu.smuhsd.org
Social Media Committee
We are busy keeping up with what's going on around us, sharing self care tips, highlighting members, and more!
Remember, if you have any awesome photos of your day, what keeps you motivated, something that makes you happy, please share them with us! Reach out to:
22rcarolan@castilleja.org 22ccrowder@castilleja.org
Pride Committee
Pride Committee has been working on a new half-day conference on how to support LGBTQ+ youth. They are preparing a presentation to go along with several speakers and a diverse panel.
To join our group:
astrapnewman@gmail.com
NEW SAFESPACE BROCHURE IS HERE!
Thank you Lena & Core.
