From Mental Health Coordinator Laura Lupo
Hello November
As the days grow shorter and the holidays approach, it’s a perfect time to focus on our wellness. In this newsletter, I’m sharing some resources to help you stay healthy and happy during this season. Let’s embrace this time of year with a focus on well-being and community.
Upcoming Events
Whatcom Hospice Time of Remembrance
Whatcom Hospice invites you and all in the community to attend a Time of Remembrance to honor and celebrate loved ones. This event will be at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal (355 Harris Avenue) in the glass dome room on the second floor. RSVP by Nov. 4: 360-788-6690
Service for children, teens, and families, Sunday, Nov. 10, 1-2:30 p.m.
Service for adults, Sunday, Nov. 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Parenting Academy (Brigid Collins)
Nov. 7 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Brain Builders: Essential Skills for Learning and Life: Gain specific strategies that will help your child improve focused attention, memory, problem-solving and self-regulation.
Nov. 2 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Resilience and Self-Compassion: A deeper look into stress-managing techniques to stay calm and consistently apply positive parenting strategies.
Cracking the Code of Current Slang
Current Slang
Aura Points: If you do something good, you get aura points
Cap. That’s cap. “You Cappin?” Not true, you’re lying
Coquette: Associated with a girls who love pink, frills, bows, and more
Drip/Drippy: Good style, looks cool
Glazing: worshipping someone/sucking up to another person
Mid: Something that is just alright
Opp: An enemy, someone you don’t like
Riz/Rizzler: Conversational skills/romantic charm
Sigma. What’s the sigma?: Cool and popular, dominant leader, something can also make you look sigma. “These sunglasses make me look sigma.”
Skibbidi. Skibidi toilet: Technically it’s a guy in a toilet, but it is used in a way that means something is “trash” or no good, belongs in a toilet.
New Slang
Camp: being deliberately exaggerated, theatrical, ironic, and often over-the-top
Chat/”Hey Chat”: Generally used when referring to a group
Guap: a large sum of money
Fanum Tax: Theft of food between friends/stealing.
I’m sat: I’m listening
Moots: Mutual friends/followers
Mog/Mogging: One upping someone in terms of physical appearance or attractiveness
OOTD/OTD: outfit of the day
Standing on Business/10 Toes: Sincerity and seriousness about whatever was said or done
Touch Grass: Encourage someone to spend more time in the real word instead of online
Yuurr: A way of saying you heard me or what’s up.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
As we head into the winter months, it’s essential to acknowledge a common but often overlooked challenge: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter due to reduced sunlight exposure. Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a general sense of feeling down.
For students, SAD can impact academic performance, motivation, and overall mood. We encourage parents and students to be mindful of any changes in behavior or mood that may emerge during this time. Simple practices like spending time outdoors, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help combat some of these symptoms.
Please know that our school counselors are here to support students in managing any mental health challenges they may face, and we are committed to providing resources and guidance. Let’s work together to ensure everyone stays healthy and positive throughout the season.
Social Media
When are kids ready for social media?
The article shares how determining the right age for kids to start using social media depends on their maturity level. It emphasizes the importance of parental monitoring and guidance to help kids navigate social media safely and responsibly.
Key Dates
November is Native American Heritage Month.
11/1-11/2 Dios Los Muertos
11/1 Staff Learning Day (No School)
11/3 Daylight Saving Time Ends
11/5 Election Day – Remember to vote!
11/11 Veterans Day (No School)
11/13 World Kindness Day
11/17 National Epilepsy Day
11/23 National Adoption Day
11/27 Early Dismissal All Schools
11/28 Thanksgiving (No School)
11/29 Native American Heritage Day (No School)