Happy New Year!
Welcome 2025! It’s that time again when we make plans to drink more water, eat more veggies, and maybe even learn a new skill. But let’s be honest, by mid-January, some of those goals start to fade and that’s okay!
The truth is, setting goals is about progress, not perfection. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon, read more books, or simply get everyone out the door on time (a true heroic feat!), remember to celebrate the small wins along the way.
Whatever your goals look like this year, just know that we’re cheering you on—whether you stick to them, modify them, or abandon them completely for a cozy blanket and Netflix. Here’s to a year filled with joy, good humor, and maybe even a little success!
Warm wishes for a healthy and happy new year!
Laura Lupo
Mental Health Coordinator/School Counselor
WWU Counseling Training Clinic
From January to early June, WWU’s training clinic offers free in-person counseling services for all ages and telehealth (remote) counseling services for individuals age 13 and older. The clinic can be reached by phone at (360) 650-3184 Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.
Counseling services are provided by graduate students who are closely supervised by Psychology Department faculty. All supervisors hold a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or counselor education and supervision and have extensive training and experience in therapeutic strategies and interventions. The graduate students provide individual counseling for adults, teens, and children. On occasion, counseling may also be available for couples and families. Please note that we are not able to provide formal psychological evaluations or court-ordered services.
Strengthening Families Program
Ferndale has invited Meridian families to join their Strengthening Families classes that start in February. They are considering offering it in both Spanish and English. The program explores productive parenting strategies, how to listen and be heard, and skills on how to handle peer pressure.
The program is on Mondays, 5:30-8 p.m., Feb. 24 – March 31. Dinner and child care is provided. Strengthening Families is ideal for parents and children ages 10-14.
Attendance Reminders
Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as to connect to their peers and teachers. As long as your child is healthy, please encourage them to show up to class when school is in session.
Good attendance habits are strongly linked to student academic success. Regular attendance helps students build routines, increase engagement by building relationships with peers and teachers, and provides access to enrichment activities and athletics. Regular attendance also supports student success by limiting disruptions to their learning.