December 2020

Plainview- Old Bethpage Central School District GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER

106 Washington Ave, Plainview, NY 11803 (516) 434-3000

In this issue: ​ ​ ​ ​ Taking Care of Oneself During Distance Learning 2 Director’s Message

Five Things Overheard About College Admissions 3 During the Pandemic “....and then, 2020…” Make the Most of the PSAT’s 4 Additional Scholarship Resources 4 With all that has happened over the past year, I seem to find myself engaged in more and more negative conversations. The 411 on NYS Financial Aid 4 Although my nature tends to be mostly optimistic, I admit that at

Scheduling for 2021-22 4 times, I have struggled to find the silver lining this year. A friend recently shared a video of Brene Brown discussing joy and Tips On Reducing Stress By Breaking Down Tasks 4 gratitude. She said, “When we lose our tolerance for vulnerability, joy becomes foreboding.” We must face our College Decisions: Waitlist & Deferral 5 current struggles with determination and strength, believing in POBJFK Guidance Event Highlights 6 our capacity to endure. When needed, ask for help and share your vulnerabilities and fears. Find and embrace moments of joy POBJFK Peer Mentors Making Remote Buddies 6 and while doing so, remember to practice gratitude. Let’s all Attention Juniors! 6 commit to identifying our joy and demonstrating gratitude every single day. News From Mattlin Middle School 7 13 Signs of High Emotional Intelligence 8 I hope you find the information in this newsletter to be useful. As always, we would love to hear your feedback and How to Teach a Child to Reset After a Bad Day 8 suggestions.

Six Ways Families Can Encourage Positive Mental 8 Health Habits Here’s to a wonderful year ahead. Happy 2021!

Club Life at Mattlin 9 Be Well, Teenage Self-Care in the Age of Covid 9 Laurie B. Lynn, Director of Guidance 5th Grade Academy at Mattlin & POBMS 9

Email Etiquette 10

What is Happening at Our Elementary Schools 11

What Video Gaming is Displacing in The Lives of 13 our Children

2020 Non-Tech Holiday Gift Idea 13

December 2020 · Guidance Department 1

Taking Care of Oneself During Distance Learning

1. Create a Routine: Some recommendations to help keep your day as normal as possible.

1. Wake up and get ready like normal (shower, eat breakfast, dress presentably like it is an in-person school day) 2. Create the “classroom.” Find a clean space designated as the working area. Try not to do schoolwork in a space typically used for relaxing. 3. Be present and be realistic. Do not use the computer or phone for personal activities while doing online school work. Maintain open lines of communication with teachers. 4. Limit social media use but remain social. Try to limit the time spent on social media sites and instead try to remain in touch with friends and family in meaningful ways. Call, FaceTime, or even send a letter or card! 5. Use free time mindfully. Rather than going from one screen to another, try to engage in some screen-free activities during down time such as reading, working on a puzzle, playing outside, going for a bike ride, or crafting.

2. Find a Hobby: Use extra time to start a project or learn a new skill!

1. Origami 2. Bracelet making 3. Coding 4. Learn a new language 5. Yoga 6. Hand lettering 7. Cooking or Baking 8. Reread some of your favorite books 9. Learn some new board games

3. Move! Physical activity will help you to feel your best.

1. Go for a walk/run outside 2. Take the dog for a walk 3. Incorporate stretch/movement breaks in between online classes 4. Try something new, like Yoga 5. Ride a bike

December 2020 · Guidance Department 2

Five Things Overheard About College Admissions During the Pandemic

With so much uncertainty this year, it can seem overwhelming as the rules and processes change in many ways. The good news is that many colleges are erring on the side of greater flexibility rather than less. Whether you're a senior or underclassman, here are five quotes to keep in mind as you consider college admissions this year:

1. "When we say test optional, we mean it." - Colleges have uttered a familiar mantra during this admissions cycle. Test scores never trump important other criteria in a student's curriculum vitae, ​ such as the rigor of the transcript. Now, more than ever, this rule of thumb is true. And, this means that other parts of the application, such as the essay or recommendations may hold more weight.

2. "We will be able to handle differences in the transcripts based on last spring." - Colleges will be able to process applications based on the fact that some high schools moved to different grading systems in the spring of 2020. At POBJFK, we are lucky that we did not implement pass/fail final grades or smiley/sad faces on the transcripts.

3. "Some college programs may be consolidated, changed, or eliminated." - In researching college options, it's important for students and families to dig deeply and research the changing landscape of college majors. Before the pandemic, many colleges were already facing dwindling enrollments due to changing demographics. The pandemic may have accelerated this trend, and it's impacting what colleges are offering in terms of academics and services. You'll want to ask about this when talking to college representatives.

4. "We want to know about a family's changing circumstances." - Many of us have experienced changing financial circumstances, and it's important to share updates with colleges in their consideration of financial aid, grants, and scholarships.

5. "We would love to connect with you!" - In terms of technology, college admissions officers, like the rest of us, have developed new ways to reach students. Whether it's a virtual open house, college fair, rep visit, or coffee chat, demonstrating interest in a college remains a way that you have some measure of control over the college admissions process. Connecting with an admissions officer can also allow you to ask pertinent questions and get the most updated information. Short of a campus visit, this is a great way to reinforce your interest in attending a particular school. Of course, your counselors are also here to help you each step of the way!

December 2020 · Guidance Department 3

Make the Most of the PSATs Scheduling for 2021-2022

Did your child sit for the PSAT? If so, be sure to take During the months of January and February, school advantage of these steps to make the most of their counselors (grades 8-11) meet with their students individually, to discuss and plan for students’ 2021-22 scores and efforts: schedules.

1. Get free, personalized SAT practice. The PSAT In these meetings, counselors and students discuss and is a great preparation for the SAT. Your child’s reflect on the students’ academic and personal strengths score unlocks personalized practice through and interests while taking into account teacher Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy, for free! Visit satpractice.org to create an account, and recommendations and graduation requirements. link your College Board and Khan academy Counselors also emphasize the importance of “rigor with accounts to get started. reality” when choosing their courses. “Rigor with reality” is a commonly used college admissions term that 2. Practice and Improve. Juniors (Class of 2022) encourages students to appropriately challenge are eligible to earn money for college by practicing for the SAT and improving their score themselves academically. Research indicates that the through the College Board Opportunity students who choose increasingly rigorous courses build Scholarships. the college and career readiness skills that are necessary ​

to succeed in college and beyond. 3. Utilize BigFuture to begin a college search. ​ Explore majors and careers based on your child’s Details about courses can be found in the 2021-2022 interest. Course Curriculum Guide which can be found on our

district’s website.

Additional Scholarship Resources We encourage you to speak with your child about their course selections. Be certain to take into consideration the The College Board partners with scholarship providers entirety of their schedule, accounting for extracurricular connected to the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10. Through these partners, students can access over $300 commitments and future plans. We encourage you to million in scholarship awards. For more information, click utilize resources, such as Naviance Student and the on this link: about scholarships. Course Curriculum Guide, to assist your child in their ​ ​ career exploration.

The 411 on New York State Financial Aid Tips on Reducing Stress By Breaking For the latest information on financial aid in New York, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the Down Tasks Excelsior Scholarship, the New York State STEM One way that students can reduce stress and be more Incentive Program and more, visit page 22 of the Long productive is to determine what they want to focus on, Island College Fair Guide. break down those larger goals into realistic tasks, and know which tasks are most urgent. Here is a form that can https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10001670_154427 help students with planning, and achieving their weekly goals. https://success.oregonstate.edu/sites/success.oregonstate. edu/files/LearningCorner/Tools/breaking_down_my_week_ fill_-_20.pdf

December 2020 · Guidance Department 4

College Decisions: Waitlist and Deferral

You receive your college admissions decision, and it says, “You have been put on a waitlist.” What does this mean? It means that you meet the admissions criteria, but the college has already filled its quota. If a spot becomes available later on, you may be offered a place; but this often occurs after May 1 and even into June.

What if you’ve been deferred? Being deferred means that your application hasn’t been accepted yet, but it might be later. If you’ve applied as an early action or early decision application, a ‘deferral’ means you will be reviewed again during the regular application timeline and are freed from any obligation to attend the school if accepted. If you applied as a regular decision applicant, then the college is likely seeking more information on which to evaluate your application (i.e. updated test scores, senior year grades, etc.).

So Now What?

● Contact your regional admission representative to update him/her with any new achievements or supplemental material since your application. ● Keep up the hard work! You may be re-evaluated based on your senior grades and extracurricular commitments. ● Reconsider the colleges that accepted you and celebrate your accomplishments!

Waitlisted Students: ​ ● Follow the college’s instructions on how to notify the admissions office whether or not you want to stay on the waitlist. If you decide to remain on the waitlist, prepare to attend another college so you are assured to have a spot at college in the fall. ● Contact the admissions office to find out about their waitlist process. Ask the college if they rank waitlisted students.

When in doubt, consult with your school counselor!

December 2020 · Guidance Department 5

POBJFK Guidance Event Highlights

The guidance staff at POBJFK High School has had a busy fall! In addition to working with our students and families on a daily basis, there have been a number of programs to assist our students at each grade level. Below is a highlight of some of the programs to enhance our students and families’ experiences at the high school.

● Freshman Orientation: The school counseling staff invited all incoming 9th graders to a program that included an ​ introduction to the high school.

● 12th Grade Information Night: Counselors presented to senior students and families about the in’s and out’s of ​ the college application process. Topics included POBJFK HS application procedures, recommendation letters, personal essay, resume building, the importance of creating a “best-fit” list of colleges, and more. Click on the link

to access all Night Presentations hosted by the POBJFK HS guidance counselors ​ ​ ​ ● 11th Grade Information Night: Counselors presented to 11th graders and their families. Topics including ​ SAT/ACT testing timeline, Naviance, visiting colleges, communicating with college admission representatives and much more.

● 10th Grade Information Night: The guidance staff introduced Naviance Student to sophomore students and ​ families detailing the program’s features.

● Freshman Conferences: Counselors host individual meetings with their freshman students to review high school expectations, the role of the school counselor, present progress, resume building, and more.

● Financial Aid Night: Representatives from Adelphi University's Office of Financial Assistance provided a step by step guide to the Financial Aid process.

Check us out on social media!

Follow us on Twitter: @POBGuidance

Follow us on Insta: @POBJFK_Guidance

Google Classroom Code for Students: jas3j7o POBJFK Peer Mentors Making Remote Buddies

The POB JFK Peer Mentors Club has created a Remote Buddy Program to provide remote learners an opportunity to remain engaged and up to date with the goings-on of day-to-day life in the high school. During students’ off periods, the Peer Mentors will meet weekly with the remote learners on Google Meet to connect, communicate, and discuss all things POB JFK. Attention Juniors!

Here are some words of advice regarding recommendation letters from our friends at the University of Pittsburgh:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6Jsz0v0slY&feature=youtu.be

December 2020 · Guidance Department 6

News From Mattlin Middle School

Mattlin Middle School students have proven to be resilient, courageous, and the epitome of "Plainview Strong." Whether they are in-person or remote, Mattlin students started the school year with enthusiasm, smiles, and a willingness to learn in the new environment, despite the unknowns. Students, parents, faculty, and staff are all learning how not only to manage, but thrive in this “new normal.” With the support of all members of the school community, Mattlin continues to discover new ways to make this school year a successful one.

PRIDE Week-​ A Pandemic Can Not Stop Mattlin PRIDE Week! This year PRIDE Week kicked off with the Mattlin Middle School Virtual Pride Card Fundraiser. Students and staff proudly wore their “coops” and ​ ​ earned fabulous prizes while supporting the school. The fun continued with a week of exciting activities which captures the character of Mattlin. These activities included theme dress days, songs over the loudspeaker, ice cream during lunch and a virtual school-wide Kahoot game.

Ways to Show Mattlin PRIDE During a Pandemic:

Personal​ Best -Do one’s best and recognize that one’s academic best may look different this year as we all learn how to navigate this new learning platform together.

Respect​ -Show respect for oneself and fellow classmates by practicing safety and good hygiene. Wearing masks, keeping hands clean, and staying home if sick.

Impulse​ Control -Remember, are all going through similar situations right now at home and in school. Having more patience with ourselves, one’sfamily, and one’s friends is key.

Decision​ Making -Make good choices about how to spend academic time. Set up a schedule and a system for keeping track of homework and upcoming tests/quizzes. -Practice self-care. This has been a stressful year so be sure to exercise, connect with friends, listen to music, practice mindfulness, and/or spend time doing activities that make you feel good.

Empathy​ -Understand that we are all in this together. Take time to check in on friends and classmates to make sure that they are doing ok. -Offer support if you are succeeding at something that friends are struggling with.

December 2020 · Guidance Department 7

13 Signs Of High Emotional 6 Ways Families Can ​ Intelligence Encourage Positive Mental In 1995, psychologist and science journalist, Daniel Health Habits Goleman, published a book introducing most of the world to the budding concept of emotional intelligence. The ​ idea--that an ability to understand and manage emotions 1. Talk openly about mental health greatly increases our chances of success--quickly took There is a stigma surrounding mental illness which off, and it went on to greatly influence the way people discourages people from talking about any mental health think about emotions and human behavior. challenges they may be facing. Talking openly about mental health promotes a safe environment that will But what does emotional intelligence look like, as ​ encourage them to seek support and help when it is manifested in everyday life? Here are 13 actions that needed. illustrate how emotional intelligence appears in the real world: 2. Model your own healthy habits 1. You think about feelings. Children learn by observing. As you model positive mental health habits, you demonstrate how to manage 2. You pause. life's stressors. Support them in finding and developing 3. You strive to control your thoughts. their own strategies and interests to sustain good mental 4. You benefit from criticism. health. 5. You show authenticity. 3. Spend time together as a family 6. You demonstrate empathy. Children need love, time and attention. Setting time 7. You praise others. aside to be with your child produces a stronger bond, 8. You give helpful feedback. makes them feel valued and loved. Invite them to join 9. You apologize. you in an activity you enjoy to reduce stress. Incorporate these activities into your family's weekly routine and 10. You forgive and forget. acknowledge the mental health benefits of the activity. 11. You keep your commitments. 4. Participate in community or volunteer service 12. You help others. 13. You protect yourself from emotional sabotage. Children will meet and connect with new people. They will experience a sense of belonging and purpose, and will learn how to relate to others. How to Teach a Child to Reset 5. Encourage regular exercise After a Bad Day (without fixing their problems for them) Physical exercise is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining a healthy mind. Exercising stimulates Did you ever have one of those days where everything is chemicals that improve our moods and allow us to going just fine, and then your child comes through the channel negative energy positively . door upset, frustrated, angry and all your “fine-ness” 6. Praise your child’s efforts and behavior slips down the drain? When we are praised, we feel good about ourselves, and Maybe you want to fix it right away. our confidence and self-esteem increases. Praise can also help to motivate kids and encourage them to As much as you may ache to make it all better, that’s not continue to try new things. the way to go.

Want to learn more, check out this article For more info: www.mentalhealthednys.org ​ ​

December 2020 · Guidance Department 8 Club Life at Mattlin

Mattlin had their virtual Club Fair on Friday, October 16. All clubs are underway and have been an amazing way to connect remote and in-person students this year. New clubs such as the Mindfulness Club or Krafty Kids are allowing students to unwind and have fun after their classes. Students can join clubs at any point in the year and as all are happy to have any new members. See the link below for more information about clubs at Mattlin. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CxYBfUzSrPCxtF22ZSwF6PyGHZ4TevsJeMm0zMRjzuY/edit?usp=s haring Teenage Self-Care in the Age of COVID

Research shows that adolescents depend on their friendships to maintain a sense of self-worth and to manage anxiety and depression. Here is a New York Times piece discussing teenage self-care in the age of COVID and its critical importance.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/12/health/covid-teenagers-mental-health.html

th 5 ​ Grade Academy at Mattlin and Plainview-Old Bethpage ​ Middle Schools

The 5th Grade Academy was created to help 5th graders adjust to middle school life and promote overall ​ ​ mental health and emotional well being. It is a series of 21 forty-minute lessons delivered in core classes, physical education classes and classroom lessons delivered by guidance counselors. These lessons were created using New York State’s Mental Health Education Literacy in School document, as well as the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Topics include self-management, relationships, communication and resource management. Additionally, each lesson contains modifications for distance learning so these lessons are delivered both in-person and online.

December 2020 · Guidance Department 9

Email Etiquette

With children utilizing digital communication more frequently for school, it's important for them to understand how to properly write/format an email to their teachers.

What is Email Etiquette?

● Think of it as the "Code of Conduct" for email communications. ● It refers to the principles of behavior that individuals should use when writing and answering emails.

Why is Email Etiquette Important?

● Emails are a form of communication. Just as you follow face-to-face communication norms in conversation, you should do the same in written communication. ● Larger class sizes, busy schedules, and online classes make it difficult to have in-person discussions with teachers about questions and/or concerns. ● You want the message to be understood in a positive manner as well as taken seriously.

Format:

● Use proper structure and layout. Make sure to have short paragraphs with spaces in between multiple paragraphs. ● Watch out for run-on sentences and long emails. Emails are meant to be concise and to the point. ● Think about the impression the tone will make in the email. ● Do not write in all capitals, use emojis, or use abbreviations. Do not write an email like you are texting a friend.

In The Email:

● Start with the subject line: This should be a two- to five-word summary of what the email is about: ○ Example: “Missing Grade” “Homework Question” “Late Work” ● In the message body: Always start with a greeting: ○ Example: “Good Morning Ms. Smith” “Hello!” “Good Afternoon” ● Get to the point and add specific details: ○ Example: “I am writing because…” , “I already tried…” , “I remember the first step, but I can’t remember…” ● Always end with a closing statement: ○ Example: “Thank you” “Have a good night” ● Sign your name at the bottom.

Other Tips:

● Allow the proper response time. This applies to both the sender and receiver. The rule of thumb is 24 hours. If no response occurs after that, you can follow up. ● Always double check your attachments to make sure you are attaching the right image or document.

December 2020 · Guidance Department 10

What Is Happening at Our Elementary Schools

No Place for Hate

No Place for Hate launched in all four elementary schools with the Start with Hello program based off the ​ Sandy Hook Promise. This program brings attention to the growing epidemic of social isolation and empowers young people to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school.This is the third year POB elementary schools have participated in the Start with Hello program. Each school contributed to the Why I Say "Hi" Padlet- click here to check it out as well as engaging in various safe ​ ​ activities throughout the week to support this important cause. Please see pictures below:

Walk Against Hate

Elementary schools and families participated in the ADL’s Walk Against Hate. ADL asked families to join in the fight against hate and help secure justice and fair treatment to all! Participants are asked to commit to safely spreading the message against hate through powerful and informative walks with family. If you were unable to participate in this walk, but would like to participate now, here are some talking points on how to open the dialogue about hate with your child: Walk Against Hate Family Letter & Talking Points. ​ ​ Check out Pasadena's WAH Family Padlet ​

December 2020 · Guidance Department 11

What Is Happening at Our Elementary Schools (continued)

Judy Jacobs Parkway Elementary School celebrated Unity Day by wearing the color orange and participating in a pumpkin run!

Above: Fun at the Pumpkin run!

Above: Old Bethpage Elementary School had fun with spirit week! ​

December 2020 · Guidance Department 12

What Video Gaming is Displacing In the Lives of Our Children

It is not unusual for parents in the age of COVID to have concerns about their child not having after school sports or activities where they see friends as often as they once did. These days, in some cases, video gaming is where kids are connecting with their friends. While that can be a good thing, it is not unusual to worry about the sheer amount of hours some kids are spending gaming — sometimes three, four and five hours per day! Here is a piece on how to not focus too much on the need for less time video gaming but, rather focus on ensuring children have other ​ activities in their lives to foster positive growth.

https://www.screenagersmovie.com/tech-talk-tuesdays/video-gaming-among-us-advice?mc_cid=d4c3f9411d&mc_ei

d=3489673c78 2020 Non-Tech Holiday Gift Ideas

Now more than ever, it is critical to inspire outdoor play for children. Here is a piece that addresses that need and offers suggestions on non-tech gifts to consider this holiday season:

https://www.screenagersmovie.com/tech-talk-tuesdays/2020-holiday-gift-guide?mc_cid=0f80f0fe25&mc

_eid=3489673c78

Happy Holidays!

December 2020 · Guidance Department 13

Board of Education

President, Ms. Debbie Bernstein

Vice-President, Mr. Seth Greenberg

Trustees

Ms. Ginger Lieberman

Mr. Gary Bettan Laurie B. Lynn Director of Guidance Ms. Tara Rock [email protected] Ms. Lauren Sackstein Newsletter Editors: Ms. Susan Stewart

Domenick DiDomenico Central Office Administration [email protected]

Dr. Mary T. O’Meara, Superintendent of Schools ​ Cristina Rivas-Laline [email protected] Dr. Vincent K. Mulieri, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources ​ ​ Ms. Joanne Mannion, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction ​ Mr. Richard Cunningham, Assistant Superintendent for Business ​ ​ Mr. Christopher T. Donarummo, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services & Safety ​

December 2020 · Guidance Department 14