In our community, let's foster a culture of understanding and support for mental health. It's okay not to be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength. It's crucial to create an environment where everyone feels heard, understood, and supported. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available. Here are some tips to guide your conversation with your student:
🌈 **Create a Safe Space:**
Ensure your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. Let them know it's okay to talk about their mental well-being without judgment.
👂 **Active Listening:**
Listen attentively to what your child has to say. Validate their feelings and show empathy. Sometimes, just being heard can make a significant difference.
🤔 **Ask Open-ended Questions:**
Encourage conversation by asking questions that go beyond a simple "yes" or "no." This allows your child to share more about their thoughts and emotions.
📚 **Educate Together:**
Share age-appropriate information about mental health. Help your child understand that everyone experiences ups and downs, and it's okay to ask for help when needed.
🌟 **Normalize Seeking Help:**
Emphasize that seeking support is a sign of strength. Let your child know that talking to a counselor, teacher, or mental health professional is a positive and brave step.
📞 **Be Available:**
Reassure your child that you're there for them. Let them know they can always come to you when they need to talk or if they're feeling overwhelmed.
📞 **Helplines and Resources:**
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
-Safe 2 Tell: 877-542-7233
📚 **Educational Resources:**
- Visit Vilas website: www.vilask12.org
Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, and together, we can foster a community that cares for each other's mental well-being. Let's proactively embrace mental well-being during every season. Together, we can create a community that supports and uplifts each other. 💙
Vilas School is proceeding as normal for school, basketball games, and practice for January 15th. Please send your students to school in appropriate clothing that will provide warmth in walking between buildings for classes. We are offering to pick-up/drop-off Vilas town students tomorrow. Please send an email to abby@vilask12.org if you would like to use this option. Thank you all for your understanding and consideration due to the unusual weather this month.
As our students, families, and community continue to dig out from the 2024 blizzard, Vilas School will be in session Wednesday for 6th-12th grade only with virtual options. Please see the link below for more details. We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qmWVJTcLG4_AACxNN6hq96sJ0SC3DA7-70BhW8wEkGk/edit?usp=sharing
The JH BB game is also cancelled. We will be rescheduling, if possible.
The JH BB game is also cancelled for Monday.
We wish our community and families a safe and happy holiday!
🌟 Join Our Team!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on students' lives? We're excited to announce a job opening for a Paraprofessional position in our Junior High/High School!
🔍 Responsibilities:
-Provide support to teachers and students in the classroom setting.
-Assist with lesson preparation and implementation.
-Work with small groups or individual students to reinforce learning.
-Collaborate with teachers to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
-Foster a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for student growth.
🎓 Qualifications:
-High School Diploma or equivalent
-Previous experience working with students in an educational setting is a plus.
-Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
-Ability to adapt and work collaboratively in a dynamic school environment.
👥 Why Join Us?
-Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives.
-Supportive and collaborative work environment.
-Professional development opportunities.
-Join us in creating an inspiring and enriching educational experience for our students!
To apply: Contact Abby Pettinger, abby@vilask12.org
Vilas School is cancelled on December 14th due to weather. Enjoy your Christmas break. We look forward to resuming school on January 2nd.
2 hour delay tomorrow!
January Lunch Menu
Due to the weather prediction, we are cancelling the Christmas Activities on Wednesday.
Next Thursday December 14th Jr. High and High School students will have their Christmas gift exchange. This will start at 3pm. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange please bring a gift under $15.
Congratulations to Anabelle Pettinger (1st place JH) and Brock Wittler (2nd place JH) for receiving financial investments into their business from participating in the Ogallala Commons Virtual E-Fair!
Students had to create a business plan and record themselves giving a pitch. Judges then invited the finalists for a virtual interview.
Sportsmanship Expectations
Christmas Activity put on by Vilas STUCO, The Vilas 4-H Club, and Vilas Rec District. Please join us for an afternoon of fun. We will have Christmas crafts and games starting at 4:15. Meal served at 5:30 at the concession stand at the Vilas Gym.
Nwea Testing starts Wednesday, December 6th. Days of testing will be December 6th and 7th, 11th and 12th. Please make sure your student(s) are well rested, prepared for testing, and at school on time.
Reminder we are in school on Friday, December 8th.
Come support the Vilas High School Class of 2025
Vilas School District is hiring!!
Vilas School District is hiring!!
