September 12, 2013 Dear Parent, During mid

September 12, 2013
Dear Parent,
During mid-October, Saint Joseph Academy will be holding scheduled support groups for our
children who are experiencing grief or loss, due to death or divorce, or some other painful life
transition.
When something significant happens in a family, the entire family is affected. Even though
death, divorce or other loss issues appear to be only grown-up problems, they do have a
profound effect on the children who are touched by these experiences. If a parent dies or a
divorce happens or a painful loss occurs, not only do the parents grieve, the children do also.
Because of their age and short life experiences, children may find it extremely difficult to
verbalize their feelings of grief. We are fortunate to have some sensitive, caring, and trained
adults who have said “yes” to help these children put their feelings into words, work through
their grief, build a stronger sense of self esteem, and begin to accept what has taken place in
the family.
If your child is part of a single parent family or stepfamily, has experienced the death of a
loved family member, friend or sibling, or is struggling through a painful experience, this will
be an opportunity for him/her to share with a special someone on the outside what is
happening on the inside.
Our counselors will be working with your son/daughter. If you are interested in having your
child participate in the program, or if you need further information, please contact the
appropriate counselor below:
Vilma Wolfe – 7th and 8th Grade Counselor, (956) 542-3581, ext. 335
Gina Barrera – 9th and 10th Grade Counselor, (956) 542-3581, ext. 353
Olga Cisneros – 11th and 12th Grade Counselor, (956) 542-3581, ext. 354
To be part of these groups, both the parent and the student must sign the Parent/Guardian
Consent Form (attached) and return it to the respective counselor on or before Friday,
September 27, 2013.
Sincerely,
Lori Trott
Principal
Parent/Guardian Consent Form
Your permission is requested for your child, _________________________________, to
participate in the support group at St. Joseph Academy. The group will run from October,
2012, to April, 2013. A total of ten to twelve sessions of 50 minutes each are scheduled. The
group will include discussion of ideas, behaviors, feelings, attitudes, and opinions.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn new skills and behaviors that may help their
personal development and adjustment. The group will be facilitated by Gina Barrera, Vilma
Wolfe, and Olga Cisneros of the school counseling staff.
Because counseling is based on a trusting relationship between counselor and students, the
group leader will keep the information shared by group members confidential except in
certain situation in which there is an ethical responsibility to limit confidentiality. In the
following circumstances, you will be notified:
1. If your son/daughter reveals information about hurting himself/herself or another
person.
2. Reveals information about child abuse.
3. Reveals information about criminal activity.
By signing this form I give my informed consent for my child, _____________________,
to participate in group counseling. I understand that:
1. The group will provide an opportunity for members to learn and practice interpersonal
skills, discuss feelings, share ideas, practice new behaviors, and make new friends.
2. Anything group members share in group will be kept confidential by the group
leaders(s) except in the above-mentioned cases.
Parent/Guardian Signature___________________________________Date___________
Student Signature__________________________________________Date___________
*Please sign and return this form to the counselor on or before Friday, October 4, 2013.
Septiembre 12, 2013
Estimado padre de familia,
Durante el mes de Octubre, Saint Joseph Academy empezará grupos de apoyo para nuestros
niños/as que se encuentran pasando por una etapa de pena a cause de la pérdida de un ser
querido, divorcio, o alguna otra situación dolorosa.
Cuando algo significante ocurre en una familia, la familia entera es afectada por lo sucedido.
La muerte de alguien en la familia, o un divorcio, parecen ser problema de los adultos, mas
estos asuntos tienen un afecto profundo en los niños/as involucrados. La muerte de la madre
o el padre, o un divorcio, son pérdidas dolorosas en la familia y no solamente los padres
sufren el pesar, si no los niños también. A causa de la corta edad y la poca experiencia en la
vida, los niños tienen gran dificultad en expresar los sentimientos de pesar.
Contamos con personas sensibles y entrenadas que se preocupan por estos niños/as. Estas
personas han aceptado gustosamente ayudar a los niños/as verbalizar los sentimientos de
pesar y a formar un fuerte sentimiento de estima en ellos mismos. Este es el comienzo de la
aceptación de lo que ha ocurrido en la familia.
Si su niño/a es parte de una familia con padre o madre soltero/a, tiene madrastra/padrastro, ha
tenido la experiencia de la muerte de un ser querido, un amigo, un hermano/a, padre/madre, o
que simplemente lucha con una dolorosa experiencia, ésta es la oportunidad para que él o ella
comparta lo que sucede con alguien especial que existe fuera de su círculo familiar.
Nuestras consejeras estarán trabajando con su hijo/hija. Si a usted interesa que su hijo/a
participe en el programa, o si necesita más información, favor de llamar a la consejera
respectiva:
Vilma Wolfe – Consejera grado 7 y 8, al teléfono (956) 542-3581, ext. 335
Gina Barrera – Consejera grado 9 y 10, al teléfono (956) 542-3581, ext. 353
Olga Cisneros – Consejera grado 11 y 12, al teléfono (956) 542-3581, ext. 354.
Para ser parte de estos grupos, se requiere ambos padres y estudiantes firmar la forma adjunta
“Parent/Guardian Consent Form” y regresarla a la consejera respectiva para el viernes,
Septiembre 27, 2013, o antes.
Sinceramente,
Lori Trott
Directora