Current Programs How Can I Get Connected with My Child’s School? Stress and

Coping Among Minority

Adolescents (English)

• The Parent Connection

o Every semester we hold a parent and family night to discuss some of the common sources of stress among minority adolescents. Our goal is to explore healthy coping strategies that can help your child remain resilient. Please check the school website for more information or contact your child’s school counselor about the events. All are welcome! This year’s meetings will be held on Nov 11th and March 13th.

• Cultural Heritage Fair

o In November, we host our annual Cultural Heritage Fair to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our families and students. All are encouraged to bring regional food dishes and a wide range of world music, dancing, and fun activities will also be provided.

• Social Support Groups

o Lisa R. Stressrelief is our school family therapist who organizes a wide range of support groups for both new and existing students. Please contact her at stressrelief@bc.edu or call

(617)-564-0929 to learn more or to set up an appointment.

An Informative Guide For Parents and

Families

QUESTIONS?

Talk with your School Counselor

Perry F. Dripps

dripps@bc.edu (617)-563-0929

The school counselor is happy to meet with families and share resources that can support you and your child. Members of our team care about your child’s achievement and social emotional well-being and we are happy to work with you in finding better ways to help your child excel in school.

Stress: What is it and what can teens do about it?

SO WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

You and your teen need to know that stress is something that is experienced by everyone to some degree or another. The best solution for anyone who is feeling stressed is to seek out support and to develop adaptive ways of coping.

The earlier that students are able to receive support, the more likely that it is that they will be able to deal with certain stressors.

Things like feeling a sense of school belonging, regaining control over a situation, developing a more positive self concept, and involving family members are all positive strategies that help teens cope.

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

Counselors work with parents, teachers, and students to engage students in their studies and to help them feel more confident in their abilities.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Counselors collaborate with teachers to help highlight the child’s strengths. Our program helps your child explore college and career options by recognizing and emphasizing creative and intellectual interests.

PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

The school counseling program offers a range of services that aim to help your child develop a positive image of self like developing more meaningful relationships with staff, peers, and other professionals in the community.

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is the relationship between the occurrence of an event or events and subsequent physical or psychological difficulty (Compas, 1987). Common sources of stress for minority adolescents include things like not knowing English, feeling unsafe, having concerns about the future, tests, grades, homework, expectations about school, pressure from others, increased responsibility, not letting feelings out, difficulties with social life, and not having enough time (de Anda et al., 2000). Stress can be really difficult for teens and sometimes leads them to feel anxious, depressed, marginalized, alienated, tired, or confused about their identity (Berry, 1997).

THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM