November 2023

During the holiday season, families often face various challenges, both financially and emotionally. As the school counselor, it is important to address these difficulties and provide support to parents and children alike. The upcoming holiday season can be particularly challenging for families who may be struggling financially. Many parents feel the pressure to provide gifts and create a festive atmosphere for their children, which can put a strain on their already limited resources. Please note that we at St. Charles have The Cardinal Food Pantry which is now open and serving members of our community experiencing food insecurity. To use the pantry, make an appointment with Mr. Warner by texting 567-277-0322.

This can also be an emotionally challenging time for students and families. It is common for individuals to experience feelings of sadness or loneliness, especially when they have lost a loved one who will not be present during the holiday celebration. I want to acknowledge and validate these emotions. My office doors are always open for your students, and I can offer a safe space for them to express their feelings, especially during this challenging time. For parents, I have resources for grief counseling, and I am happy to pass along the information to anyone who wants it. Open communication within the family can foster a sense of togetherness which can help alleviate some of the emotional challenges that arise during this time.

In conclusion, feel free to reach out to me with questions or concerns as I am happy to provide services/resources to your family. My email is dgarrett@scprep.org and office number is 380-209-2224.