FOCUS Monthly Newsletter

FOCUS Monthly Newsletter

May 2024

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment,

until it becomes a memory."

Dr. Seuss

Graduates, you have had thousands of moments in high school that have impacted your lives, hopefully for the better. You have made lifelong friends and been inspired by amazing teachers. You have developed your own sense of values and have your own goals that lie ahead. It is from these past experiences where you gain truth, knowledge, determination, inspiration, and hope that will guide your path into the future.

Your future success is based on your present decisions. It is the wish of all who have supported you and loved you that your decisions are wise, that your motives are pure, and that you are willing to follow your dreams. As you leave behind these moments and they now become your memories, we can only hope that you find the value in them!

Partnering With NAMI for Mental Health Month

Because Mental Health Matters

Students face many challenges during their transition to high school and college. Academics, clubs, jobs, and new relationships can all be super exciting, but also great stressors if not properly managed. College students may face being far away from home and finding independence they didn't have before. High school students begin to see the horizon of their futures through college prep and career planning. Balancing all of the changes that happen in school can be stressful and challenging.

Those challenges are even more difficult for the 1 in 5 students who also face a mental health condition. Nearly three-quarters of mental health conditions emerge by age 24, so many students are facing mental health concerns for the first time, and may not know where to go for support.

NAMI knows that some of the best support a student can receive is from peers. When students connect with one another, they can share common experiences and support each other through the transitions. FOCUS and NAMI help make those connections happen.

FOCUS works to end the stigma that makes it hard for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. Make plans now to hold creative meetings and hold innovative awareness events. Follow and share @AlabamaFocus on all social media platforms for mental health awareness posts.

Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

Jacksonville High School recognized Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Month on April 23. FOCUS/Peer Helpers welcomed Tom Robertson as the keynote speaker.

Here's a reminder...

It's time to hold your membership drive for the fall. The first training session for Anniston High School's FOCUS was a success! Let us know if we can help. Email sjones@thefocusprogram.com for assistance.

Hewitt-Trussville High School FOCUS

REMEMBER to tap in to the many resources available on the Facilitator Portal at www.thefocusprogram.com. Digital FOCUS Brochure; Implementation Guide; Videos; Posters; Character Education Resource; PowerPoint for FOCUS Extracurricular Implementation; HIV Teacher Training; HIV 101; FOCUS Group Training; Certificates of

Leadership and Participating; and numerous other resources!

Connect with FOCUS!

Stay up to date on everything that is happening with FOCUS by following us on social media! Don't hesitate, follow us today!

Monthly Health Observances

We encourage all FOCUS schools to engage in at least one health observance activity each month. Each month has some excellent choices for students on your campuses to “Make a Difference” and to encourage their peers to participate.

May