We’ve seen a lot of changes and challenges in the last year. It can create a lot of stress and uncertainty for children and young adults. But we want our families to know we’ve got their backs.
FFCS has a network of staff members and resources to support the social and emotional well-being of our students. For some, that support might include new tools or the right strategies to help manage challenges or stress. Others might benefit from talking to someone outside of their friend and family circles.
“I encourage families to reach out to us and let us help connect with you with resources and services that will help support your student and family,” Elementary School Social Worker Melanie Capron said. “We can provide individual and group counseling to students, provide support to students in their classes and assist with crisis intervention as needed. We can also connect families with resources and services in the community.”
Supporting school success for your child
Whether your child is learning with us in school or off-site/remotely, this school year is different than any other. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has shared some ways you can help support your child during the school year. More tips for a successful school year are available on the CDC website.
- Check-in daily with your child about how school is going and about interactions with classmates and teachers. Learn how they are feeling about their school setting and routine and reassure them that you, their teachers and school staff are ready to help them work through any uncomfortable feelings they may be having.
- Changes in your child’s behavior may happen. Watch for changes like crying or irritation, excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, or difficulty concentrating, which may be signs of your child struggling with stress and anxiety. Reach out to your child’s teacher or school social worker or counselor for support.
- Try to attend school activities and meetings. Our schools may offer more of these virtually. As a parent/caregiver, staying informed and connected may reduce your feelings of anxiety and offer a way for you to express any concerns you may have about your child’s school. But, you don’t have to wait for scheduled meetings to reach out to your child’s teacher, principal or support team. We’re here at any time to talk with you and help make school work well for your child.
We’re here to support you
Along with a social worker or counselor at each school building, students are supported by a team that includes a school psychologist and licensed mental health counselors. They work together to provide general counseling, crisis counseling and special education services.
It can seem daunting to know where to start. The best thing to do is to take the first step and reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor or social worker. They will help put you in touch with the resources you need.
“Every student is different and requires something different from me,” high school counselor Emily Miller said. “It is my job to figure that out and proceed as necessary. Working with teachers, administrators and other support staff is essential.”
- Melanie Capron, Elementary School Social Worker mcapron@ffcsd.org
- Brittany Houck, Middle School Counselor bhouck@ffcsd.org
- Ryan Fedele, High School Counselor rfedele@ffcsd.org
- Emily Miller, High School Counselor emiller@ffcsd.org
- Jacqueline Melley, Mental Health Counselor through Arbor Counseling Center jmelley@ffcsd.org
- Sydney Miller, School-based Counselor from Catholic Charities smiller@ffcsd.org
- Julie O’Neil, School Psychologist joneil@ffcsd.org
Family Emergency Support and Counseling Resources
Local Counseling Resources
- The “Healthy Me!” mobile app is available in the Apple Store or Google Play. It has resources for families with access to mental health and social services, doctor’s offices, education services and more.
- Mental Health Association in Fulton and Montgomery Counties
Phone: 518-762-5332
307-309 Meadow Street, Johnstown - Crossroads Counseling Associates
55 E. Main Street, Johnstown
Phone: 518-736-1100 - Family Counseling Center
Phone: 518-725-4310
11-21 Broadway, Gloversville - St. Mary’s Mental Health Children’s Clinic
Phone: 518-843-7520
4988 State Hwy 30, 3rd Floor, Amsterdam - Catholic Charities
4 Nicholas Street, Johnstown
Phone: 518-762-8313
Kimball Street, Amsterdam
Phone: 518-842-4202 - Transitions
Phone: 518-775-5384
2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield - Arbor Counseling Services
Phone: 518-620-1601
1851 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam - Tammy Zumbo, LCSW-R
Phone: 518-893-1687
41 South Perry Street, Johnstown - Cynthia Aronson, LCSW
Phone: 518-705-1042
171 County Highway 142A, Johnstown
24/7 Crisis and Mental Health Support
Services for children, families and adults experiencing emotional and/or behavioral crises.
- Montgomery County Crisis Services Hotline at St. Mary’s Healthcare: 518-842-9111
- Northern Rivers: 518-292-5499
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 or call 911
- NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: 844-863-9314
Grief Support Services
No cost support is available for grieving children, aged 3-17, who may have experienced the death of a family member or friend due to natural causes, illness, suicide, homicide or accidents.
- Community Hospice: 518-724-0200 or https://www.hospicegriefservices.com/
24/7 ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Reach a professional crisis counselor who—through interpreters—provides assistance in over 170 languages 24/7 in the U.S. and Canada. All calls are confidential. Services include crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.
- 800-4-A-CHILD or 800-422-4453 or https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Advocates are available 24/7/365 to talk or text confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
- 800−799−7233 or https://www.thehotline.org/
COVID-19 Resources
- Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
- Helping Kids Manage Anxiety Around the Coronavirus
- Talking to Children About Coronavirus: A Parent Resource
- Bereavement and Grief: Coping With Loss
- Helping Children Cope with Death, Loss and Grief: Tips for Teachers and Parents
- Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events