Expert Tips to Help Your Anxious Child Thrive--Janua...

Free Virtual Parent Workshop How to Support a Student Struggling with Anxiety Expert Tips to Help Your Anxious Child Thrive Does your child worry constantly, avoid school, or seem overwhelmed by everyday situations? Many students experience anxiety—but it can be hard for parents to know what’s typical, when to be concerned, and how to help without making things worse. Join us for a free virtual parent workshop designed to help families better understand anxiety and learn practical, compassionate ways to support their child at home and at school. Ryan Montes, PsyD, a licensed psychologist at Stony Brook University Hospital’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), will explain what anxiety really is, how it relates to fear and how it can interfere with daily functioning. Most importantly, he will provide clear, guidance you can use right away. During this workshop, you’ll learn how to: Recognize common signs and symptoms of anxiety Know when additional support may be needed Use effective, supportive language that helps your child feel understood Validate your child’s fears without judgment or minimizing their feelings Help your child build coping skills and confidence Support your student in feeling calmer and more in control Dr. Montes' evidence-based approach helps children feel more capable over time. Let his guidance help you help your child! 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 28 🕡 Time: 6:15 pm 💻 Location: Virtual on Zoom ⏱ 45 minutes + Q&A This workshop offers expert guidance that is appropriate for families of students of all ages. Please join us! More About the Expert Dr. Montes has been a licensed psychologist since 2014, working in emergency and inpatient mental health settings. He specializes in the treatment of severe and persistent mental health concerns and risk assessment, and regularly provides training to clinical staff, psychology trainees, and psychiatric residents. Join Zoom Meeting https://stonybrook.zoom.us/j/98775525489?pwd=VbdcL1OLxqYwUIi0C4tjboLNQNrEme.1   Meeting ID: 987 7552 5489 Passcode: 392825   ---   One tap mobile +12122258997,,98775525489# US +16462551997,,98775525489# US   Join instructions https://stonybrook.zoom.us/meetings/98775525489/invitations?signature=k3bjUUR-9mxwj4cimZobnk2fOegMLQ21b88tUlgLzB4  

Friday, Jan 16 2026

💬 Words Matter! Join Us for an Engaging Online Paren...

The words our children use—online and in person—have power.  Join us for an interactive and thought-provoking online parent workshop with Dr. Nancy Kaplan titled “The Power of Language: Words Matter” on  Monday, January 26, 2026, from 7:00–7:45 PM . In this interactive workshop, parents will gain insight into how language can shape relationships, impact others, and influence a child’s reputation and “personal brand.” Too often, young people use words without fully understanding their origins or the lasting harm they can cause. Dr. Kaplan will explore why intentional, respectful communication is so important and how parents can guide meaningful conversations at home. You’ll also walk away with practical strategies for addressing face-to-face and online communication, helping your child make thoughtful, positive choices with their words. 📍 Live via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9751477490?omn=86541031661 We hope you’ll join us for this important and timely conversation as we work together to empower our children to use language that reflects respect, empathy, and awareness.

Friday, Jan 16 2026

Kindergarten Registration, 2026

Dear SWR Families, Do you have a child who will be 5-years-old on or before December 1, 2026?  Do you have a neighbor who will be 5-years-old on or before December 1, 2026?  If so, please pass on this information...   SWR Kindergarten Registration for the 2026/2027 school year will be held January 13 - February 13, 2026.  You must   register if you plan on having your child attend kindergarten in September. Students who receive CPSE services now must register again in order to attend kindergarten .  For information regarding the documents you need and to register, please CLICK HERE . If you have registration questions, please call the Registrar, Rose Ann Bozinos, at 631-821-8101. Regards, Claudia Smith, Principal Miller Avenue School

Friday, Jan 09 2026

BOE Highlights - January 6, 2026

BOE Highlights Board of Education Meeting Tuesday, January 6, 2026   Highlights: ·  Ex- Officio Students Trustees, Ella Frazzetto, Maddie Cummings, and Isabelle Scherl, gave updates on High School happenings, sports, and upcoming events. ·  In his Superintendent Report, Mr. Poole highlighted some of the many events, activities, and accomplishments taking place throughout the District and specific to each building. ·  Ms. Waldbauer and Mr. Ball gave an update on the Multi Media Production Studio. Insight was given on the history of the studio and how it is currently being integrated into the journalism courses. Two of the broadcasters, Alyssa Wood and Chelsea De Collibus, shared their experience in what practical knowledge they are gaining relating to broadcasting. Multimedia Studio Presentation ·  Mr. Meinster presented enrollment projections for the 2026-2027 school year. Enrollment Projections ·  Mr. Rosini gave an in-depth presentation on the 5 Year Capital Plan. In his presentation he gave insight and updates to the projects, their status, and financial/cost information. Five-Year Capital Plan ·  Mr. Arcuri presented on the District’s Reserve Balances for 2025-2026 school year and a year end fiscal update for the 2024-2025 school year. District Reserve Balances & 2024-25 Year End Update ·  The Board approved, among other things, donations to the Artist-in-Residence Project at Wading River School and an out of state track meet at Yale University.  All BOE meetings are livestreamed. You can access the link on our homepage before each meeting.   BOE Meeting Videos 2024-2025 BOE Meeting Dates BOE Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Thursday, Jan 08 2026

AI Committee Invitation Update

Update - the second meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 25th so as not to interfere with the Battle of the Buildings. Dear Parents and Guardians, As we continue to prepare our students for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, I'm writing to invite you to participate in an important district initiative this winter. Where We Are Today Over the past two years, our District has taken significant steps in integrating AI into our educational landscape: Developed and adopted, through the use of a stakeholder committee, a comprehensive position paper on AI in education. (Please see attached.) Provided professional development for our instructional and office staff Launched a digital literacy freshman course which supports the effective use of AI   Implemented AI platforms accessible to both staff and students Begun embedding AI-enhanced learning experiences Next year, we will be introducing an Introduction to AI course Your Role We're convening a committee of education stakeholders—particularly those with experience using AI in the workplace, college, military, or professional settings—to help us envision how we can best prepare our students for futures that will increasingly require AI fluency. Through two 90-minute sessions this winter, we'll work collaboratively to develop a prioritized list of potential next steps for our district. Your perspective and expertise would be invaluable to this work. Meeting Details Two 90-minute sessions from 6:00 – 7:30pm At our first meeting, Mr. Meinster will briefly provide details as to our current work in regards to AI and learning.  Thursday, February 5, 2026 and Wednesday, February 25, 2026 High School Library If you are interested in participating, please respond by January 29, 2026 so we can finalize our meeting schedule.   Click here to RSVP. Thank you for considering this opportunity to shape the future of education in our district. Sincerely, Gerard W. Poole, Superintendent of Schools

Wednesday, Jan 07 2026

AI Committee Invitation

Dear Parents and Guardians, As we continue to prepare our students for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, I'm writing to invite you to participate in an important district initiative this winter. Where We Are Today Over the past two years, our District has taken significant steps in integrating AI into our educational landscape: Developed and adopted, through the use of a stakeholder committee, a comprehensive position paper on AI in education. (Please see attached.) Provided professional development for our instructional and office staff Launched a digital literacy freshman course which supports the effective use of AI   Implemented AI platforms accessible to both staff and students Begun embedding AI-enhanced learning experiences Next year, we will be introducing an Introduction to AI course Your Role We're convening a committee of education stakeholders—particularly those with experience using AI in the workplace, college, military, or professional settings—to help us envision how we can best prepare our students for futures that will increasingly require AI fluency. Through two 90-minute sessions this winter, we'll work collaboratively to develop a prioritized list of potential next steps for our district. Your perspective and expertise would be invaluable to this work. Meeting Details Two 90-minute sessions from 6:00 – 7:30pm At our first meeting, Mr. Meinster will briefly provide details as to our current work in regards to AI and learning.  Thursday, February 5, 2026 and Thursday, February 26, 2026 High School Library If you are interested in participating, please respond by January 29, 2026 so we can finalize our meeting schedule.   Click here to RSVP. Thank you for considering this opportunity to shape the future of education in our district. Sincerely, Gerard W. Poole, Superintendent of Schools

Tuesday, Jan 06 2026

January SEPTA Meeting - Understanding Supports & Ser...

Dear SWR Families, Please join us for our January SEPTA meeting on Wednesday, January 7th at 7pm in the Wading River School Library. All are invited and childcare is available. There will also be a door prize drawing! January's SEPTA meeting will feature Dodie Daniels, from Parent to Parent NYS, who will introduce families to the language of service delivery systems and to define and clarify information about services and supports. Hope to see you there, SWR SEPTA

Monday, Jan 05 2026

LaxOut Cancer - Battle of the Buildings!

Mark your calendars!  On February 26th, come watch the Battle of the Buildings and cheer on your school! Who will win the Cat Cup this year?

Monday, Dec 15 2025

BOE Highlights - December 9, 2025

BOE Highlights Board of Education Meeting Tuesday, December 9, 2025   Highlights: Ex-Officio Student Trustees Reilly Kenneally, Gianna Ruggero, and Ray Hidaka gave updates on High School happenings, sports, and upcoming events. Lila Grosso sang beautifully, giving a moving performance of Strauss' "Allerseelen." In his Superintendent's Report, Mr. Poole highlighted some of the many events, activities, and accomplishments taking place throughout the District and specific to each building. Ms. Ferry recognized the fall athletes. All fall teams were recognized by NYSPHSSA as Scholar Athletes. Fall Student-Athlete Recognition Mr. Lilla introduced and celebrated the National Merit Scholarship Commended Students, AP Scholars, and the NYSSMA All-State Recognitions. National Merit Scholarship Presentation Dr. Paolicelli and Mr. Sigerson gave an update on the Robotics Club and K-12 robotics program. High School club members demonstrated a sneak peek of this year's Robotics competition theme of "push back." Robotics Presentation Members of the Legislative Committee, Ms. Sidewitz-Byrne and Ms. Bettenhauser, presented the Legislative Committee's advocacy priorities which will be shared with our local legislators at a meeting in January. Legislative Priorities Brochure The Board approved, among other things, the 5th Grade Philadelphia trip and authorized a comprehensive energy audit to be conducted. All BOE meetings are livestreamed. You can access the link on our homepage before each meeting.   BOE Meeting Videos 2024-2025 BOE Meeting Dates BOE Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Thursday, Dec 11 2025

December Stony Brook CARE Newsletter

December 2025 Newsletter Supporting Healthy Minds and Bodies, a Monthly Resource for Families In this newsletter Virtual Parent Workshop: Dec. 17th at 6:15 pm — Practical Tips for Managing Behavior Behavioral Health: Dialing Down Social Anxiety in Kids & Teens Kids' Wellness: How to Help Your Child Get Healthy Sleep Additional Resources: Health Screenings at Stony Brook: Your Wellness Matters, Too Free Virtual Parent Workshop — Dec. 17th A Stony Brook Expert Shares Tips for Encouraging Positive Behavior at Home Don't miss the next virtual parent workshop. All are welcome. Let's work together to help kids be better time managers, stay motivated to learn, accept the word "no," and handle difficult emotions. During this workshop, you'll learn: What school behavior plans are and how they work How to support your child’s plan at home Your role as a parent/caregiver in the process Why home and school collaboration is essential Strategies to prepare your child for a successful school day Ways to manage challenging behaviors at home (for early childhood through teens) How skills taught at school can be supported in your family's daily routines 🗓 Date: Wednesday, December 17th 🕕 Time: 6:15 pm 📍 Location: Zoom Following the 45-minute presentation, there will be time to submit questions. Don't miss this valuable opportunity. Please join us! Join Zoom Meeting https://stonybrook.zoom.us/j/98775525489?pwd=VbdcL1OLxqYwUIi0C4tjboLNQNrEme.1   Meeting ID: 987 7552 5489 Passcode: 392825   ---   One tap mobile +12122258997,,98775525489# US +16462551997,,98775525489# US   Join instructions https://stonybrook.zoom.us/meetings/98775525489/invitations?signature=k3bjUUR-9mxwj4cimZobnk2fOegMLQ21b88tUlgLzB4   BEHAVIORAL HEALTH How to Dial Down Social Anxiety in Children & Teens As children grow, they naturally become more aware of how their peers see them. Suddenly there are “right” and “wrong” things to wear, say, or do. A certain level of self-consciousness is normal, but for some kids, worries about peer judgment become so intense that everyday situations feel overwhelming. Social anxiety can trigger racing heartbeats, sweaty palms, trouble sleeping, nausea, or even school refusal. “When children constantly feel the need to be vigilant about how people perceive them — even just taking a seat in class — they may be experiencing a social anxiety disorder,” says Lauren Chorney, PhD, clinical child psychologist at the Renaissance School of Medicine. When Anxiety Increases with Age Social anxiety often increases in middle and high school, when social hierarchies become more defined. “A kid who got through elementary school with an anxiety level of 5 (on a scale from 1 to 10) might now be at an 8,” Chorney explains. For younger kids, the signs may be harder to decipher. They may struggle to explain what’s worrying them. To pinpoint fears, Chorney uses a “magic wand” exercise, asking kids to imagine school without academic work — more like camp. If they feel better, academics may be driving the anxiety. She repeats the exercise by removing different elements (peers, teachers, separation from parents) to uncover the real source of discomfort. Once parents understand the root, they can support kids more effectively. Some children need social-skills practice; others know what to do but feel too anxious to try. “Depending on the child, they may need help with the anxiety, the skills, or both,” says Chorney. Role-playing with parents or a therapist is a good way to practice interacting. Then, a one-on-one get together — ideally with a structured activity like baking or a board game — can reinforce confidence. If a child lacks friends, ask teachers to recommend a classmate who might be a good match. Transitions Increase Anxiety for Adolescents Starting middle or high school can heighten anxiety: “Everybody is older, bigger, and further along in their development,” says Chorney. One early sign that intervention may help is lunchtime isolation. “If your child is sitting by themselves for more than a week, it may be time to step in,” she says. Parents can encourage after-school activities or contact the school for help connecting their child with peers who may be a good fit. If teens feel uncomfortable discussing these issues with parents, a therapist can teach strategies that feel realistic and age-appropriate. Many kids Chorney sees don’t have a diagnosable disorder — they simply need someone neutral to talk to. Helping Kids Dial Anxiety Down With support, kids can learn coping skills such as positive self-talk and breathing techniques. Above all, parents should remember: occasional social anxiety is normal. But when worries consistently interfere with comfort or connection, support can make a meaningful difference. KIDS WELLNESS How to Help Your Child Get Healthy Sleep Children and adolescents who don’t get enough sleep don’t always appear tired. Instead, they may show irritability, mood changes, trouble concentrating, or behavior that resembles ADHD, says Rayan Kteish, MD, pediatrician and sleep medicine specialist at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Lack of sleep can also contribute to anxiety, depression, aggression, headaches, fatigue, and school performance problems. A key concern is missing out on deep sleep, the stage believed to support physical restoration, learning, memory, and healthy brain development. How Much Sleep Do Kids Need? The National Sleep Foundation recommends: Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours (including naps) Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours Ages 13–18: 8–10 hours These are guidelines, Dr. Kteish emphasizes. Some teens feel fully rested with eight hours of sleep, while others may need more. “If you get eight hours and wake up refreshed, that’s enough,” she says. Snoring and Sleep Apnea Occasional snoring is normal, but snoring three or more nights a week — especially with daytime tiredness, behavior concerns, or gasping — may signal sleep apnea. Children with sleep apnea often sleep enough hours but get poor-quality sleep because their breathing repeatedly stops and starts. In younger kids, large tonsils, are a common cause; in teens, snoring may relate to weight, anatomy or family history. A sleep study can clarify what’s going on. Treatment ranges from tonsil and adenoid removal to allergy management, CPAP therapy or orthodontic devices such as a palate expander that can help open the airway. Sleep Medications and Supplements There are no FDA-approved sleep medications for children or teens. Supplements like magnesium or melatonin should only be used if a clinician recommends them for a specific medical reason. Melatonin has some demonstrated efficacy in improving sleep in children and adolescents with autism or ADHD, but evidence for broader use is limited. Sleepwalking Sleepwalking is common in pre-pubertal children and often goes away on its own. Safety should be a top priority in homes with a sleepwalker : secure doors, monitor stairs, and avoid bunk beds. Medication is rarely needed unless episodes cause repeated injury or major disruption. Building Healthy Sleep Habits Electronic devices are one of the biggest obstacles to good sleep. Devices should be turned off at least an hour before bed and kept out of the bedroom. A consistent sleep schedule — even on weekends — helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Younger children benefit from a calming, predictable bedtime routine. Positive reinforcement, bedtime passes, and small rewards can help ease bedtime resistance. Keep bedrooms cool, dark and quiet. Adolescents should avoid caffeine and heavy meals at night. Parents should know that ADHD medications given late in the day can interfere with falling asleep. Healthy sleep supports learning, mood, behavior, and development. And restorative rest is essential for growing bodies and minds. RESOURCES Health Screenings Your Health Matters, Too As parents, we spend so much time focusing on our children’s well-being that it’s easy to overlook our own. Regular health screenings are an important way to catch potential issues early — often before symptoms appear — so you can stay strong, healthy and fully present for your family. Stony Brook offers a wide range of routine screenings, including diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, skin cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate and breast cancer, and more. These quick, preventive checks can make a meaningful difference in long-term health. Make your well-being a priority. Scan the QR code — or visit stonybrook.info/care-screening — to schedule your routine screenings today. It's an important step toward a healthier future for you and your family.

Wednesday, Dec 10 2025