Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 14:15     Subject: Re:AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:I was shocked to see such cold and uncaring comments from a school counselor. If my child were at his school, that discussion would have destroyed any faith I might have had in their counseling services.

On the other hand, the other school counselor who joined in with is a wonderful person and counselor (based on professional interactions outside of AEM), and I was glad she joined in to offer constructive comments.


I agree. I was disgusted by the Wakefield counselor’s comments.

Also, the complete blowing off of the parents especially by the women who are posting constantly that it’s unsafe to go to school. As a parent who’s dealt with a child having suicide ideation, I couldn’t believe their callousness.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 14:13     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:^^Okayyyy, that's not quite how it played out. Noone used expletives so let's not escalate an already unsensitive comment.



Yeah, the recap wasn't very accurate. Both the parent and the staff member were pushing it too far, but the Cliff notes writer left out that the the staff member lost a coworker to covid and is, understandably, scared to go back in and is being told, "too bad, so sad," by the parents. It all sucks. Also, one of the parents criticizing the counselor also told a nurse that her profession doesn't care about getting COVID, so that gives you an idea how far these people are willing to go online. It all makes me so sad.


Wow, talk about an inaccurate recap.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 14:08     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:^^Okayyyy, that's not quite how it played out. Noone used expletives so let's not escalate an already unsensitive comment.



Yeah, the recap wasn't very accurate. Both the parent and the staff member were pushing it too far, but the Cliff notes writer left out that the the staff member lost a coworker to covid and is, understandably, scared to go back in and is being told, "too bad, so sad," by the parents. It all sucks. Also, one of the parents criticizing the counselor also told a nurse that her profession doesn't care about getting COVID, so that gives you an idea how far these people are willing to go online. It all makes me so sad.


Who is this co-worker that he lost to covid? It seems like that would have been news.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 14:07     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:My prediction is we will look back and the end result will be we have done far more damage to our kids than any benefit received from shutting down schools. Our society has been way too short sighted in all of this.


Agreed. I take COVID very seriously and follow all precautions, but the choice not to prioritize kids and schooling is a societal failure at various levels. Just saw Las Vegas finally reopened schools after realizing students were experiencing a mental health crisis leading to an increase in child suicide. It’s heartbreaking. American Academy of Pediatrics and Dr. Fauci advocate for safe reopenings, which is possible with safety measures and mitigation in place.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 14:02     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:^^Okayyyy, that's not quite how it played out. Noone used expletives so let's not escalate an already unsensitive comment.



Yeah, the recap wasn't very accurate. Both the parent and the staff member were pushing it too far, but the Cliff notes writer left out that the the staff member lost a coworker to covid and is, understandably, scared to go back in and is being told, "too bad, so sad," by the parents. It all sucks. Also, one of the parents criticizing the counselor also told a nurse that her profession doesn't care about getting COVID, so that gives you an idea how far these people are willing to go online. It all makes me so sad.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:59     Subject: Re:AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think the discourse on the entire page is toxic. Too many sanctimonious parents who dominate the comments on whatever link has been posted that day.

It’s not any better on the APS staff only page. It’s now basically an echo chamber. Anyone who dares dissent gets quickly driven out.


Yes, many teachers whispering to each other that it is time to go back. Let's get vaccinated and get back 5 days a week.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:51     Subject: Re:AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know who the Wakefield staff member is that he was talking about who died? I hadn’t heard about that.


I was wondering too and its very strange it never was discussed on AEM. Very sad.


There was an administrative assistant in the Wakefield counseling office who passed away last May, but she didn’t die of covid, it was a pulmonary embolism.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:43     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
My prediction is we will look back and the end result will be we have done far more damage to our kids than any benefit received from shutting down schools. Our society has been way too short sighted in all of this.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:31     Subject: Re:AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:I think the discourse on the entire page is toxic. Too many sanctimonious parents who dominate the comments on whatever link has been posted that day.

It’s not any better on the APS staff only page. It’s now basically an echo chamber. Anyone who dares dissent gets quickly driven out.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:26     Subject: Re:AEM - mental health discussion
I think the discourse on the entire page is toxic. Too many sanctimonious parents who dominate the comments on whatever link has been posted that day.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:23     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:^^Okayyyy, that's not quite how it played out. Noone used expletives so let's not escalate an already unsensitive comment.

DP. He didn’t use profanity, but he did attack at least three different posters.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:21     Subject: Re:AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know who the Wakefield staff member is that he was talking about who died? I hadn’t heard about that.


I was wondering too and its very strange it never was discussed on AEM. Very sad.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:18     Subject: Re:AEM - mental health discussion
Does anyone know who the Wakefield staff member is that he was talking about who died? I hadn’t heard about that.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:16     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Someone should report those insensitive comments to school leadership. Incredibly insensitive to parents who were having a fairly balanced discussion (and the conversations don’t always go that way!).


He was told that he and his coworkers are "completely worthless" and not equipped for their jobs. Parents forget teachers and counselors are on the forum and are human beings.


Cliffnotes version:

Parents: It's hard to get mental health help in general, esp now.
Guy: APS has excellent therapists
Specific Parent: My son had a terrible experience getting help with a bullying issue and APS staff are not equipped to handle mental health issues
Guy: Bullshit
Specific Parent: No really, that happened, includes various details about situation and how it wasn't resolved.
Guy: I wholeheartedly disagree.

I mean, I would expect a little more sensitivity and empathy from a counselor...


I can see your point. This obviously triggered him as it was very personal and pointed towards his co-workers. It was mentioned he's lost a peer at Wakefield due to COVID. I can understand his reaction, but also would have been nice to see him acknowledge her son had a hard time.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2021 13:16     Subject: AEM - mental health discussion
^^Okayyyy, that's not quite how it played out. Noone used expletives so let's not escalate an already unsensitive comment.