As you read this, I'm sure to be snuggling with my new baby boy. Enjoying his smell, bonding, oh and yes, changing countless diapers. Even though I'm not in the building this September, you all are weighing heavy on my mind. Back to School season is filled with such anticipation and sometimes, anxiety. I thought I'd put together a Top Ten List to put your mind (ok fine, maybe MY mind) at ease. I'm still accessible by my school email or via the Contact tab above. See you in December!
Roosevelt School Counseling - Top Ten Things to Know...
1. Research has shown that social and emotional learning (SEL) in school results in higher test scores, improved attitudes and behaviors, fewer negative behaviors, and reduced emotional stress. To support SEL in our school, I see every child every week during Guidance. The District curriculum can be found above under the Classroom Guidance tab and here on the district wide page.
2. My door is (almost) always open. Kids love to run in and out during their lunch break and give hugs, feed the bird, or just chat. This is one of the best parts of my job!
3. When my door is not open, it's because I'm creating a confidential environment for students or their parents to connect and brainstorm how we can move through a challenge. What we say in my room, stays in room (with exceptions, of course).
4. I run a variety of small groups during the year from Changing Families, Grief, Managing Emotions, and New Student groups and just about everything in between. If you have concerns, I probably have a group for that! Small groups are a chance for me to provide instruction and support in a more focused manner. I will always send a note home at the beginning of the group via their Take Home Folder to give you a list of goals and meeting times.
5. Part of my job is simply problem solving with children. So, if your little one comes home and talks about one of our chats, please don't panic. Getting to see me is a GOOD thing! It means that we are learning and growing in a safe environment, and I'm a trusted adult that can find the time they need to help them do just that. I'll call if I'm seeing patterns or if it is serious enough to warrant a phone call.
6. I'm NOT a therapist (at least not in the school setting). My top priority is helping children be socially and emotionally ready to learn. Hence, when I work with children individually it is for a short amount of time and it is solution focused in nature. If we feel that outside counseling is a logical next step for your family, I'll gladly work with you and your chosen counselor to ensure great communication and carryover from school to the therapeutic setting.
7. I LOVE working with parents. In the past, I have hosted mother/daughter events focusing on friendship and communication, book clubs, family nights, and a few more. Be on the lookout for events all year long. If you have an idea that you and our friends want to learn more about, let me know - I'd love to work with you.
8. I am absolutely in love with the work of Brené Brown, a professor and researcher out of the University of Houston. I attended her training last summer and it has changed the way I live, love, and lead. I'll chat Brené any day of the week... seriously. Check her out here.
9. I now have two beautiful children, Hazel & Otto who bring my husband and I ridiculous amounts of joy.
10. I'm pretty sure I have the best job ever!
Roosevelt School Counseling - Top Ten Things to Know...
1. Research has shown that social and emotional learning (SEL) in school results in higher test scores, improved attitudes and behaviors, fewer negative behaviors, and reduced emotional stress. To support SEL in our school, I see every child every week during Guidance. The District curriculum can be found above under the Classroom Guidance tab and here on the district wide page.
2. My door is (almost) always open. Kids love to run in and out during their lunch break and give hugs, feed the bird, or just chat. This is one of the best parts of my job!
3. When my door is not open, it's because I'm creating a confidential environment for students or their parents to connect and brainstorm how we can move through a challenge. What we say in my room, stays in room (with exceptions, of course).
4. I run a variety of small groups during the year from Changing Families, Grief, Managing Emotions, and New Student groups and just about everything in between. If you have concerns, I probably have a group for that! Small groups are a chance for me to provide instruction and support in a more focused manner. I will always send a note home at the beginning of the group via their Take Home Folder to give you a list of goals and meeting times.
5. Part of my job is simply problem solving with children. So, if your little one comes home and talks about one of our chats, please don't panic. Getting to see me is a GOOD thing! It means that we are learning and growing in a safe environment, and I'm a trusted adult that can find the time they need to help them do just that. I'll call if I'm seeing patterns or if it is serious enough to warrant a phone call.
6. I'm NOT a therapist (at least not in the school setting). My top priority is helping children be socially and emotionally ready to learn. Hence, when I work with children individually it is for a short amount of time and it is solution focused in nature. If we feel that outside counseling is a logical next step for your family, I'll gladly work with you and your chosen counselor to ensure great communication and carryover from school to the therapeutic setting.
7. I LOVE working with parents. In the past, I have hosted mother/daughter events focusing on friendship and communication, book clubs, family nights, and a few more. Be on the lookout for events all year long. If you have an idea that you and our friends want to learn more about, let me know - I'd love to work with you.
8. I am absolutely in love with the work of Brené Brown, a professor and researcher out of the University of Houston. I attended her training last summer and it has changed the way I live, love, and lead. I'll chat Brené any day of the week... seriously. Check her out here.
9. I now have two beautiful children, Hazel & Otto who bring my husband and I ridiculous amounts of joy.
10. I'm pretty sure I have the best job ever!