Monday, September  24th

CALS (Career and Life Skills)

It is hard to believe that it is the 4th week of school already.  There has been a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to fall.  We have to remember to slow down and appreciate autumn before it is gone!  Last week I ran out of time to post anything - so I'll try to catch up now.

In grades K-2 we continue to work with the School of Champions curriculum which focuses on Academic Success.  The lesson for K-1 last week was about the important job of being a student and that by doing their best they can feel proud and happy.  This week we will be focusing on trying hard each day and not giving up when tasks are difficult. In 2nd grade the focus last week was about trying hard and how setting goals can determine success and positive feelings.  This week 2nd grade students will learn how to improve their listening ability and be given an opportunity to practice.

In grades 3-5 our topic theme is also Academic Success.  In the classroom I have been doing different activities to learn the importance of and practice following directions and listening.

Minute Meetings

I will be meeting with each student in grades 1-5 individually for a 1-2 minute meeting at both Hillcrest and Lannoye Schools.  I started last week at Hillcrest and I met with about 60 students already.  The meetings have gone well and I like getting the chance to check in with each student on an individual basis.  I will begin these meetings at Lannoye this week, I'm calling them "Roar Chat" at Lannoye.  I'm excited to get these meetings underway to better meet the needs of our students.

Thanks for checking in!

September 10-14

It has been an exciting second week of school.  I was able to get in to each of the classes this week for a getting acquainted lesson.  In Kindergarten and 1st grade I started with a sharing time to learn more about each student and begin to learn the names of our kindergartners.  I also do a "magic trick" to help the students understand that talking to a trusted adult about uncomfortable feelings can help them to feel happier.  After a discussion about a variety of uncomfortable feelings we turn them into happier feelings (this is demonstrated by turning fish into flowers.)  I also handed out a sheet explaining about my role as School Counselor, and if you are reading this you found the blog address on that sheet.  I started the year with 2nd graders with a sharing/community circle time, explaining the role of the school counselor and reading the book Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon. 

In grades 3-5 we kicked the year off getting to know one another better by playing a "Would You Rather" back to school game.  When reflecting with the students about what they learned comments that I heard were; I learned that some of my friends make different choices than me, we are all different, my friend likes snakes better than spiders.  It turned out to be a fun way to start our year in CALS.

For the next several weeks we will be learning about Academic Success.  In grades K-2 I will be teaching the School of Champions curriculum.  In grades 3-5 we will be doing a variety of different study skill activities.

I will also be meeting with each student for a short amount of time, this time will be called "Minute Meetings."  I am hoping to get to know everyone just a little bit better.  I also want the students to know that I am here if they need help solving a problem.

Thanks for checking in!

First Week of School

The first week of school is in full swing.  I'm getting around to touch base with the students, and help trouble shoot any problems that come up.  I am also getting my schedule all set.  Next week, I will start in the classrooms with Getting Acquainted Lessons to learn about how the students are doing and to explain the role of the School Counselor.  I hope you are all having a great 2012-2013 School Year!