Counselor's Corner
From the Desk of Ms. Witcher, School Counselor
Happy September!!!
Social Emotional Learning News
Our September SEL Competency is Self-Awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize one's own feelings, interests, and strengths, in addition to maintaining an accurate level of self-efficacy. Students who are self-aware are capable of describing and understanding their own emotions. They are also capable of recognizing their strengths and weaknesses. Students' beliefs about their strengths and weaknesses influence the academic choices they make, how long they will persists on tasks and whether or not they will ask for help on academic tasks.
Along with our SEL Competency our Theme for September is Individuality and Positive Self-Concept. Students will learn the importance of each unique identify and the strengths we all bring as individuals.
I'm excited to debut our September SEL Book of the Month ~ I am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James. Each homeroom teacher has a copy for their classroom library, and Mrs. Boston has several copies for students to check out. Join in on the SEL Book of the Month competition during the Morning Announcements for a chance to win prizes. Click below to listen to I am Every Good Thing read by me! ;)
Lunch Bunch Starts September 24th
The purpose of small groups is to bring students with similar needs or concerns together to share, problem solve, and connect with their peers to enhance their social and emotional development. This is NOT a form of therapy, but rather an outlet where students can express themselves in a safe space.
I’m excited to continue offering lunch bunches as a counseling related service for children. Research indicates that small counseling groups are beneficial for students throughout their development. Lunch bunch is a time when students meet with the School Counselor to eat lunch, talk and build upon developmental, academic, and/or social emotional skills. Occurring in a small group setting one day a week for approximately 4-6 weeks, lunch bunch takes place in the my office during the student's assigned lunch period. Parental consent is needed for a student to participate in the lunch bunch program.
Students may participate in the following groups this year:
Anxiety & Coping Skills
Conflict Resolution
Academic Improvement
Girls Group
Boys Group
Making Friends (K-2)
Making Friends & Anxiety Groups begin the week of September 24th.
Click https://forms.gle/D5hkjGWFBhn8Hd9k6 to complete the E-Permission Slip.
What Is Ms. Witcher Teaching?
For the month of September, the following topics will be covered during your child's Classroom Counseling Instruction:
Kindergarten - We Are All Wonders
1st Grade - Tattling vs Reporting
2nd Grade - Proactive and Responsibility
3rd Grade - Executive Function Series
4th Grade - Growth Mindset
5th Grade - SMART Goals
For further information, please don't hesitate to contact me via email: tamika.witcher@apsk12.org.