Counselor's Corner
Mrs. Quintana-Rodriguez and Mrs. Hinojosa
Howdy Trailblazers!
APRIL is a busy month full of community awareness as National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, Month of the Military Family and Autism Awareness Month
During the month of April we pay close attention to the needs of children who suffer from the trauma of physical and/or sexual abuse and neglect. This year’s slogan is “See Something, Say Something.” It is a great reminder for all our community that it is important to report suspected child abuse. When families work together with schools and their communities, kids feel safer and protected.
Supportive communities nurture families. Families can take some time to know neighbors. Visiting the local library and park, spending time walking around your neighborhood, worshiping at a place of faith, volunteering with some person or agency within the community, or making connections with your employer are ways to strengthen your community.
Engaging schools help build your child's developmental assets. Make time to know your child's teacher. Set up conferences, attend school functions, and volunteer to help with one or more events. The school is your best partner to enrich your child's academic, social, and emotional life.
Thriving homes ensure that children's basic needs (food, shelter, medicine, for example) are met. help instill a sense of right and wrong in children. Moreover, parents and other caretakers instill in children a sense of right and wrong (empathy), a sense of resilience (bouncing back from crises and traumatic events), a sense of connection with relatives who may or may not live in the home, and a sense of future--that what happens at home and at school matters "down the road."
If you feel that a child in our community is being abused or neglected, please call or access one of the websites below:
World Autism Month
April is World Autism month and April 2 has been designated as our opportunity to become more aware about individuals with autistic spectrum disorders. Organizations around the world that support autistic communities are asked to aid in things such as research, diagnoses, treatment, and acceptance for those with a developmental path affected by autism.
Locally we can help to raise awareness by advocating for the inclusion of individuals with autism spectrum disorders in all aspects of society such as education. In addition, we can all LIGHT IT UP BLUE in honor of these individuals every Monday.
Month of the Military Child
Held on April 15th of each year, “Purple Up! For Military Kids” is a day for communities to wear purple to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Since April 15th is a student holiday we will be observing it on Thursday, April 14, 2022.