Counselor's Corner
by Mrs. O
PurposeFull Practice: Honesty, Lessons 1-3; and Mental Health Awareness Month
May 5, 2022
Dear McKinley Family,
Over the past month we reviewed all PurposeFull Practices learned thus far (Courage, Respect, Responsibility, Gratitude, Empathy, Kindness, and Perseverance), and completed three lessons on the topic of Honesty. I have provided many resources below, including but not limited to- our definition of Honesty, resource letters for parents in English and Spanish, wonderful read-alouds and videos, and some centering mindfulness practices. *As you explore and discuss the topic of Honesty with your child, ask him/her to demonstrate how to sign for Honesty, and show you the hand movements utilized when defining Honesty: Living Truthfully in Your Thoughts, Words, and Actions.
Over the next few weeks we will explore the following character traits: Cooperation and Creativity. With that being said, I have to thank you- the adults in the lives of our students. I am always grateful and impressed by the foundations you (parents and guardians) have instilled in your children: They come to us with good manners, kind hearts, and an eagerness to learn.
**I have also included information (directly below this segment) on Mental Health Awareness Month.**
Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, needs, or suggestions.
Warmly and gratefully yours,
Mrs. O (Ormachea)
McKinley School Counselor
530-632-6687
Data suggests that the last few years have taken a toll on many (if not most) of us. May happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month, so I wanted to share some fantastic resources with you. Additionally, I hope to convey that experiencing a mental health condition is not a sign of weakness, it is not uncommon, and there should be no stigma attached to it: For instance, 46% of Americans will suffer a diagnosable Mental Health Condition (MHC) at some point in their life, and 21% of all U.S. adults are currently living with a MHC. Furthermore, we are seeing a surge in MHCs within our youth.
Below you will find links to Mental Health information and resources in both English and Spanish. Additionally, GUSD has partnered with outside agencies (Care Solace) and mental health providers (BCDBH) to help support our children and families: If you or a loved one is in need of mental health assistance, please reach out to myself (or your student’s school site counselor)- as we can assist you in the process.
Mental Health Handouts
https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month-2022-toolkit-download
MHM 2022 Back to Basics: FACT SHEET Starting to Think About Mental Health (PDF)
MHM 2022 Back to Basics: FACT SHEET What Plays a Role in Developing Mental Health Conditions (PDF)
MHM 2022 Back to Basics: FACT SHEET Maintaining Good Mental Health (PDF)
MHM 2022 Back to Basics: FACT SHEET Recognizing When You Need Help with Your Mental Health (PDF)
MHM 2022 Back to Basics: FACT SHEET What to Do When You Need Help (PDF)
MHM 2022 Back to Basics: FACT SHEET Where to Go (PDF)
MHM 2022 Back to Basics: FACT SHEET Terms to Know (PDF)
Salud mental Folletos y volantes
https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month-2022-spanish-download
FOLLETO Empezando a Pensar Acerca de la Salud Mental/Starting to Think About Mental Health (PDF)
FOLLETO Manteniendo una Buena Salud Mental/Maintaining Good Mental Health (PDF)
FOLLETO Que Hacer Cuando Necesita Ayuda/What to Do When You Need Help (PDF)
Silk + Sonder Journaling and Blog (Self-Care Made Easy)
One of our wonderful parents, Mrs. Ritter, shared a link to a wonderful Journaling/Self-Care website: Silk + Sonder. They describe their platform in the following way:
“At Silk Sonder, we believe self-care is foundational for creating a fulfilling life. Our platform and community has helped thousands of members find compassion, clarity, creativity, and connection in their daily lives: unlocking intentional productivity and true potential.”
Although there is a fee for some of the offerings, much of the information is free and readily available...
- Affirmations
- Brene Brown
- Bullet Journal
- Energy Vampires
- Gratitude
- Habits
- How I Thrive
- How To Unplug
- Intentions
- Journaling
- Lifestyle
- Mindfulness
- Morning Affirmations
- Personal Growth
- Productivity
- Prompts
- Quotes
- Routines
- Self-Care
- Self-Sabotage
To Connect to S&S
Home Page: https://ss.silkandsonder.com/9ziCXHOb9ob
1. Definition of Honesty
3. Honesty Resources
Read Aloud- A Little Spot of Honesty
Read Aloud- I Can't Believe You Said That
Read Aloud- Ruthie and the Not So Teeny Tiny Lie
Read Aloud- Franklin Fibs
Video- Honesty
Song- Honesty
Song- Honesty for You and Me
Song- Truthfulness
Meditation: Weather the Storm
Mindfulness: Focus
Mindfulness: Rainbow Breathing
FREE Art Supplies and Activity Ideas at the Gridley Library!!!
***You Don't Want to Miss This***
FREE Art Supplies and Activity Ideas, Valley Oak Children's Services
When: Sat, May 14, 12pm – 1pm
Where: Butte County Library, Gridley Branch, 299 Spruce St, Gridley, CA 95948, USA (map)
Community Resource Room; Gridley
Description Come get basic art supplies (paint, glue, paper, and more), activity ideas, and a premade resource kits. Open to all; no registration required. Families welcome. Community Resource Room at Butte County Library, Gridley Branch Parking Lot
SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO RAIN
Check it Out!!! Valley Oak Children's Services Newsletter- Activities and Resources for Families
https://drive.google.com/file/d/105aIvtZch5C9nSN0cq3MnZ8lzoqB_Oq_/view?usp=sharing
Upcoming Events
Look for Valley Oak Children's Services at these events!
- May 6th, 2022 Kiwanis 73rd Annual Kiddies’ Parade 4:00PM-5:30PM– Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day in Downtown Oroville. We will walk in the parade and pass out gifts for the family!
- May 7th, 2022 16th Annual Growing Healthy Children Walk & Run Bidwell Park, Chico, 8:30AM-10:30AM – Participate in strengthening families through physical activity. We will provide fun puzzles and sticker craft kits!
- June 8th, 2022 Party in the Park -Paradise 6-8:30PM – We will have musical instruments and will provide family engagement games and sticker fun craft kits!
AWANA Club, Gridley
When: Tuesday nights from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: First Baptist Church, Gridley
What: Handbook Time, Council Time, and Activity Time
Who: Children 3 years of age through grade 12
How: If you are interested, click on the link below for more
information.
More Fun at Our Own Gridley Library
After School Fun: Looking for a great way to spend an afternoon? Join your friends at the Gridley Library for awesome games, LEGO, crafts, and the best movies! Every week is a different activity! When: Tuesdays @ 3:00-5:00 PM Where: Gridley Library
Or
Li'l Bitties Storytime: If you are looking for a way to connect with other moms and dads of children 0-5, while participating in a brain-worthy and fun activity for your youngster; this may be your answer. What: Li’l Bitties is a Storytime for ages 0-5 When: Every Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Where: Gridley Library
Chico Creek Nature Center
Chico Area Parks and Recreation Guide
8. Our McKinley School Expectation Chant
*Kelso's Choices
*Guard Dog and Wise Owl- Connecting Thoughts and Actions
*Zones of Emotion/Regulations
Mrs. Ormachea
Email: tormachea@gusd.org
Website: http://mckinley.gusd.org/Parent-Info/Counselors-Corner/index.html
Location: 1045 Sycamore St, Gridley, CA 95948
Phone: (530) 632-6687