Mrs. Miller's Counseling News
Twin Oaks Elementary - Updated 4/4/2022
Puzzling!
Twin Oaks Families:
A while back, when I had the good fortune of attending the incredible Van Gogh exhibit in Portland, my husband purchased this puzzle of "Starry Night" for me. I love a good puzzle, so I gleefully opened the box and spread 1000 pieces on my dining room table. Little did I know that this puzzle would be the MOST CHALLENGING puzzle I could've imagined! It took me at least 2 weeks to complete just the outline. Then, I painstakingly began the arduous task of trying to decipher the myriad blues, greens, purples and yellows that mocked me every time I took a few minutes to fuss over Van Gogh's masterpiece. WEEKS LATER, I am not too much further along, but I continue to persevere with the kind of dogged determination that defies all logic. More than one person has suggested that I forget it, toss the darn thing, and move on. But somehow, as I walk by that room, the puzzle draws me back. It's simply not my nature to give up!
Maybe that's why I like my job so much. It's often a puzzle. I can envision the beautiful picture I hope to create, yet I rarely know exactly how I'm going to get there. With many brilliant colors, unusual shapes, and endless opportunities for success, the children and families at Twin Oaks always keep me coming back for more. When I am stumped, and I'm sure I can't possibly make something fit, VOILA, a piece I may have already viewed a hundred times, will effortlessly slide into place. I'll think, I KNOW I tried that piece there already! How could it possibly have been right here in front of my face, and yet I missed it? Puzzles, like people, are worth the curiosity, effort, patience, and perseverance it takes to complete the work, in order to reap the reward of finally seeing that beautiful image in the end.
What's happening in School this week:
I decided to put health lessons from The Great Body Shop curriculum on hold for a couple of weeks. Instead I'm focusing my counseling lessons this month on our PBIS theme of Trustworthiness for primary-3rd grades. 4th and 5th graders are exploring career ideas! It's never too early to start envisioning the future. We are having fun with Gardner's multiple intelligences theory, learning styles and other potential ways to identify our strengths, interests and "leanings." Then we will take a career survey, and do research on jobs and careers, and especially the education and training path needed to get there.
***(PLEASE NOTE April and May DATES HAVE CHANGED)***
The next Conscious Discipline Parenting Series PARENT NIGHT will happen NEXT WEEK on THURSDAY, April 14th. If you are still interested in joining, it's not too late. Simply mark your calendar for April 14th, and come to the Zoom session. Also, email me, so I can get the FREE PARENTING BOOK to you ASAP. Please see the information and Zoom link below.
COUNSELING ROOM MASK POLICY: My room has two excellent air purifiers, and I try to keep the area very safe for all who enter. For students who wear masks, I will continue to wear a mask when meeting individually with them in the Counseling Office.
Featured in this newsletter issue: Weekly Message, School Counseling Lesson Overview, Conscious Discipline Parent Series Information, Problem-solving/Time Machine examples, Classroom Counseling Lesson Schedule, How to Access Mrs. Miller Online, Parenting and Community Resources.
REMEMBER, I'm available via email and office phone Monday-Friday. Don't hesitate to reach out to me with individual needs. I'm here to support you! My email is: miller_de@4j.lane.edu. My direct office phone is: 541-790-3442. If you need to reach me outside of business hours, feel free to text or call my Google Voice number at: 541-972-3347.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Miller
If you haven't seen it yet, PLEASE WATCH the Best Picture Oscar winner "CODA"
The "Zones of Regulation"
Free Parenting Book for every participant ~ by Becky Bailey, Ph.D.
~~~~~~ Child Center Offers FREE ~~~~~~ Parenting Problem Solving Classes!
CLICK LINK BELOW for INFORMATION
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY INFORMATION
Food for Lane County and 4J will be hosting a weekly mobile pantry at each region. Each distribution will be offering a variety of pantry staples, bread and produce. Questions? Please contact us at 541-790-6880. Food for Lane County y el distrito de 4J llevaran acabo una distribución de alimentos de la despensa móvil semanalmente en cada región del distrito. En cada distribución se ofrecerá una variedad de productos para la despensa como pan, fruta, vegetales, arroz, frijoles, etc. ¿Peguntas? ComunÃquese al 541-790-6880.