Counselor Connection
Helping student emotionally, academically, and socially
Dear Parents/Guardians
I have to give it to you. When we started this school year with a lot of changes, I thought things may be a little different and possibly testing. This is not the case. The students have been so adaptive, kind, respectful, and on time for class. The 6th grade students have opened their lockers like pro’s, the hallways are clear by the time the bell rings, and not to mention- the students have been polite using please, thank you and excuse me. Thank you for being supportive and flexible with the start of this school year.
This addition of my newsletter talks all about mindfulness. There are ideas on how to incorporate this into you and your students daily life, ideas for teachers to use, and even reflective questions you can ask yourself about how mindful you are in your life.
Thank you for taking the time to catch up on our school happenings and learning more about mindfulness. Take good care!! - Mrs. Sims
Thank you to all that have donated ice cream and all the goodies for our ice cream social with the students. Students that complete a student spotlight slide and submit it to me, will be displayed in the commons area and will be invited to attend the social. This will continue with 10 students per grade level per month until the whole school is reached! Please encourage your student to fill out their spotlight form when it is their turn so they can enjoy!!! Also, please feel free to keep the candy/toppings coming so students can have a wide variety of treats.
Are you "Mindful" or " MindFULL"
To be "mindful" is to be aware of what is present, here and now. In other words, it is to be aware of inner thoughts, observe them, but not to become overly attracted to them. It is almost as if you are breathing in and out.. thoughts come and go... but they do not stay. It is to be present in the current moment .
To be "mindfull" is to be filled with thoughts and typically to be lost in them. This can involve past thoughts or events, current anxiousness, and thoughts that can be intrusive and all-consuming. MindFULL is exactly that. A mind that is FULL. Think of a computer and ALL of the tabs are open... this is the same of your brain. All of the tabs in your brain are open, the chatter is taking place and your mind is FULL.
To come to a state of "Mindfulness" is to take notice of those thoughts and feelings when they come about. You can also ask yourself some of these questions to help to achieve a state of mindfulness:
1. When do I feel the most alive or most like myself?
2. What do I find the hardest to accept about myself?
3. What stressor in my life can I help alleviate, or help to NOT become stressors?
4. What can help me focus and release tension?
5. What can I do each day to help to bring about a mind that is Mindful?
Working each day to have a brain that is not so FULL of chatter and anxiousness, can only help to make a more enjoyable day and life! But, like all things, Mindfulness will take practice. I wish you a successful mindfulness journey!!!
And something for you Teachers....
Yoga in the classroom
Upcoming Happenings
National Suicide Prevention week September 10-16
Board Game Club after school until 3:45 - September 14
No school October 26 and 27 - Fall Break
No school Novemeber 22- 24- Thanksgiving Break
❤️ Mindfulness 🧘🏾♀️ Thank you for your continued support !
Annmarie Sims- Union Township Middle School Counselor
"Someone is always fighting a battle
you are not aware of.. be kind! Always!"
Email: asims@union.k12.in.us
Website: https://uniontownshipmiddle.union.k12.in.us/
Phone: 2197592562
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTMiddleSchool