Owens Counseling Corner
Alief ISD
Greetings Jaguars!
This has been a very eventful school year! We left school for spring break and never thought we wouldn’t return. COVID 19 has changed how we live and learn. But regardless of the challenges, we have stayed the course and we are nearing the end of the school year. Despite all the challenges we faced, our community, staff, and students overcame obstacles and made this a successful year. Bravo to our 6th graders! We’re proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best in your future endeavors in middle school. Remember: Once a Jaguar, Always a Jaguar! Until the next school year, the counseling department wishes everyone a safe, fun and relaxing summer.
End of Year Messages on Padlet
Character Trait of the Month - Courtesy
Counseling Support for Students
Storyline Online
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.
Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers and educators worldwide.
Counseling Support for Teachers
Down Dog Yoga App
We believe that stressful times like the COVID-19 outbreak are precisely when people need wellness practices the most, and we are committed to doing our part to help out.
In response to the many school closures taking place, we have made all of our apps completely free until July 1st for all students and teachers (K-12 and college) so that they can have access to wellness at home through the end of the semester.
Breathing Practices for Adults
Take a deep breath, expanding your belly. Pause. Exhale slowly to the count of five. Repeat four times. Congratulations. You’ve just calmed your nervous system. Controlled breathing, like what you just practiced, has been shown to reduce stress, increase alertness and boost your immune system. Consciously changing the way you breathe appears to send a signal to the brain to adjust the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system, which can slow heart rate and digestion and promote feelings of calm as well as the sympathetic system, which controls the release of stress hormones like cortisol.
For more breathing practices, please click on the link below.
Counseling Support for families
Working (and parenting) from home
Managing your workload from home and keeping little ones occupied is a challenging adjustment. When times get tough, restless, or a little bit boring, try our recommended mindful exercises and games for kids.
16 Everyday Activities That Count as Learning
If you find yourself frustrated trying to keep up with the school packets, video chats, and virtual office hours, take a deep breath and a step back. Official school activities are important, but there are plenty of everyday activities that count as learning too. These kinds of activities have their limits (kids aren’t going to learn calculus from cooking dinner), but overall, you can feel good about kids furthering their learning through these at-home activities.
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.
Communities in Schools Resources for Families
COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program
Assistance available to families:
- Texas Electricity Relief Program
- A new state program is helping eligible Texans keep their power on. Learn more about the program below. https://www.txu.com/help-center/covid-19.aspx
- Visit 211texas.org and search Electricity Bill Assistance to find agencies in your area that may be able to help. Deferred Payment Plan Call us (855) 784-2426 Mon - Fri, 7am - 8pm CST Sat, 8am - 5pm if you need us to work with you on a deferred payment plan.
If additional support or question/concerns contact our Communities in School Project Manager, Mrs. Cokes at 713-635-9451
Crisis Resources
Emergency Situations
· You or someone you know is a danger to themselves or others
· Someone is a danger to you or others
· Other life related emergency concerns
Crisis Resources
· Emergency Number 911
· Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) – 1.866.970.4770 https://www.theharriscenter.org/Portals/0/MCOT.pdf
· NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness – 1.800.950.6264
· Crisis Text Line: Text: NAMI to 741741
· Talk Line “When you just need to talk” – 281.240. (TALK) 8255 (available 24/7)
· Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD – 281.575.9512