Inner Balance
September 2020
Exciting Events Coming Up for Dawson Middle School!
Counselor Visits to L.A. Classes
Suicide Prevention Awareness Week and HOPE Squad Nominations
Virtual Club Fair
Hello from your DMS Counselors!
Dawson Middle School families are served by three counselors:
- Mrs. Tatum is the 7th Grade Counselor. She works with all 8th grade students in need of academic or social/emotional support.
- Mrs. Hurlburt is the 8th Grade Counselor. She works with all 8th grade students in need of academic or social/emotional support.
- Mrs. Canafax is the Intervention Counselor. She serves as the 504 coordinator on our campus and also supports Mrs. Hurlburt and Mrs. Tatum in working with both 7th and 8th grade students.
Together, our counseling team collaborates to create an uplifting campus environment while also providing the following:
- Guidance Lessons
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Academic Intervention
- Academic Planning and Goal-Setting
- Parent Education
- Teacher Education
- Sponsorship of Clubs supporting Social/Emotional health (such as HOPE Squad and Friends of Rachel)
How Does a Student See a Counselor?
- Self—Referral (Either in person or via the "Request to See a Counselor" link on the DMS Office Canvas page)
- Request of a counselor
- Parent referral
- Teacher/staff referral
- Referral by friend(s)
- Administrative referral
Why Do Parents Contact the School Counselor?
- Concerns over student achievement
- Family health problems
- Test interpretation
- Discussing special needs of their child
- Early discussion of potential crisis
- Family difficulties or concerns
- New school registration/orientation
Counselor Introductions to Students
Throughout the last week of August and the first week of September, the DMS Counselors visited all Language Arts classes for a brief introduction. During these visits, we explained what we do and how students can get in touch with us. We also had students complete a Needs Assessment, which will help us to refine our school counseling program so that it addresses the current needs of our DMS students. If you would like to review the presentation the counselors shared with students, please click here.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-11
- September 8: Wear GREEN to to bring awareness to the importance of removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues
- September 9: Wear RED to show the importance of knowing suicide warning signs / HOPE Squad Nominations
- September 10: Wear BRIGHT COLORS to show that the future is bright!
- September 11: Wear your favorite sports apparel to TEAM UP against suicide
Each day, students will receive a reminder about what to wear via the DMS Office Canvas Page. As a part of that reminder, students will receive more information about the purpose for the day's selected color/theme.
On Monday, we will release information about the week along with information about HOPE Squad. Students will be encouraged to review this information and submit their nominations during their Science class on Wednesday. This will all be communicated via the DMS Office Canvas page.
What is HOPE Squad?
HOPE Squad is a school based peer to peer suicide prevention program. Students nominate their peers to be HOPE Squad members. Members of the HOPE Squad will meet regularly (via Zoom, either synchronously or asynchronously) to complete a Suicide Prevention curriculum, where they will learn how to discuss suicide and what to do when they suspect that a fellow peer may be suicidal. To learn more about HOPE Squad, visit this website.
DMS Virtual Club Fair
We're here for you, Dragons.
Whether your student is learning in-person or virtually, we want to take time this year to cultivate and deepen relationships and design opportunities where adults and students can connect, heal, and build their capacity to support each other. We understand that it's important to create safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments that promote all students’ social and emotional development. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Starting a new school year in uncertain times can bring many emotions, including anxiety. Anxiety is a common feeling of nervousness or worry. When those feelings stop your children from having fun or doing normal activities, they may need help reducing their anxiety.
How to Help
- Breathe. Practice calming breathing together by taking slow, deep breaths.
- Challenge negative or irrational thoughts by having your children ask themselves questions such as “What evidence is there that makes this thought true or not true?” or “If it did happen, what could I do to cope?”
- Plan. Help your children prioritize and break down tasks into smaller, doable steps.
- Be calm. Model confident and calm behavior for your children.
- Establish an at-home routine. Schedule time for homework, fun, meals, and a bedtime routine.
- Support a healthy lifestyle. Provide healthy meals and time for physical activity. Maintain an appropriate curfew so your children get enough sleep.
- Identify thoughts and name emotions. Describe to your children what you observe and ask in a clarifying manner if that is what is occurring. Asking if, rather than telling what, your children are feeling helps them develop greater ability to name and tame their emotions. For example, “I see you frowning and not talking much. Are you feeling sad?”
- Communicate. Set aside time to talk one-on-one with your children. Connect emotionally by listening and giving eye contact. Validate concerns and avoid lecturing.
- Get help. Talk to teachers about any concerns you have about your children. If you are concerned your children have an anxiety disorder, talk with a counselor, doctor, therapist, or other mental health expert.
What does it mean to have a certified HeartMath Coach at Dawson Middle School?
Your Counselor's can help your child boost resilience, composure and clarity!
The HeartMath Building Personal Resilience™ program is a focused and practical program, combining personalized coaching with scientifically validated tools to help your child self-regulate their body’s response to stress and build resilience. They will learn life-long skills you can use any time to increase well-being, personal and academic performance and quality of life experience.
Be sure to contact your child's grade level counselor for more details!
DMS Counselors
Katrina Tatum
7th grade Counselor
katrina.tatum@southlakecarroll.edu
Amy Hurlburt
8th grade Counselor
amy.hurlburt@southlakecarroll.edu
Lauren Canafax
Intervention Counselor
lauren.canafax@southlakecarroll.edu
Website: https://www.southlakecarroll.edu/domain/812
Location: 400 South Kimball Avenue, Southlake, TX, USA
Phone: 817-949-5500
Twitter: @DMScounselors