Counselor Connection
October/November 2019
If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.
~Maya Angelou
Counselor Updates
As previously announced, I have moved into the role as full-time counselor at SSES. Thank you to all the parents who have stopped in to meet me. I have enjoyed being on one campus and seeing our students on a regular schedule.
SEL Focus for November
You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes,
you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!
~Dr. Seuss
October Recap
Students finished up new and refresher lessons on using Kelso's Choice. Conversations and practice included learning the difference between big problems and small problems. The Kelso choice wheel helps students with 9 different strategies to use on their own small problems with conflict resolution. While students need to try at least 2 strategies before going to an adult they can try all 9. Students know these strategies and can also use them with their siblings.
3rd
Discussing the power of the purposeful bystander (AKA Upstander).
4th & 5th
Attended Don't Be a Monster Assembly, an anti-bullying presentation. Care Classes were also focused on anti-bullying, kindness and inclusion (Upstander).
Community Helpers
This fall 3 students came up with an idea to donate books focusing on other children who are sick. After brainstorming and planning the Book Donation Project was created. Thank you for Jenny Sprague in the CL&I and our SSES PTA book fair volunteers for collecting the books and donation monies. The girls were able to shop for additional books with donations making our total donation value worth $450. Donation books will be stickered with the book project information before being delivered to Ronald McDonald House and Dell Children's Hospital. Thank you to our community for your support and thank you, Kate, Allison and Jade for seeing your idea come to fruition. The girls would like to continue a similar book project again during the spring book fair.
On November 22nd we counted our collected coats which totaled 81 this year. There's still time to donate directly to Coats for Kids. This coat drive benefits over 30,000 Central Texas area youth by collecting and distributing new and gently used coats. You can still donate by dropping coats off at Jack Brown Cleaners until December 3rd. Here's a great opportunity to clean out all the coats the kids have out grown.
To donate money directly to the organization follow this link: https://members.jlaustin.org/?nd=donate_detail&donation_id=11111
Tiger Totes
DS Tiger Totes saw a need in the community when they noticed students were saving their food to eat at a later time or share with a sibling. In 2012 a pilot program was started with 25 students. Today Tiger Totes helps more than 200 students. The program is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping our local DSISD families. They provide extra help for students including weekday snacks, weekend meals as well as holiday meals. Additionally our campus can help with personal items.
Can you help by donating funds? The program is funded through a grant and donations. If you can help please visit the DS Tiger Totes page: https://www.dstigertotes.org/
Is this a program you feel would benefit your student(s)? To qualify you must first qualify for the USDA free and/or reduced lunch program. Please contact us if you're interested in learning more. https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/472
leadership clubs
Peer Mediators - 3rd through 5th grade
KFC, Kids for Character, 5th grade
Buddy Bench - All Grades
Counseling Services
Care Class– Each class is visited every month to teach a prepared SEL (social-emotional learning) lesson. Some lesson themes include friendship, personal space, feelings, inclusion, conflict management, healthy habits, diversity and many others. Care class is schedule for the school year.
Small Group Counseling – Small groups are for students who may need extra support in a certain area such as new students, worries or friendship skills. As needed additional groups may be added. Groups are scheduled for 4 to 6 weeks and are not meant to replace outside or longer length counseling.
Individual Counseling – Students are seen on a one on one basis to work through problems affecting them at school. The goal is to offer support and coping skills for the student. Individual school counseling is a short-term solution of 4 to 6 individual meetings however, I will never deny any student the opportunity to talk about their needs. If you feel your student would benefit from a long-term option I have a list of resources I can provide.
Parent and Staff Support – As counselors we are available to meet in person, by email or by phone to help support parents and teachers with issues affecting our students.
About Mrs. Guerra
Email: amy.guerra@dsisdtx.us
Website: https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/13
Location: Sycamore Springs Elementary, Sawyer Ranch Road, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-858-3903
Twitter: @SSEScounselor