Lakeview Guidance and Counseling
February 2023
Hi Lakeview!
February 2023
I hope you enjoyed your snow days last week at home! And, I also hope you're staying warm in this chilly wintery-mixed weather, too. I know students always love their snow days having fun at home and playing in the snow. Stay warm and safe out there!
February is a busy month with lots of activities! Candy Grams sponsored by our Student Council for Kindness/Friendship parties are on sale from Mon., Jan. 30th- Thurs., Feb. 9th. Student Council will be delivering these to students for their Kindness/Friendship parties on Fri., Feb. 10th. Please see more information about how these can be purchased below. We will be celebrating our 100th day of school on Wed., Feb. 8th. And, Kindness Week will be celebrated (district-wide) the week of Mon., Feb. 13th-Fri., Feb. 17th.
Throughout the month of February we are also recognizing and honoring Black History Month. Please see additional information below, also. Mrs. Palermo’s Lakeview in the Know newsletters will include more information about these and other activities. Be sure to check out her weekly newsletters to stay up to date with all happenings at Lakeview.
If I can help you or your child in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me at any time at the school. I can be reached by phone at 405-366-5899. Or, you are welcome to contact me via email at aprilt@normanps.org.
(Note: While I do post this monthly newsletter through SeeSaw, contacting me via phone or email is the best way to catch me.)
Thank you,
April Thompson, MS, LPC
Lakeview School Counselor
Student Council Co-Sponsor
405-366-5899 (x7711)
National School Counseling Week (Feb. 6th-10th)
Student Council Glove & Sock Drive- THANK YOU!!!!
Kindness Candy Grams
Our Student Council members will be writing to and from names on them and also delivering to classrooms the morning of Fri., Feb. 10th to be given to students at their parties that afternoon. If you are interested in purchasing for an entire class, you are welcome to do this, also. Parents can send this info. with their child to school, and we can print a class list for Student Council members to include names of all students. If you are not aware of the exact number of students in the class, please contact your child’s teacher or me and we can let you know.
Should you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me at any time at 405-366-5899 or aprilt@normanps.org.
Color Your World With Kindness Video
Kindness Week (Feb. 13th-17th) Daily Dress-Up Days
Kindness Week Quotes, Stories, Challenges, and Activities
Happy 100th Day of School! (Feb. 8th)
Honoring Black History Month (February 1st-March 1st)
Maya Angelou
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jesse Owens
"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers
Encouragement for Children
Classroom Guidance Lessons
The Classroom Guidance Curriculum includes:
Second Step Bullying Prevention
Other Classroom Guidance Resources include:
CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)
American School Counselor Association
Kindness Matters!
10 Words to Encourage Your Children
Calming Phrases for Children
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This condition is a type of depression that happens either during the fall and winter months (most common) or the spring and summer months (less common). When the days seem to get shorter due to the lack of sunlight in the fall and winter some people begin to feel the "winter blues" or depressed, sad and unhappy. This is influenced by the melatonin and vitamin D levels along with certain neurotransmitter levels in our bodies. When the time changes in the spring and more daylight hours become available, symptoms begin to diminish. There are several treatments available as one is going through this difficult time, too.
As always, if you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms and need help, please reach out. We can connect you with many resources in Norman and surrounding areas. You can read more about this condition here:
Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder
A Sense of Belonging
"In school, a sense of belonging gives students feelings of security, identity and community, which, in turn, support academic, psychological and social development (Jethwani-Keyser, 2008).
Click below to hear Kevin Carroll's book, "A Kids Book About Belonging" read aloud. This is a charming book that explains the importance of understanding how to belong to ourselves first before belonging with others.
988 Mental Health Line
"At Lakeview... Together We're Better!"
Winter Poem
How Are You Feeling?
Positively Supporting Children
Developing a Growth Mindset
What to do in the Counselor's Office?
WELCOME!!
Sit with Bingo our "Warmie" Stuffed Dog
Visit with Ms. Thompson & Friends
Use the Calm Down Kit
Visit with Ms. Thompson
Learn Coping Skills
Do Fun Crafts and Activities
Write, Draw, Color, Create
Work on Projects, Read Together
Take a Calming Break
Discuss and Express Feelings
Share Thoughts and Ideas
Free Play, Games, Puzzles
More Encouraging Words for kids
NORMAN AREA RESOURCES
Sharing Tree
Contact Info: 405-634-2006
Sharing Tree is a metro-area nonprofit that serves families in need by providing a no-cost, dignified shopping experience. The facility is stocked with clothing, household items and basic necessities.
United Way of Norman COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund
United Way has tons to offer! Parents can contact for help with: rent, utilities, clothing, food, counseling, medical, legal aid, and other basic needs.
United Way (or dial 211 on phone)
211 Oklahoma (or dial 211 on phone)
Immediate Mental Health Services
Contact Info: 405-321-4048
The Cleveland County Health Department has iPads at both the Norman and Moore locations. The MyCare application is set up on the iPads at each health department as a quick resource for immediate assistance from a behavioral health specialist. At this time there is no appointment necessary, but clients can call our main line if they have questions before coming in at 405-321-4048. Clients will be screened at the door for COVID-19 symptoms.
Additional Food Needs
Contact Info: pantrypartners@gmail.com
(This is for needs families may have in addition to Sodexo weekly meals through the school and the Friday Food for Kids Backpack delivery program.) Parents can contact Pantry Partners of Norman. This group has given NPS counselors permission to share their email address directly with families during this time. Email: pantrypartners@gmail.com
Contact Info: McFarland Methodist Church Outreach
This group distributes food on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-12:00pm and from 1:00-4:00pm. And, they also have a Mobile Food Pantry that goes to four different school sites once per month in the evenings. These schools are: Adams, Jackson, Madison, and Irving. You can find additional information here: McFarlin Mobile Food Pantry 2022-23 SCHEDULE
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Youth Crisis Mobile Response
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
Call: 1-800-522-9054 for immediate help
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Oakwood Springs Treatment Center
Summit Health and Wellness Center
Center for Children and Families, Inc.
Mobile Apps for Relaxation and Meditation
Headspace App
Found in Your App Store
Calm App
Meet Archie, Ms. Thompson's Dog
Certified Pet Therapy Dog!!
April Thompson, Lakeview Counselor
Enjoy the month of February and Happy Valentine’s Day! We love celebrating Kindness and Friendship Week every year at this time, too. If we can help you in anyway, please let us know.
At Lakeview... We're Better Together!
Email: aprilt@norman.k12.ok.us
Website: https://www.normanpublicschools.org/Domain/14
Location: 3310 108th Ave. NE
Phone: 405-366-5899
NPS MISSION & VALUES
MISSION: To prepare and inspire all students to achieve their full potential.
VALUES: Integrity, Inclusiveness, Collaboration, Optimism