Harlandale ISD Counselors
May 1 - June 7, 2021 Volume 18
Calm Down Corners
Calm down corners are great for kiddos to manage their emotions through self-regulation. This calm down corner can work at home. Kiddos must learn to recognize their own emotions. Their emotions can be a rollercoaster with crying, arguing, meltdowns, outbursts, etc.
Surviving Standardized Testing Season by Wendy Taylor of Learning Essentials
Surviving Standardized Testing Season by Wendy Taylor of Learning Essentials
The end of the school year may be in sight, but one of the final hurdles, perhaps the most strenuous one, is on the horizon- STAAR Testing Season. Around this time, some grade levels in Texas have taken the STAAR, and will continue to take more STAAR tests in May. Depending on a student’s current grade level or graduation plans, the gravity of the STAAR test can vary. However, one thing is true for all students - the STAAR tests are draining. It is not just students who feel the heat, however. Parents, teachers , and administrators are under a great deal of pressure during testing season as well.
For parents
The STAAR Test is a stressful time for families. Parents can help ease the test anxiety by telling their children that, like any assessment, these tests are simply one measure of proficiency. They are not indicative of a person’s overall intelligence or ability, the score should not define children’s perception of themselves.
Plan some after school activities that allow children to expel any pent up energy. Since testing schedules can mean long, stagnant periods of sitting and focusing on a screen, parents will want to consider outdoor activities that allow kids to socialize, stretch their legs, get some fresh air, and utilize creativity. This could mean visiting an obstacle course or park, decorating the driveway with sidewalk chalk, setting up a scavenger hunt, or taking the dog for a walk around the neighborhood.
Help prepare children to be in tip-top test taking shape by setting them up for success at home. This means planning to eat a healthy dinner, encouraging a regular bedtime, and suggesting comfortable layered clothing in case the classroom is a little cold or too warm.
Ask the school about accommodations, if your child has them, that will or not be provided, as well as any other concerns:
Will children with IEPs and 504 plans be provided with their usual testing accommodations?
Will classes be testing by homeroom, English class, or math class, etc.?
What will the whole school schedule look like?
Will classes continue with instruction as usual?
Will students still see all of their classes/teachers?
Should students expect to have homework or other assignments during the testing week?
Are students permitted to bring water bottles, snacks, or have bathroom breaks as needed?
Test anxiety is a growing concern for students as it can negatively impact student performance. The good news is mindfulness helps calm everyone down about the process of testing. Instead of worrying about the STAAR test, being present for them enhances students’ chances for success. Asking students to take three deep breaths before a spelling quiz every week prepares them to do the same before taking tests for which the stakes are higher.
Even small, mindful actions will help students. Students can put their hands on their bellies and observe their bellies getting bigger when breathing in and getting small when breathing out. Or they might notice the shoulders rising with each in breath and falling with each out breath. Tying the movement of the breath to the body can help students anchor their minds when they feel anxious. Paying attention to the breath stimulates the “rest and digest,” calming part of the autonomic nervous system and bringing the body into a state of calamity.
Seniors!!
Apply for the HEF Scholarship Online!
Link is below:
College Meningitis Vaccination Drives
McCollum High School - May 20
STEM is partnering with their home campuses.
If you have any questions, please see your campus nurse.
Use Music to Calm Down - from San Antonio Mobile Mental Awareness Collaborative
If you want your mind and body to last, you've got to give it a break. Studies show music is a great tool for relaxing.
Below is the list of the Top 10 most relaxing songs, which you can find together as a playlist on Spotify. This is from a pretty well-known study out of the UK. Click here to read an article from INC.com that references it, but there are lots of references to this online.
Most Relaxing Music:
10.“We Can Fly” by Rue du Soleil (Cafe del Mar)
9. “Canzonetta Sull’aria” by Mozart
8. “Someone Like You” by Adele
7. “Pure Shores” by All Saints
6. “Please Don’t Go” by Barcelona
5. “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay
4. “Watermark” by Enya
3. “Mellowmaniac (Chill Out Mix)” by DJ Shah
2. “Electra” by Airstream
1. “Weightless” by Marconi Union
from San Antonio Mobile Mental Awareness Collaborative
You don't need to worry that the school year coming to an end soon. The Collaborative will continue offering services, including counseling, over the summer through virtual options.
Don't hesitate to refer or request services now. Click Below!
Elementary Counselors & Social Workers
Adams - Counselor, Sheila Harper Penn 989-2806; Social Worker Melissa Trevino Butler 989-2816
Bellaire - Counselor, Jan Morrish 989-2860; Social Worker Danielle Cooper 989-2859
Carroll Bell - Counselor, Kimberly Salinas 989-2909; Social Worker Wilma Gibson 989-2910
Collier - Counselor, William Howell 989-2961; Social Worker Jackie Ornelas 989-2953
Columbia Heights - Counselor, Bryna Cardenas 989-3014; Social Worker Ellen Parker 989-3011
Gilbert - Counselor, Judy Pfeifer 989-3059; Social Worker Jennifer Montes 989-3056
Gillette - Counselor, Jennifer Cobb 989-3107; Social Worker Irene Perales 989-3105
Morrill - Counselor, Andrea Salinas 989-3156; Social Worker Jennifer Anzaldua 989-3155
Rayburn - Counselor, Eloisa Rodriguez 989-3209; Social Worker Ellen Ray 989-3205
Schulze - Counselor, Roxane Lopez 989-3262; Social Worker Melissa Brown (Cruz) 989-3254
Wietzel Center - Social Worker, Lauren Guiterrez 989-3280
Stonewall Flanders - Counselor, Joseph Manjarrez 989-3316; Social Worker, Catherine Joseph 989-3306
Vestal - Counselor, Delia Reyna 989-3357; Social Worker, Sue Carey 989-3353
Wright - Counselor, Garnell Harris 989-3406; Social Worker, Kelly Welch 989-3404
Middle School Counselors & Social Workers
HMS - Counselors, Jesse Sisnero 989-2032; Jeffrey Martinez 989-2034;
Maricela Sanchez 989-2033
Social Worker - Michael Brooks 989-2016
KMS - Counselors, JoAnna Lujan 989-2209; Jeanine Nepveux 989-2217;
Social Worker Jacqueline Smith 989-2222
LMS- Counselors, Julie Merrill 989-2419; James Kappmeyer 989-2421;
Rae-Ellen Navarro 989-2423; Social Worker Becky Gonzalez 989-2420
TWMS - Counselors, Jennifer Garza 989-2612; Mayra Reyes 989-2610;
Social Worker, Tara Sneed 989-2613
High School Counselors & Social Workers
Harlandale - Counselors, Luis Nieto 989-1041; Elaine Alicea 989-1044;
Sara P. Caywood 989-1046; Christina Montoya 989-1047; Adriana Renteria 989-1048;
Graciela Gill 989-1045
Social Worker, Michael Bustos 989-1049
McCollum - Counselors, Theresa Jimenez 989-1541; Megan Preece 989-1545;
Nicolette Douglas 989 -1544; Valerie Martinez 989-1546; Gabrielle Wertz 989-1547;
Jaime Zimmerlee 989-1548; Social Worker, Henry Bernal 989-1549
Harlandale Alt Center - Counselor, Lori Hernandez Leija 989-5209;
Social Worker, Rene Blakeney 989-5213
Tejeda Academy - Counselor, Bubba Adams 989-4906;
Social Worker, Yadira Garcia 989-4914
STEM - Counselors, Denise Flores 989-3507; Lillie Christensen 989-3515; Social Worker, Israel Mota 989-5213
Student Support Services
Coordinator: Deborah Hernandez 989-4378; deborah.hernandez@myhisd.net
SOSA Parent Ed Building
Social Worker Facilitator: Brian Jaklich 989-4496; brian.jaklich@myhisd.net