News This Week

Last week I visited all of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms and we began our review of Skills for Learning and Empathy. Third graders practiced using focused attention and self-talk to listen carefully and follow directions. Fourth and fifth graders got a glimpse of the topics we will cover together this school year and we reviewed what empathy means and why it is important.

This week I visited all of the kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classrooms and we practiced focusing our attention to block out distractions, using self-talk to follow directions and to stay focused, and being assertive to ask for what we want or what we need.

Assistance with school supplies or clothing essentials

• If you are in need of assistance with school supplies or other essential items, please email me at desser@bcsd.org.

• Click here to access a list of resources available in Medina County, including food and housing

Other Resources

• Click here for a list of Counseling Agencies in the area

• Please click here to access my Applewood Counseling Program Brochure for details about what my role is at Applewood and our School Counseling Program.

School Counseling Intern

I’m excited to share that from now until Thanksgiving, I will have a school counseling intern working with me on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:30-3:30. Sara Zenczak is in her final semester of completing her Masters Degree in School Counseling. Mrs. Zenczak is also a teacher at Brunswick High School. During her time at Applewood, she will be teaching Classroom Guidance Lessons, facilitating lunch groups, and meeting individually with students. If you Do Not want your child to work with Mrs. Zenczak, please email me directly at desser@bcsoh.org.

Click Here to read more about Mrs. Zenczak

Individual Student Referrals

I work with individual students on an as needed basis. If you are interested in having me meet with your child, please click on the link below and complete the form. I will receive an emailed copy of the form and will plan on meeting with your child soon.

Thank you!

Request for my child to meet with Mrs. Esser

Classroom Guidance

Classroom Guidance Lessons are designed to reach all students in a meaningful way. Approximately 10 Classroom Guidance Lessons are taught in each classroom using the Second Step Curriculum, a research-based curriculum, that teaches students social and emotional skills to help them be successful in school.

There are five skill areas that will be covered throughout the school year:

1. Skills for Learning: Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork.

2. Empathy: Students learn to identify and understand their own and others’ feelings. Students also learn how to take another’s perspective and how to show compassion.

3. Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger.

4. Problem Solving: Students will learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.

5. Bullying: Students will learn how to Recognize, Report, and Refuse bullying. We will review and build on these skills every year.

Click here to learn more about the Second Step Program and enter the Activation Key below.

*Click on “Family Access” in the right column and enter the Activation Code below:

• Kindergarten-SSPK FAMI LY70 Look for Lessons under Home Link

• 1st Grade-SSP1 FAMI LY71 Look for Lessons under Home Link

• 2nd Grade-SSP1 FAMI LY72 Look for Lessons under Home Link

• 3rd Grade-SSP1 FAMI LY73 Look for Lessons under Home Link

• 4th Grade-SSP4 FAMI LY74 Look for Lessons under Home Link

• 5th Grade-SSP5 FAMI LY75 Look for Lessons under Home Link