Counselor's Corner
-August 2023-
Welcome Back!
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
Welcome back to Porter! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer break. As we gear up for another exciting academic year, I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to both returning and new students and their families.
Here at Porter, we believe that the foundation of success lies in a supportive and nurturing learning environment. As your counselor, I am committed to providing every student with the necessary tools and resources to help them thrive emotionally, academically, and socially.
I am here to assist students with a range of challenges they might face during their elementary school journey. From academic support and goal-setting to navigating friendship dynamics and developing social skills. Being your counselor, I am here to lend a listening ear and guide our students towards positive solutions.
Throughout the school year, I work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and students to foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, I facilitate individual and group counseling sessions, and classroom guidance lessons that focus on essential life skills.
Our goals for the year include:
- Building strong emotional intelligence and resilience in our students
- Empowering students to effectively handle conflicts and challenges
- Cultivating a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected
- Enhancing communication and problem-solving skills
- Assisting students in setting and achieving academic and personal goals
If you have any concerns or questions regarding your child's social and emotional well-being, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to support you and our students!
I am looking forward to an incredible year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences. Together, we can make this a remarkable journey for your child. Here's to an outstanding school year ahead!
-Ms. J.
“If we give our children sound self-love, they will be able to deal with whatever life puts before them.” — Bell Hooks
Tips for getting kids ready for back-to-school
Whatever their age, many kids are apprehensive about starting school or going back to school. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to ease their minds and help them get ready for a new school year.
1. Early to bed, early to rise
Getting back into a school sleep schedule, won’t happen overnight! Before school starts, get your child into the habit of going to bed earlier. Gentle winding-down activities such as bath time and reading before bed can help your child relax.
2. Re-establish a routine
Establishing a consistent routine is important for kids. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. In the evening, this could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, having a bath, and reading before bed.
3. Encourage independence
Children who play an active role in preparing for back to school – such as choosing and organizing school supplies and new clothes – are more likely to get excited about going back to school, which in turn eases their jitters. Daily, age-appropriate tasks will help your child gain independence and confidence.
4. Limit screen time
Back to school is the perfect opportunity to re-establish screen time limits. Why not have the whole family “unplug” in the evenings before bedtime? Choose a spot where everybody can charge their devices overnight.
5. Talk about first-week jitters
Reassure your child that being nervous is natural – even for teachers. You can help your child cope with these feelings when you. Let them express their fears. Perhaps you can offer stories of your own first-day jitters when you were a child. Teach them to breathe deeply and slowly to calm their nerves. Discuss the scenarios that worry them. For example, if they’re worried about who to sit with or talk to on the first day, help them plan a strategy and rehearse it so they’ll know what to do.
6. Celebrate the start of a new school year
If you celebrate the first day of school, your kids will see back-to-school as a transition they can really enjoy. Take a picture on the front step in their first-day-of-school outfits to capture this special moment. It’s going to be a great year!
7. Include a note or draw a picture with your child's snack or lunch.
This is a special touch to let your child know you're thinking about them. You may want to make this a daily practice to help with the transition from summer to school. Use a sharpie so that the ice-pack doesn't smudge your words.
August Focus
During the month of August, the School Counseling Core Curriculum will focus on getting to know the roles and responsibilities of the school counselor. In addition, students will also receive a lesson that focuses on school wide expectations. Along with strategies and techniques used to encourage positive behavior and creating a productive learning environment at school.
Breathing Techniques
Practicing Mindfulness to Help Reduce Stress
There's a lot of research out there that suggests that taking a few minutes every morning to clear your mind and breathe deeply helps to reduce stress. Give this a try if you haven't already done so!
Lunch Time Activities
Counseling Services
- Classroom SEL Lessons
- Small Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- School Wide Activities
- Consultation with Staff and Families
Calming Strategies for Kids
Contact Ms. J.
Email: jaradd@fusd.net
Website: https://www.parentsquare.com/
Phone: 909-357-5320