Counseling Corner
May 2022
Important Dates and Updates!
Hawk House: Thursday, May 19th 3:30-430PM
Any student 5th-8th grade invited to join for our end of the year celebration! Please sign up in room 302.
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 2nd-6th: Did you know it's teacher appreciation week? Encourage your child to thank a teacher- with their words, a written card, or even a hand made gift. Expressing gratitude scientifically releases dopamine and instills appreciation towards others.
Big Brothers Big Sisters info night: Does your child have a demonstrated need for an additional positive adult relationship/mentorship? Example needs could be single-parent homes, English as a second language homes, custodial grandparent arrangements, counselor recommendation etc. Nativity of Mary will be hosting an enrollment info night for families interested in enrolling in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Stay tuned for the date and location! Read more about the program here https://www.bbbskc.org/
Whole Child
As we wind down toward the end of the year, students in whole child, will be moving in to a space of reflection- reflecting on their school year, their growth, their challenges, and their goals for summer/the year to come!
Activities this month:
- "I am" reflective self-portrait
- 8th grade commencement celebration
- "Thriving guides" written for the grades below
- Time capsule/End of the year booklets
- Summer coping skills toolbox
- Mental Health Awareness Month- challenges and conversations!
Mental Health Awareness Month!
Use this time to pose intentional, meaningful questions about your child's mental health. Did you know that a child can begin to experience anxious feelings by 6 months of age? Anxious, worried, and depressive feelings are a normal part of development. However, when left unaddressed or suppressed, these feelings can develop in to a diagnosable mental health condition.
It is important as parents to separate mental health issues and identity. Instead of "My anxiety kid" or my "depressed daughter" try "My child is experiencing anxious feelings" or "my daughter is feeling depressed lately". When we separate our symptoms from our self, we are able to observe and become curious about these feelings rather than allowing them to take root in our identities. Children learn through "Co-regulation" which means if you want your child to be emotionally healthy, you must work toward being emotionally healthy!
SUMMER ART CLASSES!
Mid continent library is offering "Cartooning for kids" art classes- come learn the basics of sketching cartoon characters! Multiple class sessions/locations are available!
The library offers lots of free events/classes on their website under "events"
Summer Activities!
Screen Time
Earn your screen time
Self-Awareness and Self-Confidence building
Ask Ms. Pence
Please also refer to our website for resources that you might need. https://nativityofmary.org/resources
Aja Pence, LMSW
Email: apence@nativityofmary.org
Website: https://nativityofmary.org/school-counseling
Location: Nativity of Mary School, East 36th Terrace South, Independence, MO, USA
Phone: 8163530284
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076309893358