Columbia Central Counselor Corner
Our smore will provide counseling updates for each building.
December 2020
Mrs. Diefenthaler, Mrs. Caryl, Mrs. Schatzle & Mrs. Phelps
High School Updates: Wendy Diefenthaler
Cat
Mrs. Diefenthaler
Dallas
Columbia Central High School
Academic Awards Night: Letters were sent out to 170 sophomores, juniors and seniors that have received an Academic Award by caring a 3.0 GPA thought their high school career. Out of those 170 students, 18 of them have a 4.0 or above GPA! We are still working on a video to email all of the parents. Once we return to in person learning, you may stop into my office and pick up your award! Congratulations
College Acceptance and Award Letters are starting to roll in! This is always an exciting and sometimes confusing time of year. Be sure to review these letters carefully. If you need help figuring out exactly what the college is offering you please reach out to Mary or myself and we will be happy to explain all the in's and out's of those letters.
Scholarship Applications: Check out my Weebly for a list of scholarships. I am updating this as quickly as I can. Remember, NEVER pay for a scholarship search! They are scams!! wdiefenthaler.weebly.com
SAT Scores are in! Check out your College Board Account to see how you did. I will be adding the scores to your transcripts and then resending them out to your colleges once first semester grades are posted in January!
College Classes and Technical Certificates are available through our Jackson County Early College Program. If you are interested in starting your two year college degree early or are looking for a technical certificate I can help get you started. Sophomores and Freshman can get signed up any time. Stop in and see me about applying for this program
Wendy.diefenthaler@myeagles.org
517-593-6634
Junior High School Updates: Storm Caryl
Connect with the Counselor
Email: storm.caryl@myeagles.org
Website: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/Njg5OTE3Mjk1MzJa
Location: 11775 Hewitt Road, Brooklyn, MI, USA
Phone: 517-769-8613
Small groups will be starting in January
I am starting groups for 7th grade in early January. Small groups are a way for students to meet their academic, social/emotional and career needs. We will be discussing a range of topics, but will focus on stress management and coping skills.
Permission slips will be sent out soon.
Weekly Affirmations
Counselor Closet: If you need anything please let me know!
Supplies
Hygiene
Clothes
Male shirts, sweaters, tanks, sweatshirts, sweat pants, jeans, shorts, underwear, socks and shoes.
All for you to take if you need it!
Upper Elementary Updates: Krista Schatzle
Tips for Distance Learning!
1. Set up a Daily Schedule-Write it out so your child can see it. They may even help you create it. Include their teachers schedule so you have the zoom meeting times as well. Be sure to have built in breaks and make sure the day ends about the same time as an in-person school day.
2. Set up a Work Space-Provide a space in your home for each child. It should be well lit and comfortable. It should be away from distractions, such as the tv and places where people tend to gather. I would suggest it not be in their bedroom. Let that be where they can get away for a break. This space should be stocked with all the materials they will need, pencils, paper, coloring materials, etc.
3.Over communicate-Our teachers are working hard to help the students be successful in distance learning. They are very willing to work with you and answer any questions you may have about your child's assignments. Also let your child's teacher know if any concerns arise. Please note: Please respect their time and ask during school hours and please realize, this is difficult for everyone, including teachers so when asking questions or sharing concerns, please be respectful and open-minded. They are more than willing to work with you.
4. Take Frequent Breaks-Breaks are built into your child's school day when learning in person so build them into the schedule while learning from home. Take a break with them, if possible, to talk about things other than school.
5. Hold your child accountable-Your teacher is, so should you! The teachers understand how hard it is to juggle work and distance learning as many are doing it themselves. Don't be afraid to provide consequences for your child if they choose not to do assignments or attend lessons via zoom. They have to have responsibility in their own learning. Taking away tv time, phone time or video games is completely reasonable.
I hope these tips are helpful for both you and your child and makes distance learning a bit easier. With luck, we will be back learning in person soon.
As always, if needed, you can reach me at 592-2181, (ask for Mrs. Schatzle), or through email: krista.schatzle@myeagles.org.
I am always happy to help!
Monthly Mindfulness Tip:
Grateful Journal Prompts
This is the time of the year to think about all we have to be Thankful! Here are some prompts for journal writing or to talk about:
Name two people you are grateful for
Think of a fun trip you took or are going to take
Think of your favorite birthday gift
Name a game or activity you like to play or do
Name a friend you like and the reasons why
Think of something good that happened this week
Name a kind act someone did for you or you did for someone else
Lower Elementary Updates: Ashley Phelps
Self-Care
Mrs. Phelps
Hobby
HELLO LITTLE EAGLES!!
Please do not hesitate to reach out if your student or family is in need of support as we navigate distance learning!
You can reach me by email: ashley.phelps@myeagles.org or by calling 517-769-8557, feel free to leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I am available.
Monthly Family Wellness - Ways to fill your family time at home!
As we all spend more time at home this month it is a perfect time to enjoy and appreciate the extra time together. Have conversations with one another on what you have to be thankful for all year round and during the holiday season.
8 Family activities to try at home:
1. Bake or cook together - Since you are at home and having to cook a lot, it is the perfect opportunity to include other family members in the process. Try new recipes together, take turns cooking, or teach the little ones old family recipes.
2. Exercise together - When it is nice, get outside and go for a walk or build a snowman. On colder days enjoy online videos like GoNoodle or Cosmic Kids Yoga together!
3. Read & Listen to audio-books - There are so many benefits to reading for all members of the family. Read to each other or listen to all the audio books available online.
4. Have a family movie night - Take turns picking the movie, gather some goodies to munch on and enjoy a favorite movie together.
5. Play games online with extended family - Schedule a visit via Zoom or Skype with friends and extended family and play a game like Pictionary or share all the phone things you are getting to do at home.
6. Arts & Crafts - Pull out the art supplies or even random things laying around to create a fun masterpiece together.
7. Play board games - It’s a nice break from technology and is a great way to interact and have fun together.
8. Try indoor camping - Mimic a night under the stars with sleeping bags in the living room, smores in the microwave and bedtime stories with a flashlight.
9. Holiday traditions- Create a new family tradition together! Build a ginger bread house, sing Christmas carols, bake and decorate cookies, create ornaments together, donate to a shelter or drive around enjoying Christmas lights together.
Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Resource List
Mental Health Resource List
The following document provides a list of different mental health resources available in our surrounding area. If immediate danger is suspected please call 911. For additional guidance and support, our district counselors are available through school email.
Storm Caryl-School Counselor, storm.caryl@myeagles.org
Google Classroom Code-yae3e5f
Wendy Diefenthaler-School Counselor, wendy.diefenthaler@myeagles.org
Junior High Google Classroom Code-ynrnyw6
9th grade Google Classroom Code-amyhajq
10th grade Google Classroom Code-7hkpnik
11th grade Google Classroom Code-evjnhgw
12th grade Google Classroom Code-uppsfma
211
Dial 2-1-1 for immediate access to over 2,000 services available to Jackson County Residents. When you call you are connected to a trained Information and Referral Specialist who can discuss your needs and give you the information and/or referrals you need to find what you are looking for. There is an online directory of available resources as well on the website listed above.
Okay2Say
Michigan.gov/okay2say/
A student safety program that allows students to confidentially report potential harm or criminal activity directed at school students, school staff and schools. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can submit tips through phone, email, text message, mobile app or Okay2Say website.
Community Action Agency Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties
1214 Greenwood Ave. Jackson, MI. 49203
400 W. South St. Adrian, MI. 49221
55 Barnard St. Hillsdale, MI. 49242
517-784-4800
517-263-7861
517-437-3346
Services: Education, Economic Self-Sufficiency, Housing, Health & Nutrition, and Community Development.
LifeWays CMH
1200 North West Ave. Jackson, MI. 49202
25 Care Drive Hillsdale, MI. 49242
517-789-1200
517-439-2641
Behavioral Health Services in areas such as severe mental issues, intellectual/developmental disability, substance use disorder, and co-occurring disorders.
Family Service & Children's Aid
330 W. Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI. 49201
517-787-7920
Born Free: Counseling & treatment for females (ages 14+) 12-step recovery program into daily life; Intro to Alcoholics & Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon; Families & Schools Together: families attend an 8-week group focusing on family bonding, communication, discipline and nurturing; Other services by referral only: drug screening, counseling (group & individual), First Time Offenders Program, and Breakout Drug Free Education Program in schools (6-12th grade); Child abuse and neglect educational presentations
Lenawee County Community Mental Health
517-263-8905
Behavioral Health Services in areas such as severe mental issues, intellectual/developmental disability, substance use disorder, and co-occurring disorders.
LJ Gallagher PsyD and Associates PLLC
451 Marshall Street
Brooklyn, MI 49230
(517) 414-0697
A Healing Place, LLC
207/209 First St. Jackson, MI. 49201
1218 Greenwood Ave. Jackson, MI. 49201
517-998-4673
Services: Individual Psychotherapy, Psychological Testing, Children/Adolescent Therapy, Family Counseling, Couples Counseling and Group Therapy for Eating Disorders.
Accepted Insurances (Varies by Therapist): BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, HAP, Aetna, Cofinity, PCN/PHP, JHN, Medicare, Magellan, Meridian