Counselor's Corner
by Mrs. O
PurposeFull Practice: Kindness, Lesson 3
Dear McKinley Family,
With all of the love, candy, and fun in the air; this was a fast, furious, and somewhat interesting week. I was personally reminded that it is important to teach students that even if we are kindhearted, it is important to have clear boundaries and to be consciously and purposefully assertive at times. For instance, during a lesson this week I reminded a student that his words were not kind. Unfortunately, he restated his unkind words and then a peer copied him. Although I recognized that this was "attention seeking" behavior, I kindly and mindfully decided to create a teachable moment and withdraw my energy from the classroom. I let all of the children know that I was choosing to leave, as this behavior didn't feel kind and I had already used my Kelso's Choice of asking the student to not be unkind twice. Walking away from an unkind situation is another Kelso's Choice that I utilized in response to the unkind words. Believe me, this was not an easy decision to make on my part: I LOVE being in the classrooms, presenting, and connecting with our wonderful students -and it hurt my heart to walk away. *I've included Kelso's Choices at the end of this newsletter.
Long story short, the outcome was everything I had hoped it would be. The teacher, who is amazing, had a follow up conversation/debrief with the students; they created the most adorable and heartfelt notes; and (as a presenter) I was able to model a healthy and appropriate response to undesired behaviors. The next day I popped into the classroom, and had a beautiful exchange with the students: I let them know that I was never angry at any of them, I felt sad to leave, and reiterated that even adults can and should use Kelso's Choices.
On another note, if I was in your student's class this week and completed my full lesson; I discussed Stranger Danger. I know, this seems odd considering our PurposeFull Practice is Kindness this month. So, here's my line of thinking: We have taught our children about Empathy, Respect, and Kindness this year- and they are Rocking It!!! Unfortunately, there are those who would take advantage of these attributes; so, alongside them it is important to follow up with a strong emphasis on Safety First. When I teach this part of my lesson, I always tell students, "We don't have to, and shouldn't, be afraid- we just need to be smart." Additionally, I iterate that they do not have to be respectful, kind, or empathetic to strangers who try to talk with them; and I strongly emphasize that strange adults should NEVER talk with them nor ask them for help. (Predator's often attempt to prey on the kindness of little ones, by saying that they need help looking for a lost puppy or such.). Anyhow, below you will find a wonderful read aloud about Stranger Danger. I encourage you to review it with your child/ren, and to create your own plans, code words, and expectations if needed.
Thank you for raising such incredible children, and for entrusting them to us. Everyday is a blessing.
Warmly and gratefully yours,
Mrs. O (Ormachea)
McKinley School Counselor
530-632-6687
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Overview of Resources:
****Family Connect and Create (FCC)- Rescheduled****
1. Definition of Kindness
2. Links to Parent Resource Letters (English and Spanish) re Kindness
3. Excellent Read Alouds- Never Ever Talk to Strangers and Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
From Last Week- In case you missed it: A Wrinkled Heart; 2 Videos- The Science of Kindness and Why Kindness? -Kids Speak Out About What Kindness is to Them; and Musical Video- Kindness by Juicebox
4. Mindfulness Practice: Kind Wishes and Kindness Meditation (New)
5. Families that Play Together, Stay Together: Information and Links to Local and County Events for Families.
6. McKinley Schoolwide Expectations Chant- Our students are doing so great at reciting this chant- make sure to ask them to demonstrate it for you.
* I also included Kelso's Choices and left up information about our Brain (the Wise Owl and Guard Dog) and Zones of Feelings/Regulation. Understanding that our thoughts impact our feelings, and our feelings can impact our behavior and choices; is important if we desire to be our best selves.
Family Connect and Create- Rescheduled Event
Connect and Create - Rescheduled
When: Tuesday February 24, 2022
*****Come when you can: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM*****
The project will likely take approximately 45 Minutes
Please RSVP at: https://forms.gle/KLhNLGU73tJCtsSt8
Where: Sycamore Library
What: Create Memories and a Sweet Craft Project
**Healthy snacks and a sweet treat provided
Who: Parents/Guardians and their Student/s
Bring: Yourself, your child/ren
1. Definition of Kindness
2. Links to Parent Resource Letter: Kindness (in English and Spanish)
3. Never Ever Talk to Strangers
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
A Wrinkled Heart -Read Aloud
The Science of Kindness
Why Be Kind? Kids Speak Out about What Kindness Means to Them
Kindness by Juicebox- Musical Video
4. Mindfulness Practice- Kind Wishes
Kindness Meditation- New
It's great for adults and kids alike. https://safesha.re/320m
5. Families that Play Together, Stay Together: Things to Do in Our County
FREE Art Supplies and Activity Ideas at the Gridley Library!!!
***You Don't Want to Miss This***
FREE Art Supplies and Activity Ideas
When Sat, March 12, 12pm – 1pm
Where Butte County Library, Gridley Branch, 299 Spruce St, Gridley, CA 95948, USA (map)- Community Resource Room; Gridley
Description Come get basic art supplies (paint, glue, paper, and more), activity ideas, and a premade resource kits. Open to all; no registration required. Families welcome. Community Resource Room at Butte County Library, Gridley Branch Parking Lot
SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO RAIN
Check it Out!!! Valley Oak Children's Services Newsletter- Activities and Resources for Families
AWANA Club, Gridley
When: Tuesday nights from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: First Baptist Church, Gridley
What: Handbook Time, Council Time, and Activity Time
Who: Children 3 years of age through grade 12
How: If you are interested, click on the link below for more
information.
More Fun at Our Own Gridley Library
After School Fun: Looking for a great way to spend an afternoon? Join your friends at the Gridley Library for awesome games, LEGO, crafts, and the best movies! Every week is a different activity! When: Tuesdays @ 3:00-5:00 PM Where: Gridley Library
Or
Li'l Bitties Storytime: If you are looking for a way to connect with other moms and dads of children 0-5, while participating in a brain-worthy and fun activity for your youngster; this may be your answer. What: Li’l Bitties is a Storytime for ages 0-5 When: Every Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Where: Gridley Library
Chico Creek Nature Center
Craft- Cinnamon Salt Ornaments
Chico Area Parks and Recreation Guide
6. Our McKinley School Expectation Chant
*Kelso's Choices
*Guard Dog and Wise Owl- Connecting Thoughts and Actions
*Zones of Emotion/Regulations
Mrs. Ormachea
Email: tormachea@gusd.org
Website: http://mckinley.gusd.org/Parent-Info/Counselors-Corner/index.html
Location: 1045 Sycamore St, Gridley, CA 95948
Phone: (530) 632-6687