OHT Counselors' Corner
Oak Hills Terrace ES Counseling Department Newsletter
September 2020
New School Year
Although "going to school" looks very different for most students (and parents) now, please know that your teachers and other staff members are here to help you. Thank you, parents and students, for all that you have done to navigate the technology that provides the platform for lessons.
Your counselors are a phone call (or email message) away. Call on us when you have a concern about your little one. A few words about our program:
We offer guidance lessons (in-person and virtually) throughout the year. These lessons benefit students emotionally, socially, and academically.
We offer one-on-one or small group activities for more-in-depth counseling under responsive services.
We offer individual planning to help students with behavior contracts or to help them when addressing academic or registration concerns.
We offer system support to maintain the goals of the counseling department and the needs of the campus.
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The State of Texas uses a 4-skill-goal model to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students. We address these skills goals throughout the year in our lessons:
INTRAPERSONAL: responsible behavior and positive self-concept
INTERPERSONAL: relationships with others and multi-cultural effectiveness
POST SECONDARY PLANNING AND CAREER READINESS: motivation to achieve in school
and careers
PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY: decision-making and problem-solving
Counseling Department Direct Lines:
Ms. Castillo: 210.397.0576
Mr. Koog: 210.397.0575
Hangin' with each other during Covid
Motivation
Anxiety
It is not unusual for a child to experience worry or fear about someone or something. Our children's responses to the COVID is certainly no exception. Occasionally a child may feel a sense of panic. It is unusual when children struggle with these feelings to the point that they interfere with everyday life. Please consider these signs/symptoms of anxiety in children:
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Inattention, poor focus
- Somatic symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches
- Avoidance
- Tantrums
- Crying
- Refusing to go to school
- Compulsive behaviors
- irrational fears
So what can we do?
1. Talk to children about their feelings.
2. Try not to reinforce fears.
3.. Model healthy ways of handling anxiety.
4.. Be positive.
5. Help the child set realistic expectations.
6.. Create a coping kit:
- close eyes
- breathe deeply and slowly
- count
- squeeze an object, or open/close fist
If you feel that your student's level of anxiety is atypical, call your school counselor @ 210.397.0575 and 210.397.0576.
Counseling in a small group setting
We are beginning to accept parent recommendations for those students who might benefit from small-group interactions. Some topics might include being new to San Antonio or to Oak Hills Terrace, anxiety, grief, anger. friendship, or social skill development. Please note: since the majority of small-group encounters this fall will be virtual, it is imperative that we maintain an environment of confidentiality during all sessions (wherever the digital session takes place).
Parents, if you would like your child to participate, please call your counselor.
Ms. Castillo (2nd, 4th): 210.397.0576
Mr. Koog (1st, 3rd, 5th): 210.397.0575
September is Suicide Prevention Month
The mental health of yourself or a loved one can never be taken too seriously. Individuals occasionally suffer from the plight of anxiety and/or depression, leading them to have thoughts of suicide ideation. Whether the weight of a long-term struggle or a crisis weighs you down, allow friends, family or a professional to lighten the burden by finding support. There is no shame in seeking help.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Individuals who demonstrate a risk of suicide may exhibit one or more of the following:
1. Behavior (isolating from family or friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say good-bye, withdrawing from activities, looking for ways to end life, increased use of drugs or alcohol. giving away prized possessions, fatigue, aggression)
2. Mood (depression, anxiety, loss of interest, irritability humiliation/shame, agitation/anger)
3. Talk (feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, wanting to die, feelings of being a burden or being trapped, feeling unbearable pain)
4. Environmental and other (presence of mental illness, history of suicide attempt, prolonged stress or living a stressful life)
Learning about suicide risk and prevention during the month of September is a great way to educate yourself and others. If you or someone you know needs emergency assistance, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Find more help at www.nami.org/Find-Support.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Mindfulness, one of the meeting components, is an opportunity to become more aware of one's environment. Individuals are asked to take a moment to simply STOP. They can spend time "being in the moment" by closing eyes. Take a breather, as it were.
The diagram below represents Northside's approach to conducting an inclusive meeting, incorporating the five stages.
Communities in Schools (CIS)
Oak Hills Terrace is excited to partner with Communities in Schools to help kids stay (and thrive) in schools.Whether students need glasses, tutoring, nutritious foods, or a safe place, our CIS coordinator works to find resources for Oak Hills Terrace students.
We can also anticipate that our students will be assisted by mentors, after-school programs, academic support, health screenings, and assemblies on various topics.
If you feel that your child might benefit from CIS services, please call 210.397.0567.
Northside Threads
If you would like to donate items, please drop off your clothing at the district office on Evers Rd., at Student Services on Grissom Rd., the Athletic Center at the Ferris Complex on Hwy 1604, or at NAC on Culebra Rd.
Helpful Links
New to the Owl Nest
Mrs. Janik
My name is Stephanie Janik and I am honored to serve as the Vice Principal. Prior to joining the amazing OHT community, I was a 5th grade teacher for five years, a math specialist for 6 years and an administrator intern for about a year. In 2005, I received my undergraduate degree from Boston College where I double majored in Elementary Education and Human Development. I graduated the following year with my Masters Degree in Special Education. I have been married for 11 years and am the mom of three girls (ages, 9, 6 and 1).
I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, staff and community.
Mr. Hammond
I am married and have 3.5- years-old twin boys who mean everything to my wife and me. My wife, Rosa, is also an NISD teacher!
Ms. Rivera
Hi there! My name is Alyssa Rivera, your CIS Site Coordinator. I have a double masters in sociology and social work from TAMUK and UTSA. My experience includes providing individual and group counseling services focusing on career development, academic achievement, social behavior, and mental health. Outside of the office I enjoy attending music festivals and trying new recipes. My goals are to travel and become a certified play therapist. I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to OHT.
Mrs. Strozier-Howard
Ms. Castillo
Mrs. Leal
For the past 10 years, Mrs. Leal has served as a Learning Tree activities specialist at Villarreal ES. She arrives at Oak Hills Terrace as an Instructional Assistant in the Pre-Kinder program.
Ms. Palmgren
Our Owls are OWLsome!
Lining Up
Teaming
Meet the Teacher
Having a Zoomin'-Good Time
ALE Students' First Day
Food Bank
Guidance
The Brave Little One
A House for Hermit Crab
Walter Was Worried
Worry Says What?
Pete the Cat
There Might be Lobsters
Dates to Remember
7 Labor Day (school holiday)
8 In-person student Instruction, Phase 1
8 General PTA meeting (virtual, 6:00-7:00 p.m.)
30 College spirit shirt day
Contact Us
https://sites.google.com/a/nisd.net/oskhillsterrace-koogt/parent-links