Counselor's Corner
by Mrs. O
PurposeFull Practice: Empathy, Introduction; and, Review of Courage, Respect, Responsibility, and Gratitude
Dear McKinley Family,
Welcome back to the Pond!!! As you likely noticed, I am sending this newsletter a tad earlier than usual. Additionally, I “purposefully” kept it short and sweet, so as to not have important details lost amidst a flurry of words.
Family Fun-
In case you missed it in my last newsletter, McKinley School is offering a Connect and Create opportunity for our families. Here are the details:
What: Create a Family Vision Board and/or Rejuvenate with A Beginner’s Breathwork and
Mindfulness Practice being offered by our own Jamie Crow.
When: Date: January 8, 2022 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: McKinley School (go to the Main Office)
**Please RSVP at:
**Unfortunately, we will have to cancel if participation is low.**
PurposeFull Practice-
This week we will review all PurposeFull Practices covered thus far; and I will introduce our new PurposeFull Practice: Empathy. I call this one our Super Power Practice, and for good reason. As we delve deeper into this amazing character trait, I hope its value and practice becomes intrinsic to our entire Mallard Family.
Wishing you and yours; a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed New Year.
Warmly and gratefully yours,
Mrs. O (Ormachea)
McKinley School Counselor
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Overview of Resources:
1. Definition of Empathy
2. Links to Parent Resource Letters (English and Spanish) re Empathy
3. Excellent Read Aloud- A Little Spot of Empathy
4. PurposeFull Practices, Review Activity- This would be a great activity for your entire family. This worksheet can help you explore the different practices (Courage, Respect, Responsibility, Gratitude, and Empathy) covered thus far, and reveal strengths and challenges of each family member.
5. Two Guided Dance Videos (Per Science: Dancing + Together = Health and Bonding), and Three Mindful Practices (these are super helpful if you have had a busy or stressful day, but I love doing them anytime).
6. Our McKinley Schoolwide Expectations Chant- I'm going to start handing out Duck Bucks to students who have it memorized.
7. Family Connect and Create- Upcoming events, Ideas, resources, and links.
1. Definition of Empathy
2. Links to Parent Resource Letter: Empathy (in English and Spanish)
3. A Little Spot of Empathy -Read Aloud
4. PurposeFull Practice Review Activity
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xx4r7rEy7X5sattecMeTn0Qii0qBIu1u/view?usp=sharing
5. Two Guided Dance Alongs, and 3 Mindfulness Practices
*If you like to know the "why" behind the "what"; make sure to check outThe Science of Dancing Together link (middle picture), for more information.
The Gingerbread Dance (The kids loved this one!)
The Science of Dancing Together
Synchronizing with others while dancing raises pain tolerance, and facilitates social bonding?
See the link below to learn more:
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0767
The Macarena (Fun for the entire family)
Destress with Mindfulness Practice
Breathing and Mindfulness- Great Visual
Bring it Down- Calming Meditation and Breathing
6. Our McKinley School Expectation Chant
7. Family Connect and Create
Family Connect and Create Day
Create a Family Vision Board with Principal Kemmis and other School Staff
and Rejuvenate and Reset with Breathwork/Mindfulness offered by Jaime Crow (see details-below).
Please RSVP at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9l4CnN8wGtJym533GH_PRlZRsYin-jhs7Pkj2GkLAgUoBYg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Saturday, Jan 8, 2022, 10:00 AM
McKinley Elementary School, Sycamore Street, Gridley, CA, USA
Family Breathwork and Mindfulness with Jamie Crow
Jamie is warm, calm, and centered; and will offer a safe environment for us to reconnect with, and gently reset ourselves, as we enter the new year.
*Please bring a bath towel or yoga mat
*Tea provided following lesson
Family Vision Board- Create and Connect
When Saturday, January 8,
Time 10:00 AM
Where McKinley School
Description Create a Family Vision Board that will help you to realize and discuss shared and individual interests, values, dreams, and goals; and to connect in a fun and meaningful way.
For Some Great Family Vision Board Ideas, Go To:
Ice Skating and Other Winter Activities in Paradise
Chico Ice Rink In the Plaza
Chico Rare Air- Trampoline Park
Chico Creek Nature Center
Craft- Cinnamon Salt Ornaments
Chico Area Parks and Recreation Guide
A Special Thank You to Our Wonderful Coffee Connection Parents (Mrs. Diana Velasquez, Ms. Justine Speegl, and Mrs. BreAnn Boyd); for Suggesting Many of the Above Family Resources and Ideas and Being Part of Our McKinley Family.
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