Counselor Connection
Durham Intermediate - September Edition
Welcome Back Dragons!
We want to take time this year to cultivate and deepen relationships and design opportunities where adults and students can connect, heal, and build their capacity to support each other. We understand that it's important to create safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments that promote all students’ social and emotional development. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Starting a new school year in uncertain times can bring many emotions, including anxiety. Anxiety is a common feeling of nervousness or worry. When those feelings stop your children from having fun or doing normal activities, they may need help reducing their anxiety.
How to Help
• Breathe. Practice calming breathing together by taking slow, deep breaths.
• Challenge negative or irrational thoughts by having your children ask themselves questions such as “What evidence is there that makes this thought true or not true?” or “If it did happen, what could I do to cope?”
• Plan. Help your children prioritize and break down tasks into smaller, doable steps.
• Be calm. Model confident and calm behavior for your children.
• Establish an at-home routine. Schedule time for homework, fun, meals, and a bedtime routine.
• Support a healthy lifestyle. Provide healthy meals and time for physical activity. Maintain an appropriate curfew so your children get enough sleep.
•Identify thoughts and name emotions. Describe to your children what you observe and ask in a clarifying manner if that is what is occurring. Asking if, rather than telling what, your children are feeling helps them develop a greater ability to name and tame their emotions. For example, “I see you frowning and not talking much. Are you feeling sad?”
•Communicate. Set aside time to talk one-on-one with your children. Connect emotionally by listening and giving eye contact. Validate concerns and avoid lecturing.
• Get help. Talk to teachers about any concerns you have about your children. If you are concerned your children have an anxiety disorder, talk with a counselor, doctor, therapist, or other mental health expert.
Durham Intermediate Counselors
- Understanding self and feelings.
- Developing coping skills.
- Guiding students to be leaders.
- Creating a safe and caring environment.
- Resolving conflicts effectively.
- Helping students make friends and feel a sense of community.
- Managing stress and/or anxiety.
- Serving as an advocate for students.
- Self-Referral
- Parent Referral
- Request of a Counselor
- Staff/Teacher Referral
Lindsey Kokenzie
Susan Hester
STOPit
How to Report an Incident via Web
- Click on this link and use your campus access code to make your report: STOPit
- Note: When using the online reporting system rather than the app, you will want to make note of the incident id and passcode. You will need these to follow up and receive a response. The browser will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity.
- Campus Access Code: DISdragons
STOPit is NOT intended to replace direct contact with counselors and administrators.We strongly encourage students to reach out to us directly with concerns.
Core Essential Trait for September: Initiative
How do you show initiative in school? Getting yourself involved in classroom discussions, asking and answering posed questions, putting forth extra effort into projects or homework, and making sure to engage in clubs and afterschool activities is a great way to show initiative in school.
DIS Counselors
lindsey.kokenzie@southlakecarroll.edu
Mrs. Hester 2021-2022 6th Grade Counselor
susan.hester@southlakecarroll.edu
Website: https://www.southlakecarroll.edu/Domain/13
Location: 801 Shady Oaks Drive, Southlake, TX, USA
Phone: 817-949-5300