Counselor's Corner
Fall 2017
Dates to Remember
September 29-2hr Early Dismissal
October 1-27-Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
October 9th-College and Career Day
October 13 and 16th-3rd grade to UMD
October 23-27-Red Ribbon Week
October 23-4th grade to UMD
October 24-2nd grade to Montpelier Farms
October 31-PBIS Quarterly Incentive
November 3: 2hr Early Dismissal
November 10: No school for students/Parent Teacher Conferences
November 13: 2hr Early Dismissal
November 13-17: American Education Week
November 22-24: No School
Red Ribbon Week
Unity Day
College and Career Day
Welcome and Updates
September:
September was spent acclimating to the daily routine and our Mustang STAR rules. In guidance classes, students learned about my role as their counselor, how I can support them at school, and how schedule a meeting with me. We then dove into lessons on growth mindset, which teaches students that success is based on learning, persistence, and hard work. Additionally, failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask your student to explain growth mindset and provide examples of positive self talk. Resources to reinforce and support fostering a growth mindset in your student are provided below.
October:
We began October with the Kids Helping Kids canned food drive to benefit the National Capital Area Food Bank. In 3 weeks we collected over 700 food items to donate! Way to go Mustangs! Together we are making a difference in our community.
On October 9th, we hosted our annual College and Career Day with over 30 presenters representing a wide range of careers. Thank you to all the parents, family members, and community volunteers who made the day a success! Students were able to dress as they would for their future career. We had several sports players, teachers, doctors, vets, and even a president! Dream BIG Mustangs!
To supplement our College and Career Day, the 3rd and half of the 4th graders (the other half will visit in the spring) went on a college visit to the University of Maryland where they saw a model dorm room, visited iconic campus landmarks, and learned some Terp history and trivia. The weather was beautiful and the students enjoyed walking among and saying hello to the college students.
October was also National Bullying Prevention Month. PGCPS designated October 11 as Unity Day where we wore orange to show that we stand united against bullying. HHES was a sea of orange! Guidance lessons for grades 2 and 3 were focused on defining bullying and differentiating it from peer conflict, joking around, and one time thing/mean moment. Ask your student to give you and example of each and how they would respond.
Second grade students visited Montpelier Farms to learn about the career of farming and explore a working farm. We went on a hayride, pet animals, talked with a farmer, navigated a corn maze, and picked a unique pumpkin to take home. On the farm, students were introduced to the Legend of Spookley The Square Pumpkin. Bullying prevention lessons will continue in November where students will further explore the Legend of Spookley and learn his lesson of tolerance and acceptance.
Red Ribbon Week was celebrated during the 3rd week of the month. Staff and students dressed for the theme of each day, pledging to keep their mind and body healthy in order to reach their future goals.
We ended the month with our first quarter whole-school PBIS incentive. During the 40 minute incentive, students were able to participate in Lego building, extra recess, and a dance party. The next whole school incentive will be on February 2nd.
November
In guidance this month, 2nd and 3rd graders learned how to respond to bullying and the power of the upstander. Ask your student to name 4 actions of an upstander. Using the lessons learned from the books, The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Tacky the Penguin, students will be able to explain how diversity, tolerance, and acceptance relate to bullying and the importance of appreciating differences and being "uniquely you."
In 4th grade, students completed their Personal Education Plan (PEP) as required by all PGCPS students in 1st, 4th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grades. The purpose of the PEP is to engage students in reflecting on their academic strengths, interests, extracurricular activities, knowledge of post secondary options, and career interests. Students can use this information for goal setting and future planning. Ask your 4th grader to identify 1 personal and 1 academic goal from their PEP.
Students in 5th grade were introduced to precepts through a discussion of the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Students then wrote their own precept, which turned into a profoundly positive and inspiring bulletin board display. Wonder will be used throughout the year to discuss future guidance topics. Ask you 5th grader to share and explain their precept.
American Education Week was celebrated during the week of November 13-17. This week provides an opportunity for schools all across the nation to celebrate public education and all the individuals who are ensuring students receive a quality education. Students shared what they love about HHES on a banner on display by the library. This turned into another positive and encouraging display. There's NO place like Heather Hills!
What a wonderful start to the year! And it's only just begun!
Explore my website to learn more about my school counseling program and browse through the wealth of resources and information for parents...and students! Also, check out the monthly PG School's Mental Health Initiative Newsletter brought to you by the Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland by clicking the newsletter link.
Thank You to our Veterans!
University of Maryland College Visit
Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
A Special Note
Wishing you warmth and joy as we begin the holiday season.
I'm thankful you are a part of our HHES family!
Monique Bartley, School Counselor
Email: monique.bartley@pgcps.og
Website: http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/HHBartley
Location: 12605 Heming Lane, Bowie, MD, United States
Phone: 301-805-2730