The December Counselor Courier
Your Monthly Message From the Elementary School Counselors
This Month's Focus
Classroom Guidance Lessons:
Digital Citizenship
Hippo Way Trait:
Caring and Compassion
Dear Families,
When I taught World Cultures, one of our units covered holidays around the world, and one main theme that popped up again and again was Light. From candles in a menorah to burning a yule log for the winter solstice, the idea of light is a common one around the world. And it's fitting, don't you think? Coming out of darkness into a time of renewal, shining brightly for all to see, not hiding under a bushel and all that... it's a wonderful way to mark the beginning of a new year.
Much like these major holiday celebrations, so, too, can we mark the idea of caring and compassion with spreading our own light to others. Children may get a bad rap for focusing too much on their own needs, but I'm here to tell you I have seen staggering moments of caring and compassion from even the littlest among us. This time of year is perfect for strengthening that desire to help others and continuing to spread kindness!
We will focus on that with students this month as we review digital citizenship in partnership with the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center. NetSmartz is a wonderful curriculum designed to teach children how to be safe AND kind online. Check out the NetSmartz website for more information, and please contact your campus counselor if you have any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in your child's education. We are, as always, humbled and grateful for the opportunity.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
The Elementary Counseling Team
Articles for Parents
Crafts and Activities
Hippo Way Spotlight
- Come With Me by Holly McGhee
- Hey, Little Ant by Phillip Hoose and Hannah Hoose
- Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox
- We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
- Emma and the Whale by Julie Case
- The Teddy Bear by David McPhail
- A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Stead
- Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
- The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern
- The Birdman by Veronika Charles
- Under the Lemon Moon by Edith Fine
- The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
- Loser by Jerry Spinelli
Have a Laugh!
Your Elementary Counselors
Shannon Baker, NJES
Denise Hartline, HNES
Valerie Kozak, CCES
Jennifer Jennings, HES
Lacy Lovelace, VHES
Eloy Paredes, RES
Student Services Team
Rebecca Heidt- HES, KES, HNES, NJES
Gabby Nanney- VHES, RES, CCES
Resources
In the event of a medical or mental health emergency, please do not email your school counselor.
The following is a list of resources available to you in an emergency:
Williamson County Mobile Outreach Team (MOT) @ 512-864-8277
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services @ 1-800-841-1255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 1-800-273-8255
911 or the nearest hospital emergency room if you can get there safely
For help accessing local community resources, please reference the following directory providers and local organizations:
NEW - FREE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING FOR TEXANS: Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.
*for more information visit Texas Health and Human Services website
For the most up to date HISD Covid-19 Information, click here.
For HISD Counseling Information for Parents & District Staff, click here