The Counseling Corner
Duncanville ISD Counseling Department Newsletter
November 2021
Dear Duncanville ISD Families,
Wow! Thank you for your continual support of the social and emotional well being of every student in Duncanville ISD. In October each campus in Duncanville took time to celebrate and encourage students to be, "Drug Free" and to stand united against "Bullying". Campus counselors, teachers and administrators work tirelessly to ensure each child has a voice, safe place and feels accepted for who they are.
As we move into November lets remember to show gratitude for all things past, present and future, as we work together to make Duncanville ISD students the best future citizens the world has ever seen. Thank you for making kindness, acceptance and inclusion the Duncanville way to be.
Sincerely,
Duncanville ISD Counseling Department
Hardin Intermediate SEL Spotlight
The Duncanville ISD Counseling Department has the mental well-being of students and staff in mind. This Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) spotlight highlights Dianney Villegas, a 6th grader at Hardin Intermediate. Dianney explains tips she personally uses when taking a test in hopes of helping other students.
If students are in need of backpacks, school supplies, clothes, or food, we have it! Our Panther Pantry is stocked, and we can provide students with the necessary resources they need. If you know a student/family in need of basic resources, please reach out to our social workers.
Elementary & Intermediate Schools:
Alternative, Middle, & High Schools:
5 Ways to Bring Social Emotional Learning Home
1. Take care of yourself even when if feels as if it is the last thing you can do right now: As parents, you have to take care of your own social emotion needs before you can take care of your children's.
2. Establish Routines Intentionally: Create a daily routine of 10min of social emotional learning that you can stick to.
3.Presence is Not the Same as Being Present: Be intentional about when you’re connecting with children and when you are working. Set daily times for playing together, reading books or singing songs.
4. Practice Active Listening:Do not assume that you know exactly what your child is feeling or is afraid of. Ask questions, listen actively and model eye contact, and then explain what you can in response to their questions.
5. Help Your Child Express and Name Emotions: If children are struggling to identify their feelings, ask them to express it through drawing, a facial expression, or through a movement in their body.
World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. The purpose of this day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations.
Panorama Survey
October 25-November 12
All Duncanville students in grades 3-12 will complete an online confidential survey at school. We are asking that all of our students participate in the surveys, as their responses will provide invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve and adapt our district to better meet their needs. If you have any questions about the SEL survey, please contact your child’s counselor.
Parent University
SEL(Social & Emotional Learning) supports for families
December 7th
Come learn more about SEL and receive valuable tools you can apply with your student at home.
6-7pm
Location TBD
Tips to Foster Gratitude
- Keep a journal of or in some way note big and little joys of daily life.
- Write down "three good things"—identify three things that have gone well for you and identify the cause.
- Write thank-you notes to others.
- Think about people who have inspired you and what about them was most significant.
- Engage in "mental subtraction." Imagine what your life would be like if some positive event had not occurred.
The Invisible String
Author: Patrice Karst
Published: 2000
The Invisible String delivers a compelling message in today's uncertain times that though we may be separated from the ones we care for, whether through anger, or distance or even death, love is the unending connection that is never lost and we are never alone.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: The mission of the Duncanville ISD Counseling Department is to reach the hearts of students everyday so they can be their best selves.
Vision: The vision of the Duncanville ISD Counseling Department is to graduate all students with a clear post-secondary plan, and the social-emotional skills to succeed in a competitive environment.
Website: https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/departments/counseling
Location: Duncanville, TX, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DvilleCounseling
Twitter: @DvilleISDCS