The family unit is strengthened when uniting common activities are shared. When these activities are intentional and repeated on a regular basis they become rituals. A ritual has the elements of familiarity, knowing what to expect, participation of every member and promotes a sense of belonging that allows the child to feel safe. When the child has the expectation of a familiar ritual his/her self-esteem and self-worth rise as well. They also provide a Safe Place that will help manage difficult emotions and feelings. The four main components of building healthy and strong relationships (which leads to participation with rituals) are eye contact, touch, presence, and playfulness. The biggest transition for our students is from home to school and from school to home. One way you can help build strong and healthy relationships with your children is by greeting them when you pick them up from school. Put your cellphones on the side, look back when your child comes into the car, offer a smile, a side hug, or a simple acknowledgement with excitement to welcome them back from their school family into their home family. This transition fosters emotional safety and acceptance.

On a side note, as a Counselor, it is my job to keep each and every student safe at Benfer. As a parent it is of utmost importance to help keep each and every child safe during car rider pick up. How can we accomplish that? Please put your cell phones away. It is a cell phone free zone due to SAFETY for ALL of our students. When we are on our cell phones it is hard to be present at the moment and cars have moved forward when passing by with students. Please help keep ALL our children safe by pulling into the school with your cell phones tucked away and ready to smile and greet your children when they come into your car.

You can visit my website to find resources on how you can create rituals at home, and more: https://sites.google.com/kleinisd.net/counselorbenfer/home

Please feel free to reach out me at psalcedo1@kleinisd.net or by phone (832)484-5933.

Be Responsible

• Keep from parking in Bus zones
• Park only in visitor parking
• Be on time to pick up your child from the bus stop
• Communicate with the school if you are running late
• Put your cell phone away

Use Respect

• Early dismissal is before 2:45
• Regular dismissal time starts at 3:25
• No students can be picked up from the office during dismissal process
• Put your cell phone away

Stay Safe

• Stop when you see a bus parked with the stop sign out
• Wait patiently for your children to come out of the bus and cross street safely
• When dropping off your children and need to park, walk with them to cross the street safely
• Put your cell phone away

The Parent University initiative looks to empower families to actively participate in their student's education by engaging in meaningful partnerships with the schools and support the Klein ISD vision statement: "In Klein ISD every student enters with a promise, and exits with a purpose!" You can earn credits by attending various Parent University classes throughout the academic year at our school and even earn credit in district sponsored classes. Take a look at our upcoming events on the following website and join us to earn credits! Only acquire 5 credits to graduate from Parent University!

https://sites.google.com/kleinisd.net/parentuniversity/home