Counselor Connections
December 2023
Hello!
Wow! What a wonderful fall. Students have been in school for 3 months learning, growing, and connecting. The staff here at Smith Elementary did a marvelous job of creating a culture where everyone belongs and students feel safe and loved. I am proud to be a Smith Saber and am looking forward to the growth and development of students as we continue this school year.
Zones of Regulation
We introduced Zones of Regulation school-wide this year at Smith Elementary. Zones of regulation are four colored "zones" that describe our feeligs, energy, and emotions. Being able to identify our emotions helps us regulate our bodies so we can meet our goals and stay on task. This supports students' overall well-being.
Introducing the Four Zones
- Blue Zone: Sad • Bored • Tired • Sick.
- Green Zone: Happy • Focused • Calm • Proud.
- Yellow Zone: Worried • Frustrated • Silly • Excited.
- Red Zone: Overjoyed/Elated • Panicked • Angry • Terrified.
Lessons with Ms. Fred
I teach in every classroom once a week providing lessons on recognizing emotions, emotional regulation, problem-solving, friendship, and other topics that will help your child be successful at school.
Second Step is the Helena School District's approved curriculum that I utilize when I am in your child's classroom. "Second Step programs combine discussions with fun activities and family resources. The programs help children learn social-emotional skills such as responsible decision-making, working together to solve problems, managing strong emotions, and getting along with others. These skills can help children succeed academically and socially." - Second Step
More information about Second Step can be located using the following link:
Family Support
For all programs below, please contact the office or school counselor.
The Helena Food Share partners with schools across Helena to provide food packs each weekend for students in need. This service begins a few weeks after school starts and runs throughout the entire school year. The office and school counselor have the application for receiving food packs.
Stuff the Bus provides school supplies for those students in financial need.
The Helena Police Department provides running shoes for those students in financial hardship. This program runs throughout the school year. The office and school counselor have the application for running shoes.
Angel Fund provides vouchers for students to shop for school clothes. Applications will be available in October with 4 weeks for families to shop.
The Exchange Club provides snow boots and winter coats to students in financial need.
Confidentiality
Everything a student says in the counseling office is confidential UNLESS:
- Someone is hurting the student
- The student wants to hurt someone else
- The student wants to hurt themselves
"Under Montana law, if any school staff member has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, it remains that individual's obligation to see that the situation is reported to the Child Abuse Hotline." - dphhs.mt.gov
Reasons to see the Counselor
Students can see the counselor for any reason. Students themselves, families, or teachers may request an initial check-in with the school counselor. If a student joins a small group or receives regular one-on-one check-ins, the counselor will communicate with families.
Here are a few reasons for seeing the school counselor.
o Worried about something (school, family, work)
o Want help making choices or solving a problem
o Having trouble with another kid or adult
o Need help focusing in class
o Confused about something
o Big changes in their life
o Concerned about something overheard at school or home
o Saw somebody getting hurt
o Somebody is hurting student
o Feel like hurting themselves
o Want to help others