Counselor Connections
March 2024
Hello from Ms. Fred!
Problem Solving STEPs
In our Second Step lessons, we are learning about how to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. When a problem arises, we first need to use our calm down strategies to get out of the red, yellow, or blue zone and back into the green zone so that we can think of solutions to our problem. This requires using the calm down strategies we have learned and practiced throughout the year. Students will be working through these STEPs for problem solving and practicing them at school. Feel free to use these steps at home with your student and see if they can find safe, respectful, and reasonable solutions.
STEP
- S: Say the problem without blame (using words like "never" and "always" place blame)
- T: Think of solutions that are respectful, safe, and reasonable: no one gets hurt, everyone feels heard and seen, solutions can be reasonably achieved.
- E: Explore consequences. Consequences can be negative and positive.
- P: Pick a solution. Choose a solution that has the most positive consequences for all involved.
Influence of Families
Children are learning all the time. Their brains are wired to absorb information around them. While we traditionally see school as the place where students learn; home is the foundation of learning that schools build upon and one of the best environments for students to soak in new information. Less than 15% of a child's awake hours are spent at school with over 85% of their awake hours spent out of school and in their home environment. This gives families an amazing opportunity to support their child in their learning. Students with families that keep the learning going at home and not just at school usually see more success in their school environment. Here are a few fun ways to keep your child engaged in learning with you at home:
- Let your children see you reading books, magazines, newspapers, etc. and talk to your children about what you are reading.
- Have your child choose a book or article to read together and then talk about it.
- Include your children in your everyday activities: cooking dinner, laundry, and shopping are all excellent learning opportunities for kids.
- Help your child learn about your family's history. Learning about their past and family members will help children feel a sense of belonging while increasing their love of learning.
Families are indespensible when it comes to the learning of our students. The full potential of learning for our students is heavily dependant upon family influence.
(NAESP, 2004)
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