Sycamore Elem. Counselor Connection

April 6, 2020

"All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors--in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver."

~Mr. Fred Rogers

Counselor Update

Dear SSES Family,

What a great few first weeks getting into the swing of a new challenge. Change can definitely bring a mix of emotions. Day to day or week to week our emotions can drastically change but recognizing them and making a plan to help yourself or someone else is key. Please remember you are not alone. Reach out if your student needs a little extra help. Not only this newsletter but the Canvas pages has many resources to help support you.


We've been given new Google phone numbers:

Amy Guerra 512-827-7282

Karey Carroll 512-827-7121


Some of our SSES families use and love Big Life Journal. Here's a pdf for indoor activities to keep everyone active. No printer needed. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eDvusVg3mIU2KsXmj18MgX00Rvr_zK1F


Please let your student(s) know that they are loved and missed. We look forward to seeing them all again soon.

Warmly,

Amy and Karey

Sample Schedule - Includes academic, self-care and active time.

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April SEL Focus


Habit 7 - Sharpen the Saw

SEL focus - Emotional Regulation

Counselor Care Class - Self-Awareness / Courage / Honesty


What is Self-Awareness? https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/self-awareness-social-emotional-learning/social-emotional-learning-video/#.XoqjzqhKjIU


Try the Linked Time Capsule. During this unprecedented time in our lives there is a lot we can learn about ourselves, our families and many others we interact with. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uPWInqAbGIG2oMFa3DJZEBBsr04Kcql4

Leader in Me

Leader in Me activities and suggestions.

https://www.leaderinme.org/family-resources/#section10

Zones of Regulation

Zones homepage, helping our students with remote learning.

Kelso's Corner

Conflict resolution. Students are familiar with the 9 ways to work out conflict resolution.

Free Educational Websites

Here are apps that make screen time a learning time:


  1. CodeMonkey: a game-based education program that teaches children to code. It comes with a membership fee, but there's a free 14-day trial that doesn't require a credit card.
  2. BrainPop: Fun, interactive, online learning across subject areas for children in kindergarten through middle school and ELL learning for all age groups. Free.
  3. Khan Academy: Online learning in math, science, and literacy for all age groups. Standards-aligned. Free.
  4. Scholastic Learn at Home: Interactive learning journeys for all ages. Currently 10 days of learning for grades Pre-K - 9th.

Tiger Totes

DS Tiger Totes saw a need in the community when they noticed students were saving their food to eat at a later time or share with a sibling. In 2012 a pilot program was started with 25 students. Today Tiger Totes helps more than 200 students. The program is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping our local DSISD families. They provide extra help for students including weekday snacks, weekend meals as well as holiday meals. Additionally our campus can help with personal items.


Can you help by donating funds? The program is funded through a grant and donations. If you can help please visit the DS Tiger Totes page: https://www.dstigertotes.org/


Is this a program you feel would benefit your student(s)? To qualify you must first qualify for the USDA free and/or reduced lunch program. Please contact us if you're interested in learning more. https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/472 Families can participate in free and/or reduced and Tiger Totes. Please message Amy Guerra if you have any questions.

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Mrs. Amy Guerra

Sycamore Springs has a full-time counselor, Amy Guerra. How can we help you during this time? Please send me an email or call my temporary Google # 512-827-7282. We look forward to being back in school and working with all of our students. #SycaMORE

Mrs. Karey Carroll

Karey Carroll is our part-time counselor that we share with RSES. Please send me an email or call my temporary Google # 512-827-7121 if there is something I can help with.