School Counselor's Corner
Parent Newsletter, September 2015
Washington Elementary School
Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!
New this school year is the Peace Model Project. The Peace Model Project is a three-year grant funded program from the U.S. Department of Education that has allowed the Caldwell/West Caldwell School District to expand the number of Counselors in the elementary schools. In each elementary school a School Counselor is based from The Bridge, Inc. and will be providing individual and group counseling, classroom lessons as well as support to school staff.
At Washington Elementary your School Counselor is Sady Horn.
GET TO KNOW YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR
I am very excited to be here at Washington Elementary! My name is Sady Horn and I am a licensed social worker with a strong background working with children and families. I received my BA in Psychology from the New College of Florida and I received my Master’s in Social Work from Smith College in Northampton, MA. I began working at The Bridge as an outpatient therapist for children, teens, adults, and couples. I am now happy to join the Washington Elementary team!
A few things about me: I love to read, travel, and spending time at the beach. I recently started learning French and chocolate is my favorite treat. I like to start my day with a short run at Brookdale Park with my dog (in the photo with me!).
Upcoming Events!
Week of Respect: October 5th - October 9th
Thursday Evenings with Tom Palermo - "Positive Parenting Strategies That Work!"
James Caldwell High School Library/Media Center
October 8th, October 15th, and October 29th 7:00pm - 8:30pm
*Flyers for event will be available at Open House*
TOM PALERMO PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES -THURSDAY'S, 7:00-8:30 PM Starting OCTOBER 8TH
Tom Palermo is a highly acclaimed speaker and Positive Parenting Coach. He is the author of Parenting…The Manual Your Child Should Have Come With and Jumping In Puddles: A Guide to Positive Parenting. His dynamic parenting seminars are filled with substantive, down-to-earth techniques that help parents identify behavioral challenges and employ positive solutions.
Why Kids Do What They Do & The 15 Minute Miracle -October 8th
Learn how kids think differently from adults – and how we unwittingly reinforce the behaviors we most despise. The basic principles of social learning are applied to everyday situations in the home. How do kids learn certain behaviors – and how can undesirable behaviors be changed? Parents will have the opportunity to engage in a reflection exercise to determine why certain conflicts and behaviors plague their home.
Stop the Yelling and Gain Cooperation - October 15th
In this engaging, interactive workshop, parents are taught how to observe and describe behaviors specifically and accurately. Learn how this skill will increase your effectiveness in obtaining cooperation, avoiding misunderstandings and providing a clear and powerful message when speaking to your children. Get tips on how to communicate clearly in “kid-speak”, while fostering a close bond with your children.
Changing Bad Behaviors For Good Ones & Ending Tantrums - October 29th
The focus of this session is how to teach to inappropriate behaviors. What do you do if your young person will not accept no, follow your rules or accept consequences? Tom will review a technique to replace your yelling with a teaching vehicle that can utilize consequences and instruct a desirable replacement behavior. Sound impossible? This technique can send a powerful message to your child that change is absolutely necessary – without employing the anger and conflict that injure child’s self-esteem and self-image.
CHILDREN THRIVE ON STRUCTURE
Children need routine, consistency, and order in their lives. They need to know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen. Establishing a routine at the beginning of the new school year will benefit your child's well-being. If there is going to be change, let them know ahead of time. Children thrive when they know what to expect and feel loved.
Here are some suggestions to establish a routine within your household.
- Wake your child up at the same time every school day and make sure they have a nutritious breakfast.
- Teach your child to pack their backpack the night before. Check materials with them before their backpack is packed.
- Set a consistent bed time each school night and keep it.
- Set a time for homework and provide a comfortable work space.
- Make time to talk with your child everyday about school in regards to their academics and socializing.
BEATING HOMEWORK HASSLES
CONTACT ME
email: shorn@cwcboe.org
phone: 973-228-8941 ext. 6615