Murnin Counselor Connection
December 2022
We hope you and your families enjoy the extra time together. Have a great holiday and we will see you in the new year! This month in guidance we will be focusing on interpersonal relationships: respecting and appreciating differences. Our 5th graders will be going over Middle School course selections as they prepare for their transition to 6th grade.
Mrs. Chadick and Mrs. Quisenberry
A BIG thank you!
Upcoming Events
Inclusive Schools Week: Dec. 5th-9th
Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) and Stetson & Associates, Inc., which is held each year during the first full week in December. Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors. The Week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.
This year, the theme is “Unity Within Our Community.” Join us in celebrating Inclusive Schools Week at Murnin Elementary!
To learn more about inclusive schools week click here.
5th Grade Middle School Information
Resources
Coping with Holiday Stress
As the fun of Halloween fades, the stress of the New Year begins!
According to Dorothy Cantor, Psy. D., “The anticipation of the holiday season begins with Christmas decorations going up around Halloween. It is no wonder that people who expect to have perfect holidays are set up for feeling stressed out over the holidays.”
Here are some signs, symptoms, coping strategies, and myths about holiday stress outlined. For additional information on holiday stress and the effects on family relationships, visit the American Psychological Associations website: http://helping.apa.org/family/holiday.html.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HOLIDAY STRESS
· irritability
· loss of sleep
· weight changes
· feeling tense (muscle aches, headaches)
· feeling overwhelmed
· feeling trapped in uncomfortable situations
· excessive worry and inability to concentrate
HOLIDAY STRESS BUSTERS
· Reassess and prioritize
· Delegate duties
· Don’t give in to the “gimmies” – set expectations for the kids (gifts, travel, decorations, etc.)
· Be realistic about relatives and know your own limitations
· Be flexible with time limits
· Set spending limits and stick to them
· Keep the traditions that mean the most and let go of the rest
· Don’t be afraid to cut corners on the things that don’t really matter to you or your kids
· Involve the entire family in the Holiday preparations
· Take time to stop and smell the poinsettias (what will you remember twenty years from now).
SIX MYTHS ABOUT STRESS
· Myth 1: Stress is the same for everybody
· Myth 2: Stress is always bad for you
· Myth 3: Stress is everywhere, so you can’t do anything about it
· Myth 4: The most popular techniques for reducing stress are the best ones
· Myth 5: No symptoms, no STRESS
· Myth 6: Only major symptoms of stress require attention
Murnin Parent Library
Connect With Us
Megan Chadick
Email: megan.chadick@nisd.net
Phone: 210-397-4576
Twitter: @m_chadick
Rebecca Quisenberry
Email: rebecca.quisenberry@nisd.net
Phone: 210-397-4575
Twitter: @counselorquiz