Counselor Weekly Newsletter
Message from Hutto ISD Elem. Counselors-Week of March 30
We miss you guys!!!!!
District Counseling Information for Parents & District Staff
We understand that our students may feel additional stress and anxiety during this time of uncertainty, and we are committed to supporting the social and emotional needs of our students and families. Starting Monday, March 23rd, students or parents can request to speak with their school counselor by emailing their counselor. A list of email addresses is available at the bottom of this page.
School counselors will be available to respond to emails and appointments can be made to connect with a parent or student via phone if needed. Responses and appointments would occur during normal operating hours while schools remain closed.
****Email is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used in case of an emergency. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health emergency please call 911***
For latest updates, visit Hutto ISD Coronavirus Information Page.
In the event of a medical or mental health emergency, please do not email your school counselor.
The following is a list of resources available to you in an emergency:
Williamson County Mobile Outreach Team (MOT) @ 512-864-8277
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services @ 1-800-841-1255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 1-800-273-8255
911 or the nearest hospital emergency room if you can get there safely
For help accessing local community resources, please reference the following directory providers and local organizations:
Helping kids Understand Coronavirus (covid-19) and Talking to Them About It
Student Resource Guide About Coronavirus (english)
Guía de Recursos para Estudiantes Sobre Coronavirus
Supporting Children Who Are Worried About Corona Virus
¿Qué puedes hacer si te sientes preocupado?
What can I do if my child is feeling worried about Coronavirus?
Mindful Moments
Coping Skills
This will look different- It will not look the same and you need to give yourself permission to allow it to be different. The school structures are not in place, you may be multi-tasking household responsibilities, work responsibilities, and now schooling responsibilities. It is ok to breathe and redefine what it looks like for your own family life. Some families have shifted learning to the evening. Others have done small blocks a day. Involve your child. When do they feel most alert? Look for the times that they will be most focused so that they are successful in their work and you both avoid frustration.
1. Let the kids make some decisions- They are facing a new paradigm and uncertainty as well. Allow them to decide what to work on and when. Come to an agreement that once an activity is done, they can have some playtime.
2. Incorporate a schedule- Kids are already used to working within the schedule of the school, so this can make the transition easier. However, the schedule needs to fit your family life. This is a time when kids can sleep later or schooling can happen when you have breaks for work. Incorporate chores, when they will do their schoolwork, recess time and even bedtime. Again, make this work for your family. It will not look the same from household to household.
3. Take Breaks- Kids (even big kids) do not sit at a desk all day doing worksheets, math problems or writing. Have them work on an activity and then give them time to play. Imaginative play, reading a book, playing outside, can all be just as important for our children as completing the spelling.
4. Incorporate Recess- Send the kids outside to play! Getting fresh air and exercise is important and can help them be more focused when it is time to do their work. Taking a walk as a family can be fun and educational as well.
5. Take care of yourself- Set aside times for yourself to do something that fills you up. Listen to music, read, exercise, whatever is relaxing and enjoyable to you. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes, change things up, and be creative.
We are here for you and your family to help you navigate through this transition and new academic setting.
Social Emotional Learning Activities
Elementary Counseling Team
Jennifer Jennings-Hutto Elementary
Email: jennifer.jennings@huttoisd.net
Lawanda Epting, Student Services Team - lawanda.epting@huttoisd.net
Valerie Kozak-Cottonwood Creek Elementary
Denise Hartline-Howard Norman Elementary
Webpage:
Julie Steed, Student Services Team - julie.steed@huttoisd.net
Shannon Baker-Nadine Johnson Elementary
Eloy Paredes-Ray Elementary
Lacy Lovelace-Veterans Hill Elementary
Carla Salazar-Kerley Elementary
Lawanda Epting, Student Services Team - lawanda.epting@huttoisd.net