Discovery Counselor's Corner
Miss Owens - January 23, 2024
Kindness Week: February 12th-15th
Attention Families of 5th Grade Students!
Pathways Middle School is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Pathways is a public middle school within West Ada that offers a smaller environment for students to learn. Pathways is a great option for students who feel lost in the crowd or may feel overwhelmed with traditional middle schools. These students may find it difficult to stay organized, stay caught up, or simply feel that traditional middle schools are too big for them to get connected. Applications can be found at https://www.westada.org/o/pathways and submitted to Miss Owens once they are complete.
Classroom Lessons
In addition to the Zones, students in 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade will receive lessons on Personal Safety. Personal Safety classes have been taught by school counselors in West Ada for over 20 years. The purpose of the lessons is to teach students ways to recognize, report, and refuse unsafe situations. A letter will be sent home prior to the first lesson which can be signed and returned to the school if you would like your student to opt out of the lessons.
December Lessons
1st Grade: Zones of Regulation
5th Grade: Personal Safety
All Students: Regulation Station Episode 5
If you would like further information about Personal Safety or the Zones of Regulation, please contact Miss Owens.
Friendship Friday
Twice a month, I will be meeting with different groups of students for Friendship Friday during lunch. Groups will consist of 4-6 students, and we will all eat lunch together and play games in my office. This is not an intervention or support group, therefore there will not be a specific curriculum or skills taught during this time. This program is meant to provide students the opportunity to meet peers from different classes and get to know each other.
This program may not be suitable for all students because there will not be direct teaching of skills. Friendship Friday is a great opportunity for new students or kids that struggle to find the confidence to make new friends. That said, please reach out to me if you think your child would benefit from connecting with new friends!
Parent Learning Opportunity
In our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our students, we are excited to invite you to a special event focused on mental health awareness. Your attendance and support are invaluable as we come together to discuss how we can collectively foster the mental health of the youth in our lives.
Event Details:
- Date: February 8th
- Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Location: Meridian Middle School Library
This event aims to provide valuable insights and resources to empower you in supporting the mental health of our students. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and by coming together as a community, we can create an environment that promotes understanding, empathy, and resilience.
Key Topics Covered:
- Understanding Mental Health Challenges Faced by Students
- Building a Supportive Environment at Home and in the Community
- Identifying Signs of Mental Health Struggles
- Accessing Resources for Mental Health Support
- Nurturing Open Conversations About Mental Health
We believe that by raising awareness and fostering a supportive community, we can contribute to the well-being of our youth. We encourage you to mark your calendars for February 8th and join us in this important conversation. Your presence is not only appreciated but essential in creating a community that prioritizes the lives and mental health of our students.
Boise State's Engineering and Science Festival
Boise State's College of Engineering is hosting the 17th Annual Engineering and Science Festival on February 3rd from 10am-3pm. This free event will have tons of hands-on activities for students of all ages. Visit their website for more information or register here: Online Registration - Micron Student Success Center (boisestate.edu)
Saturday, Feb 3, 2024, 10:00 AM
Boise State University, West University Drive, Boise, ID, USA
District Art Show
The district's annual artwork project is now underway for the District Art Show. This year's theme is "Nature's Beauty." All students are encouraged to submit one piece of artwork to their home school. Submissions are due by February 15th and must include the attached Student Artwork Submission Form. One piece of artwork will be selected to represent Discovery Elementary at an art show and reception on Thursday, April 18th. See below for more information, requirements, and the submission form.
Updated Email Policy
To enhance security against phishing emails, the District has implemented a new email policy. As of Friday, January 12, IT began to automatically block emails sent from non-district email addresses to district email accounts that do not contain a subject line. Emails containing the EML (email message) file format are also now being blocked.
If you are reaching out to a teacher or other staff member, it is important that you include a subject line to ensure that your message is not blocked.
Kids Heart Challenge
Kids Heart Challenge is coming soon to Discovery! Students will learn how to have happy and healthy hearts and brains, while raising donations to help others with special hearts. Plus, your family can learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR in Finn's Mission!
In honor of the American Heart Association's 100th anniversary, we want at least 100 students to get involved. So don't wait! Register TODAY by downloading the FREE AHA Schools app or at YM WS KHC 2023-2024 WO-44252: Discovery Elementary - Kids Heart Challenge - American Heart Association
Special Incentives:
Students who complete Finn's Mission will be entered into a drawing to win a rare XL Buster keychain!
Students who sign up will be entered into a drawing for an Avocado Warmie!
Top class with the most participation will get Extra Recess Time!!
If we have 100 students sign up, we will get a Pajama Day!
Does your family need resources?
Upcoming Dates
- January 24th: Regular instructional school day (previously no school)
- February 3rd: Boise State Engineering and Science Festival
- February 8th: Parent learning opportunity
- February 12th-15th: Kindness Week
- February 15th: District Art Show submissions due
- February 16th-19th: No School - Holiday
Additional Information
Discovery Elementary
Email: owens.ashton@westada.org
Website: https://www.westada.org/o/discovery
Location: 2100 East Leighfield Drive, Meridian, ID, USA
Phone: 208-855-4090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearediscoverymustangs/