NIS School Counselor Newsletter
Spring 2022
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
This year we have done so much great work together in SEL! The curriculum upon which most of our SEL lessons are based is called Second Step. If you'd like to learn more, here's the link to the Second Step website: https://www.secondstep.org/ The topics we've covered so far this school year include empathy, being assertive, accepting differences, compassion, and managing strong emotions.
Right now in SEL, all grade levels are working on a Bullying Prevention unit. In these lessons, students learn the definition of bullying, the different types of bullying (physical, verbal, social/emotional, cyber), and how to handle bullying situations. The lessons teach that four things need to be true for a bad situation to become bullying. The unkind behavior needs to be:
Hurtful
On Purpose
Repeated
Power Imbalance (the bully is bigger, stronger, or has more friends)
Students are taught that if all four of these things are not true about a bad situation, it’s not considered bullying, but that still doesn’t make the behavior okay. Students are encouraged to try to solve a problem independently if they feel safe to do so, but to always seek help from a trusted adult if they need it!
Students also learn the importance of being an “Upstander”, and standing up or speaking out against bullying behavior at school. Teaching this Bullying Prevention unit across the whole school strengthens NIS and promotes a respectful, welcoming community for everyone!
MCAS Testing
MCAS Testing
MCAS Testing is underway! It will likely be a source of stress for a few students (and parents too!). For easy access and preparation, here are the remaining testing days for MCAS:
- Grade 5 ELA April 12th, 13th
- Grade 3 Math April 27th, 28th
- Grade 4 Math May 3rd, 4th
- Grade 5 Math May 10th, 12th
- Grade 5 STE May 18th, 19th
Make sure to remind your children that although MCAS is important, it is not the end-all-be-all! The best way to combat testing day stress is a good night's sleep, eating a good breakfast and listening to your child's feelings about testing. If your child has questions about MCAS, assure them that it's a way for teachers and the school to learn more about what needs to be taught and that the results do not impact their report cards or their ability to move on to the next grade level. These testing results are important for the information they provide to help improve teaching and learning.
Students, by doing their best, can show teachers how much they've learned! They should be proud of their effort and get ready to show what they know!
Summer Camps and Activities
Upcoming Parent Program! Recovering from the Pandemic: Your Child, the Internet, & Developmental Norms
Nantucket Intermediate and Cyrus Peirce Middle School are pleased to present this program for parents
Monday, April 11, 2022
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Nantucket Intermediate School
Cafeteria
- Discover things you may not about your child’s online activity
- Learn how the pandemic has impacted your child developmentally
- Walk away with strategies to navigate difficult conversations with your child to insure their online safety
The panel of presenters includes:
Beth Mitchell, Children’s Cove
Suzanne Fronzuto, A Safe Place
Iris Shore, A Safe Place
Jenn Erichsen, Nantucket Public Schools
Resources
How to Get Unstuck from the Negative Muck: A Kid's Guide to Get Rid of Negative Thinking
How to Tame My Anxiety Monster: A parent resource book with children that have trouble dealing with stress & anxiety
Happy Mindset Little Journal
Community Resources
Fairwinds Center - Nantucket's Counseling Center
https://www.fairwindscenter.org/
(508) 228-2689
20 Vesper Lane, L-1 Gouin Village
Nantucket, MA 02554
- Fairwinds offers outpatient counseling services for ALL ages, and has bilingual counselors as well as a bilingual receptionist.
- To receive services through Fairwinds, call their number (above) and they will complete a brief screening with you to help provide you with the most appropriate support.
- Urgent Behavioral Health Clinic: same-day appointments, free of charge, Monday- Friday from 5-6pm for more serious and urgent situations. Call the Fairwinds main number to access this clinic.
Nantucket Family Resource Center (NFRC)
https://www.nantucketfamilyresourcecenter.org/
(508) 815-5115
1 Freedom Square, Suite B
Nantucket, MA 02554
- "The NFRC offers FREE family support, services, family partners, clinical assessments, referrals, and school support services that aim to educate children, parents, and all caregivers."
- For support, reach out to the NFRC directly at the number above, or reach out to the NIS School Counselors who can help connect you.
Nantucket Interface Helpline (William James Helpline)
https://interface.williamjames.edu/community/nantucket
(888) 244-6843
- The Nantucket Interface Helpline provides a consultation with a mental health professional about local resources and/or a referral for mental health services.
- Operates Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
Contact Us
Thank you!
Best,
Ms. Foulkes and Mr. Peckham