Connecting with the Counselors
A Communication from Robinson Elementary's Counseling Team
February 6, 2022
We hope you have enjoyed this cold and snow-filled past week. We realize snow days are not fun for everyone and that some of you still had to go to work and be out in the messy weather. We hope you were all safe and warm.
Before our snow days began, we were able to teach counseling lessons to all Robinson students with the exception of 2nd and 3rd grades. As we shared in January, we were given 2 days each month to teach our classroom lessons. This time is being set aside and our other duties are being covered when possible by other adults, or postponed. You may wonder why the 2 days are needed? Many times we get pulled away from our scheduled day to help with a student in crisis or with mediation or restorative work when things happen amongst students during the day. When that happens, we miss classroom lessons. These 2 days of "protected time" being provided each month is very exciting for our team. We hope you heard about your student's time with the counselors at last week!
Have you been reading Wishtree at home? Reading this book together as a community has been special. We have had conversations with students about things like: What wishes would you put on Red? (MANY were for a snow day last week!) and Who is your favorite character in the book? (Bongo and Red come up a lot!) and How will Samar get her wish granted? (Students have shared that they would be Samar's friend and would ask her to join them at lunch or to play at recess). So many good discussions and thoughts around this story. Some of us will be at Robinson on the 23rd of February for the culminating book night from 5-7pm. We hope to see you there!
REMINDER: Our Connecting with the Counselors is now a monthly update. If there is important information to share, Dr. OH has agreed to include it in her weekly family newsletter.
If you missed January's communication, you can access it from this link:
Have a fantastic week and look for our March update around the 6th!
SAVE THE DATE: Next Robinson Food Pantry: Thursday, February 17th
Our free pantry will be open from 6-7:30pm.
If you need further information or have a need but can't make it at that time, please call or email Julie, Indria or Tonya. All contact information can be found at the end of this communication. Thanks!
Books to Celebrate Black History Month
FEBRUARY HAPPINESS Calendar 2022
This month, find hope and courage.
Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day
Last Stop on Market Street-- the Musical!
Here is a summary found on Metro Theater's website:
“…like Hamilton for kids” – Minneapolis Star Tribune
Get ready for a heart-thumpin’, toe-tappin’ joy ride in this Motown/hip-hop musical adaptation of New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning picture book Last Stop on Market Street! CJ is reluctantly staying with his Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to, always plugged in to his phone and tablet. Guided by his veritable force-of-nature Nana, CJ travels a little closer to his roots and sees that things are not always what they seem. With a spectacular, spirited score by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son Paris Ray Dozier, you might find yourself dancing in your seat as you enjoy this vibrant story about connecting to your community.
FREE PARENTING RESOURCE: THE DECODING BEHAVIOR SUMMIT
What you can learn by attending the Decoding Behavior Summit:
- What triggers behavior
- What your child's behavior is actually telling you
- How behavior is often an involuntary, biological response and how that informs an effective response from you
- Regulation strategies and how to offer co-regulation and connection (my interview topic:)
- How to build a great relationship with your child, and so much more...
This event is going to be extraordinary! It's filled with practical and evidence-based information, neurodiverse affirming resources, and mindset shifts to support you, your children, and your whole family. More information can be found by clicking on the picture to the right.
A HELPFUL GRAPHIC FOR YOU & YOUR STUDENT
REPEAT INFORMATION
Helping Young Children Who Are Socially Anxious
My Child is Talking About Gender and I am Unsure About What to Say
An Age-by-Age Guide to Talking to Your Kids About Gender
We have had some questions in regard to gender identity. If that is true for you, here is some guidance from TodaysParent.com. No matter your kid's age, it's not too early (or late!) to talk to them about gender. Here's how to start the discussion, and keep it going as they grow.
https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-gender-age-by-age-guide/
How to Help Your Kids Get Along
Contact Information for 2021-22 School Year
ROBINSON COUNSELING TEAM
Indria Harris
School Counselor, preK-2nd grade
Indria.harris@kirkwoodschools.org
314-213-6100, ext. 4061
School Counselor, 3rd-5th grade
julie.cohen@kirkwoodschools.org
314-213-6100, ext. 4470
Tonya Ampey-Elong
Social Worker, KSD
tonya.ampey@kirkwoodschools.org
314-213-6100, ext. 4042
*At Robinson on Mondays and Wednesdays
Ana Shields-Capilla
Educational Support Counselor
ana.shields@kirkwoodschools.org
314-213-6100, ext. 4065
*At Robinson all day Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday's until noon