Discovery Counselor's Corner
Miss Owens - December 18, 2023
Meet Miss Owens
I am so excited to continue working with you at Discovery Elementary as your School Counselor! Since 2017, I have had the privilege of working as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, serving families and children with developmental disabilities throughout Boise and Meridian. I also have experience working with children and adolescents with mental health needs and defiant/aggressive behaviors. In 2018, I graduated from Boise State with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, then I graduated from Boise State University (again) with a master's degree in counseling in 2022. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), certified Positive Discipline parenting coach, and registered Intervention Professional. In my spare time, I love to play basketball and volleyball, listen to live music, and go country swing dancing! I also have two very energetic dogs that love to go on swimming and hiking adventures throughout the valley! I place great emphasis on intervention through an integrative lens, looking at the whole child and understanding all elements of the behavior.
I want to ensure that no student goes unnoticed. If you have any concerns about the mental health/behavior/wellbeing of a student, please reach out to me via phone or email. I look forward to meeting you and your children and partnering together for your student's success!
Get In The Holiday Spirit
4th Grade Holiday Music Program
Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023, 09:45 AM
Discovery Elementary School Gym
Holiday Resources
There are multiple programs throughout the Treasure Valley that are able to assist families with Christmas toys, clothing, and food. Many program registrations have ended for this holiday season, but we have local resources and sponsors if your family is still in need of assistance. Please contact Miss Owens know if you have any questions or need additional support!
Salvation Army's Angel Tree
The Angel Tree program provides gifts for thousands of people each year. A child can be registered as an angel, and their wish list will be shared with donors throughout the community. Kids can request toys and clothing.
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
4th Grade: Zones of Regulation
All Students: Regulation Station Episode 4
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!
Tis the season for giving!
You have the ability to sponsor a student's school meal or donate to a Discovery teacher! Families can follow the link below to connect with the "Thank a Teacher" donation program. There is an option to donate online or via check, which can be mailed or brought into the front office. Additionally, please see the flyer below if you are interested in donating a meal to a student in need.
Volunteers Needed
We want to thank the parents who have been volunteering their time to help scan cards for our Discovery Dashers Run/Walk Club. We are still in need of more help, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
If this is something that might fit into your schedule, we’d love to have you! If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Jensen (Jensen.Jessica@westada.org) Thanks!
Does your family need resources?
Upcoming Dates
- December 20th: 4th grade holiday music program
- December 21st: PTA Meeting @4:15pm in the cafeteria
- December 26th- January 8th: No School- Holiday Break
- January 9th: School resumes
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/