Counseling Connection News
October 2021
Hello Hawthorn Families,
Counseling Lessons
October's counseling lessons focus on Bullying Prevention and Drug and Alcohol Awareness.
In addressing bullying, students are encouraged to use the learning skill of "Being Assertive." We also discuss the importance of telling a safe adult at home and at school when we see bullying. See the goal section of this letter to learn how we define bullying at hawthorn.
This month, all students are learning that the best way to keep themselves safe from drugs and alcohol is to Ask First before eating or drinking anything that wasn't directly given to them from their safe adult. In each lesson, we also discuss the importance of making safe and healthy choices. On the day of your student's drug and alcohol awareness lesson, I share paper copies of the lesson's highlights and ask students to continue the discussion with you at home. Please make time to ask your students about this month's counseling lesson discussions.
In addition to Bullying Prevention and Drug and Alcohol Awareness, 5th grade students, recess teachers, and I are focusing on good sportsmanship and how to deal with rumors and gossip. The images below highlight the big takeaways of our first lesson. I welcome your continuing our discussion at home. Please feel free to reach me if you have questions. We will continue working on these and other strategies as we move forward this school year.
Red Ribbon Week: October 25th-29th, 2021
Monday, October 25th: Drum for Drug Awareness & Banner Label Signing -5th graders will kick off our celebration outside as students arrive. Hawthorn Huskies will sign their name on a red label. Once collected, I will place the labels on this year’s pledge banner to acknowledge a school wide stand against drugs, alcohol, and bullying.
Tuesday, October 26th: Red Day -Students and Staff Wear Red.
Wednesday, October 27th: Red Ribbon Day-Students and staff receive a red ribbon that highlights our stance against drugs, alcohol, and bullying.
Thursday, October 28th: It Is No Sweat to Be a Friend -Wear sweats or comfy clothes and make an extra effort to be kind to others.
Friday, October 29th: Keeping Our Paws Drug Free in Pajamas -Students and staff wear pajamas or comfy clothes while keeping their "paws" free of drugs, alcohol, and bullying.
Throughout the month of October
Specials activities will highlight the importance of staying drug, alcohol, and bully-free.
For more information about Red Ribbon Week click here.
Bullying & Hawthorn's Student Lead Comprehensive School Counseling Program Goal
We will continue to focus on the goal determined by the Panorama Social Emotional Learning Survey (typically) administered in the Fall and Spring of each school year. We will monitor our progress toward the goal below through a monthly counseling survey administered to third through fifth graders.
2021-22 Student Lead Counseling Goal:
By May 31st, 2022, the 3rd-5th grade Hawthorn Elementary Students who reported being bullied in the 2020-2021 school year will decrease by 10% from 43 to 21.
*We will monitor and discuss this each month by aiming for less than 1% of 3rd-5th graders continuing to report being left out at lunch and/or recess each month of our school year via monthly survey monitoring.
- Less than 1% of 3rd-5th grade students reported being bullied in last month's building survey.
*This year at Hawthorn, we've updated our language to align with district policy. Students will be taught that bullying is what happens when: A person or group with more power is purposefully and repeatedly mean to a person with less power.
Small Group and Individual Counseling
Other Concerns
If you have questions regarding your student, the information shared in this Counseling Connection Newsletter, or need help finding a mental health professional in the Kansas City area, please reach me at either of the contact options listed at the bottom of this page.
You are also welcome to reach our school social workers, Leah Frame and Bryttany Holovach (social work student intern) at 816-359-6004 . We look forward to partnering with you and your student!
Building, District, & Community Resources
Hawthorn Resources
- Confidential Resource Checklist Form- Share Your Family's Needs With Our Social Workers To Access Individual Supports
- Hawthorn Elementary’s School Website
District & Community Resources
- Community Therapy, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Health
- District Family Resources
- District Calendar
- PTA Clothing Center
Antigen Testing For Students
On January 4, 2021, the Park Hill School District started offering antigen testing to students who have COVID-19 symptoms.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and you want to have them tested, here are the guidelines:
1. Your child must be a student in Park Hill School District.
2. Your child must have symptoms for 48 hours.
3. Call the school health room, at (816) 359-4394. After going over symptoms, you will be referred to the Antigen Testing Center (816) 359-5326, if it is determined your child should be tested.
4. Click and print this consent form: Consent Form
Please contact the Hawthorn Health Room if your child has had an exposure or symptoms of COVID, or if you have any health or wellness concerns at any time.
Parenting Support Articles
Learning and Engagement
- Tips on Creating an Easy to Follow Home Learning Schedule -PBS
- Engagement and Motivation: Helping Handout for Home -National Association of School Psychologists
Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Awareness
Sites and Apps (Scroll down to the bottom of each page to download the app)
Student Break Sites
Apps
- GoNoodle -Brain Breaks and Movement
- Stop Breath Think Kids -Calming Down and Focus
Bianca Miller, School Counselor
Hawthorn Elementary School
8200 N. Chariton Avenue
Kansas City, Mo 64152
Counseling Mission:
In collaboration with students, parents, staff, and the community, Hawthorn Elementary School’s comprehensive school counseling program engages all students equitably in achieving the social emotional, academic, and career development skills they will need for success in a diverse and global society.
Email: mayfieldmillerb@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/parkhill.k12.mo.us/huskycounseling/home
Phone: 816-359-6455