Counselor's Corner - March 2025

Our March classroom counseling lessons varied by grade level. Students in grades K-4 discussed what responsibilities we have and why being responsible is important. 5th grade students learned about Internet Safety and our middle school students learned strategies for handling stressful and anxious feelings. Another great month of working towards being our BEST selves!

Creating a checklist along with your child is a great way for them to learn some independence and also start increasing their level of responsibility. Kids are intrinsically motivated when they can "check things off" of their very own to-do list!

For the month of April, our counseling classroom lesson topics will again vary by grade level. Our younger students will be discussing friendship, 5th graders will be diving into college and career awareness, 6th grade will be learning effective conflict resolution strategies and our 7th and 8th graders will be learning about Internet Safety. I LOVE the passion and drive our students have for learning new things!

Does your child struggle with self-control and show impulsive behavior? No worries, you’re not alone! Children’s brains are still developing and learning this essential skill. You can help your child strengthen this skill by discussing what self-control looks like, choices and potential consequences, and coping strategies to use to stay in control.

Recommended Reading: My Mouth Is a Volcano - This book is about a boy who struggles with

interrupting. Play a game like Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, or Freeze Dance to practice what self-

control looks like in real-time!

Common Sense Media is a tool that families can use to take charge of the digital choices made in their home. They offer ratings for tv shows, movies, apps, and much more! Check it out here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

https://franklincountypa.gov/index.php?section=public_human-services

211.org

211 is a 24/7 go-to resource that connects millions with locally available help. Expert, caring call center operators are supporting 99% of the U.S. population. People can contact 211 by phone, text, and online.

https://www.safe2saypa.org/

The Safe2Say Something program was established within the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General through Act 44 of 2018. Safe2Say Something is a system for anonymously reporting unsafe, potentially harmful, dangerous, violent or criminal activities in any school in Pennsylvania.

https://988lifeline.org/

• Emergency Crisis Services: Chambersburg Hospital: 1-717-264-2555
• Speak with a trained Crisis Counselor anytime, 24/7: Text “HOME” to 741741
• Crisis Intervention Hotline (toll free): 1-866-918-2555

Email: klfortney@iu12.org
Website: https://www.iu12.org/
Phone: (717) 624 - 4616 x 6237