Counselor Connection
April
State Testing
State Testing for grades 3-5 is right around the corner. Please ensure your child has a good nights sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and is in attendance on the following dates. For additional information on state testing, visit the ODE State Testing page.
TESTING SCHEDULE
3rd Grade
April 9-10: Language Arts
May 2-3: Math
4th Grade
April 11-12: English Language Arts
April 23-24: Math
5th Grade
April 16-17: English Language Arts
April 25-26: Math
April 30: Science
Triple P Parenting Program
Triple P is a parenting program. The three Ps in ‘Triple P’ stand for ‘Positive Parenting Program’. It is designed to prevent – as well as treat – behavioral and emotional problems in children and teenagers. It aims to prevent problems in the family, school and community before they arise and to create family environments that encourage children to realise their potential.
Specifically, Triple P is designed to help parents:
- Raise happy, confident kids
- Set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows
- Encourage behavior in their children that they like
- Prevent and manage misbehavior
- Take care of themselves
- Feel confident they’re doing the right thing
The Triple P program is evidence-based, with more than 35 years of ongoing research.
- More than 650 international trials, studies and published papers, including
- More than 340 evaluation studies, which also includes
- More than 170 randomized controlled trials
Triple P draws on social learning, cognitive behavioral and developmental theory as well as research into risk factors associated with the development of social and behavioral problems in children. It aims to equip parents with the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient and to be able to manage family issues without ongoing support.
Play it Safe
During the month of April, all third grade students will be involved in an exciting program called Play It Safe. Play It Safe is an age-appropriate child sexual and physical abuse prevention program. This evidence-based prevention program aims to teach children how to recognize, react to, and report dangerous situations.
In April of 2023, Senate Bill 288 went into effect in Ohio. This law includes updated requirements related to sexual abuse prevention and sexual violence prevention in schools. As The Center for Child and Family Advocacy is an experienced provider in youth-focused prevention education, their existing programming fulfills the requirements of Erin’s Law.
Child abuse does not discriminate. It happens to both boys and girls of every race, ethnicity, religion and socio-economic class. Unfortunately, they are often abused by someone that they know or trust. Due to the unfortunate prevalence of child abuse, it is important that families and schools talk about personal safety and help equip children with the tools to keep themselves safe and feel comfortable to report the abuse.
Along with learning about dangerous situations and how to keep themselves safe, Play It
Safe also discusses the difference between surprises and secrets, and internet safety. Although child abuse prevention programs are important, they are not the complete answer to the problem. As the parent/guardian, you play the most important role.
If you should have any more questions about the Play It Safe program or child abuse prevention,
please do not hesitate to reach out.
Child Enrichment Educational Savings Program
The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program provides qualifying families with a $1,000 credit per child. These funds can be used to pay for a variety of educational activities designed to help accelerate learning for children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Ohio Department of Education. To learn more, visit: https://www.aceohio.org/ or click on the link below.
Digital Citizenship
They need to learn how to keep themselves and their personal information safe. Void of emotion, they need to also learn how to be respectful to others online. This includes netiquette and how to deal with bullying, whether they're the target or a bystander.
Grades 3-5 will be learning more about the importance of digital citizenship this year through classroom guidance lessons.
Anxiety and Depression in Children
Mental Health Screening
Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common, and treatable. Mental Health America provides a variety of resources for understanding and living with mental health concerns. Click on the link below to take a mental health screener.
Safer Ohio School Tip Line
988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline
Bear Bags
Mental Health America
Our mental health is in constant flux and ebbs and flows on a daily basis. Many things can impact this including our physical health. The connection between our physical body and our mental health is important and may be something worth exploring when thinking about staying mentally healthy. Learn more about whole health and what you can do to improve your overall wellness by visiting Mental Health America.
For additional information on Mental Health America:
National Online Safety
The internet has transformed the ability to access content. Many apps that children use are dependent on user-generated content which can encourage freedom of expression, imagination and creativity. However, due to the sheer volume uploaded every day, it can be difficult for platforms to regulate and moderate everything, which means that disturbing or distressing images, videos or audio clips can slip through the net. That’s why we’ve created this guide to provide parents and caregivers with some useful tips on keeping children safe online. Visit the National Online Safety website for an additional resources on how to keep your children safe.
Curriculum
Anti-Bullying Resources
Social Emotional Learning
Community Resources
Many families may have concerns that extend beyond the educational needs of their children. If you need help finding resources in our community such as food, financial assistance, health care, and mental health services, please let us help you.
Williams County Resource Guide
Williams County Health Department
Northwest Ohio Community Action Coalition
JFS Financial AssistanceMental Health Resources
Williams County Resource Guide
Williams County Referral Resource Guide
Ohio Mental Health Resource Guide
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Council for Behavioral Health
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Four County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Suicide Prevention Life Line: 800-273-8255
Crisis Line: 1-800-468-4357
Call 988 for suicide and crisis lifeline