TNS School Counseling Newsletter

School Counselors help all students achieve academically by helping each student manage their emotions and apply interpersonal skills. School Counselors are vital members of the education team and strive to maximize student success. Your child would come to see us if he/she was having personal emotional or behavioral issues that interfere with their academics. At the beginning of each school year, the primary focus of the counseling department is helping students transition to their new classroom environments as well as preparing the delivery of the school counseling curriculum for the year. Counselors enter the classroom to deliver lessons that have been planned to address the needs of the students and are based on the Prince William County Counseling Curriculum, American School Counselor Association standards, and mission/vision of The Nokesville School.

• New Student Check-Ins (Grades 1-5) - Ms. Kaczmarczyk will briefly meet new students and will be having lunch meetings starting end of September. Any students who have difficulty adjusting and would like to continue meeting with the school counselor will be receiving permission forms for a small group.

• Lessons in Leadership - All students in K-5 will be taught skills for learning, social/emotional skills, and career exploration. The focus during September is Introduction to the School Counselor Role, and Academic Success Skills (Organization, Study Skills, Homework and Class Habits).

Middle School News:

• The middle school counselors will have met with all students in some capacity by the end of the month! 6th and 7th had quick check ins and 8th grade will have a classroom Lesson in Leadership that covers 8th grade expectations, success skills, and preparing for high school.
• New student lunch groups will begin for students. Each group will have the opportunity to meet for 5 sessions to help get acclimated and assimilated into their new environment.
• Students who are interested in applying to Thomas Jefferson High School need to notify Mrs. Piette as soon as possible, there is a portion of the application that needs to be completed by the counseling office prior to final application submission. Applications are due by 3pm Friday, September 27, 2019.

1. Make and Practice a Goodbye Ritual

Plan how you and your child will say goodbye. Maybe it’s a hug, a high five or a quick secret handshake. Practice your goodbye ritual for brief separations, like when your child spends the afternoon with an aunt or goes to a dropoff playdate so that the ritual is familiar when it’s time for school.

2. Do Practice Runs

If possible, participate in as many school functions as possible. If you can make it to open house events, be sure to have them practice walking to their classroom to gain comfort with the building. If not, make drive to school at non-school hours so that your child can become more comfortable with their drop off.

3. Read about It

Pick up some books to talk about the feeling surrounding separation. Llama Llama Misses Mama is a great story that illustrates some of the worries and panic associated with separation.

4. Stick to a Routine

Regular bedtime routines are SO important. Predictable morning routine? Super important. Stick to a routine to give your child a comfortable schedule. Make sure your child is on time for school so they can participate in morning routines too. Missing morning structure or instructions can leave your child feeling lost and more anxious. Finally, fill your child in on the daily schedule. Let them know when they can expect to see you again.

5. Pack a Transitional Object

Pack a small, familiar object to help ease the transition. Tuck a family photo in your child’s backpack or small pocket heart in your child’s pocket as a reminder that they’re still loved and connected, even when you’re apart.

6. Show Excitement

When you talk about school with your child, show them how excited you are! Instead of focusing on the separation with statements like, “I’m really going to miss you while you’re at school,” say things like, “It’s going to be so cool to get to do science experiments at school!” or “I can’t wait to hear about all the things you learn!” to let your child know that school experiences will be exciting and fun.

7. Validate Feelings

If your child expresses some sadness or worry about going to school, validate their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel that way. Redirect the conversation to things they can do if they feel worried at school, like grounding strategies or looking at that transitional item.

8. Model a Positive Goodbye

Finally, when it’s time to say goodbye, do your goodbye ritual and then model a positive goodbye. Give your child a big smile with a confident posture, tell them you can’t wait to hear about their day, and then head out! Your child will pick up on your positive energy!

https://www.counselorkeri.com/2019/08/06/help-kids-with-separation-anxiety/

• Kindergarten Stars - Kindergarten students who need extra help with "learning how to be a student". Please contact your child's teacher to see if this would be an appropriate service. Permission forms will be coming home soon.
  
• New Student Groups- help with transitions and friendship building skills
• Academic groups- focus on study skills and organization
• Social/emotional well-being and/or practicing mindfulness

September is Suicide Prevention Month & September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2015), suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 35 and the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14. Overall the nation has seen a 24 percent increase in suicide completions over the past 15 years (CDC, 2015).

For further information on what to look for in your child if you are worried that he/she may be at risk for suicide: Warning Signs of Suicide