Connect with Counselor Collins

May Newsletter, 2025

Hello there Line Creek Family,

As we wrap up the 2024–2025 school year, I want to share a few highlights and express my appreciation for another wonderful year of partnership and support.

This year, the counseling department provided services to 67 students through triage support, individual or small group counseling, student planning, and crisis intervention. With a school enrollment of 323 students, that means we were able to support 21% of our student body through direct services—showing just how valuable our collaboration with students, families, and staff truly is in supporting social-emotional learning and well-being.

📊 You are invited to view Line Creek's School Counseling Department End of the Year Data Report

for more insight into the work we've done together.

If your student participated in a Tier 2 intervention (such as individual counseling, group counseling, check-in/check-out, or triage support) or a Tier 3 Behavior Improvement Plan this school year, please note that they may begin the 2025–2026 school year with continued support in place. This helps ensure a smooth transition and sets our Lions up for success right from the start.

🎉 I’m also thrilled to share that Line Creek received the PBIS Tier 3 Gold Award of Excellence AGAIN! This honor reflects the consistent efforts of our students, staff, and families in promoting positive behavior and a strong schoolwide community. Way to go, Lions!

I hope your child experienced meaningful growth this year—academically, socially, and emotionally. It’s been an honor to serve as your school counselor again, and I hope the resources and support from our department made a positive impact on your family.

I will not be working summer school this year, but Mrs. Mary Kate Concannon (Synergy Resiliency Specialist) will continue supporting our little Lions at Renner. I’ll be cheering for all of them from afar and look forward to welcoming everyone back in August as we embrace all the exciting changes ahead!

In the meantime, make time this summer for joy, rest, and connection. Remember: You are seen, significant, and bold.

With care and appreciation,
~Mrs. Collins
School Counselor, Line Creek Elementary

Line Creek Practices

A Big Win for SEL at Our School! 🎉: Morning Meeting

This year, our building accomplished something BIG—every classroom implemented a monthly scope and sequence of social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons using Character Strong!

This is a huge step forward because students received consistent SEL instruction from both their classroom teacher and the school counselor—all using the same resource. This unified approach helped us reinforce key character traits throughout the school day, creating a shared language and deeper learning experience.

Throughout the year, students explored and practiced important traits like:
✨ Respect
✨ Responsibility
✨ Creativity
✨ Empathy
✨ Perseverance
...and more!

If you’re interested in learning how to continue these conversations at home or want examples of how these traits show up in daily life, feel free to reach out—we’d love to share!

Grade Level Lesson Review

Kinder-2nd grade

Kindergarten–2nd grade participated in a special counselor lesson to help them feel safe and confident as we prepare for summer break. We talked about the changes that come with summer and how to handle big feelings that might come up.

Key topics included:

Identifying trusted adults at home, school, and in the community
Learning simple ways to calm down if they feel upset or overwhelmed
Practicing summer safety rules, like staying near grown-ups and asking for help when needed.

Students created their own “Summer Safety Plan” where they shared who they can talk to and how they can take care of themselves.

3rd-5th Grade: I'm in Charge

Students watched the “I’m in Charge” video, a safety resource developed by the Assistance League of Kansas City. This program is designed specifically for pre-teen students, offering age-appropriate tips to help them manage growing independence and responsibility.

Students also brought home a workbook or worksheet that outlines the video’s key topics. We encourage families to review it together and continue the conversation about personal safety and decision-making.

To learn more about the “I’m in Charge” program, click here.

New This Year: Power Plans! 💪🧠

We were so excited to roll out Power Plans across all grade levels this year! This new addition to our social-emotional learning program has been a powerful way to help students build emotional awareness and self-regulation skills in a fun, meaningful way.

Power Plans are student-created strategies that support kids in recognizing their emotions and choosing healthy ways to respond when they feel upset, overwhelmed, or frustrated.

Power Plans help students:

Understand their triggers and emotions
Identify safe and healthy coping strategies
Build confidence in managing their own behavior
Practice self-regulation at school and at home

Each student created their own Power Plan, making it personal and empowering. Whether it’s deep breathing, taking a break, asking for help, or using positive self-talk, students are learning that they have the power to make positive choices—even when big feelings show up.

Ask your child about their Power Plan and how they’re using it to stay safe, strong, and in control!

👏 Growing Leaders & Voices at Line Creek!

This year, we were proud to open our doors and hearts to a variety of students and future educators who wanted to learn, lead, and grow with us:

🧠 School Counselor in Training
We hosted Ms. Golladay, a School Counselor in Training, who joined us to learn the ins and outs of what it means to support students as a school counselor. We were so lucky to have her as part of our team!

🌟 Aspiring Educator Student
We also welcomed, Ms. Isabella New-love, high school student exploring the fields of school counseling and social work. This real-world experience gave them valuable insight into how we support students and build a positive school climate.

🗣️ Student DEIB Council (Grades 3–5)
A huge shoutout to our first-ever Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council! These 10 students were nominated by teachers and families because of their leadership and passion for making a difference.

Throughout the year, they:
✅ Helped create and revise playground equipment rules
✅ Chose a new name for our Recovery Room
✅ Shared feedback to make our school more inclusive, welcoming, and student-centered

Their perspectives helped shape real changes. Student voice brings honesty, insight, and action—often helping us notice what adults might overlook.

Interested in having your child join next year’s DEIB Council?
We’d love to grow this incredible group. Email me to learn more or to express interest for the 2025–2026 school year!

Parent Support

As you continue to reinforce and discuss counselor lessons with your child(ren) at home, consider the following resources.

Learning and Engagement:

Here's a list of summer reading opportunities and programs you and your family can utilize this summer: 2024 Summer Reading Programs

Social Emotional Learning & Awareness:

As you go through this year and your child(ren) experiences big emotions, Park Hill has created a virtual relaxation room on our website for students to access anytime.
To learn more about creating a calming corner at home, read this article: "Setting up a Calming Corner at Home."
5 Easy Calming Bottles You Can Make this Summer
The first week of May was National Screen Free Week. This summer will be a great time to include some activities in your child's routine that does not involve technology.
Hot Chocolate Talk: Second Step has put together a public awareness campaign designed to help families navigate conversations about child sexual abuse. Their research-based how-to guides and free online resources teach simple, age-appropriate body safety rules and help families create a sense of warmth and comfort when talking about serious topics. All campaign materials are available in English and coming soon in Spanish.

Building and District Resources

Reaching Out

During school breaks, I will not be available to respond to email and phone messages. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, don't be afraid to ask for help. The resources below are free. In case of life threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you need a Safe Place, go to any QuikTrip, Police Department, or Fire Department and tell them you’re in need of a "Safe Place" and they will help. Or call 816-741-8700.

If you are in need of other community resources or assistance, visit 211kc.org or dial 211 (United Way).
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (24-hour access)
CrisisTextLine.org: text 741741 (24-hour access)
CommCare Access Crisis Intervention: 888-279-8188 (24-hour access)

Taneka Collins, School Counselor

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 Worker, Laura Roederer at 816-359-5913 .

We look forward to partnering with you and your student!

Email: collinst@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: https://linecreek.parkhill.k12.mo.us/
Location: 5801 Northwest Waukomis Drive, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-6953
Facebook: facebook.com/ourschool
Twitter: @ourschool