As the school counselors at Willard PK-8 School, we help ALL students with social/emotional development, self-management, social skills, maintaining friendships, and we also provide support during various transitions in a student's life (e.g. family change, moving, grief, etc.). Students and families are also welcome to utilize our school pantry. Please contact us if there is anything that your family needs!

Christine Velazquez, PK-4 School Counselor

christine.velazquez@warrencityschools.org

(330) 675-8700 ext. 1041

Casey Smith, 5-8 School Counselor

casey.smith@warrencityschools.org

(330) 675-8700 ext. 1119

Also look for info from us on the “Willard PreK-8 School in Warren” page on Facebook!

This year at Willard, all of our staff and students will be focused on four SEL themes: Connections/Friendship, Resolving Conflicts, Managing Emotions, and Growth Mindset. Themes will change each quarter. Not only will your child participate in guidance lessons quarterly about each theme, but they will also be reinforced by each classroom teacher during academic instruction. The theme for the first quarter is Connections/Friendship.

K-4 4Rs: Students will work together to build community in their classrooms and get to know each other.

5-8 Second Step: Students will participate in activities focused on building a sense of community within their classrooms and school.

• 5th Grade: Students will begin with Unit 3: Empathy and Kindness. They will learn how to apply their perspective-taking and empathy skills to help solve a community problem.
• 6th-8th Grade: Students will begin with Unit 2: Developing a Positive Sense of Self. They will learn how to identify their grounding principles, explore different aspects of their self-concept, and practice strategies to build confidence. This unit's content helps students view themselves positively and work toward becoming who they want to be.

Find information on easing transition jitters, managing kids' tech use, getting involved in the school and more at:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/back-to-school-resources-parents

Accept the CHALLENGE to be at your BEST by having GREAT attendance this year! Students who miss no more than one day of school through the month of September (Sept. 30th) will be eligible to win gift cards and other prizes.