Connect with Counselor Collins

As we move into the spring months, testing season is quickly approaching, and we want to ensure students feel confident, supported, and prepared—both academically and emotionally.

In the upcoming weeks, your child will be taking the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Grade-Level Assessment (GLA). The district will administer these assessments to students in grades 3–8. All students in grades 3–8 will take the English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments, and students in grades 5 and 8 will also take the Science assessment.

With MAP testing on the horizon, your 3rd–5th grade student may begin to feel nervous or anxious—this is completely normal. Even the calmest students can feel pressure during testing season. At school, we’re helping students practice emotion management strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk to handle these big feelings.

You can support your child at home by:

• Normalizing feelings of anxiety and reminding them it’s okay to feel nervous.

• Putting testing in perspective—it’s a reflection of how we’re growing and learning, not a measure of their worth or future.

• Sharing your own (age-appropriate) experiences with stress or pressure, and talking through healthy ways you cope.

• Encouraging rest, healthy meals, and downtime to help keep a balanced mind and body.

• Using books and stories about managing worries as talking points (see recommended list and visual in the newsletter).

If you notice your student is having a hard time managing worry or anxiety about testing—or any other challenges—please feel free to reach out. We’re here to help and partner with you in supporting their emotional well-being and success.

I wish you well,

~Mrs. Collins

• I’m Gonna Like Me – Jamie Lee Curtis
• I Like Myself – Karen Beaumont
• You Are Special – Max Lucado
• Believing in Me: A Child's Guide to Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem – Poppy O’Neill
• I Am Enough – Grace Byers
• The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes - Brenda Li
• Big - Vashti Harrison
• Mindful Affirmations and Activities: A Kid’s guide with 50 Positive Mantras and Activities to Manage Emotions, Grow Mindful, Strong and Confident - Pragya Tomar

In April, students are learning about the importance of courage —what it means, why it matters, and how to show it in everyday situations. Courage isn't just about being fearless; it’s about doing the right thing, speaking up, or trying something new, even when it feels hard or scary.

Exploring this character trait this month is perfect as our 3rd-5th graders are entering into MAP testing season. During testing, students show courage by trying hard, staying focused, and not giving up, even when a question feels challenging. Taking a test is a brave act of showing what they've learned and how far they've come!

Review courage as a family! Remember that courage is choosing what is helpful, right, and kind – even when it’s hard or scary. What’s something that you’ve been afraid to discuss with your student? Something that might be difficult to explain about our community or the world. Chances are they will hear about it eventually and it may come from someone who is less informed or less supportive than you. Have a courageous conversation with your student. It could be about bullying, the environment, uncertainty, etc. Remind them that love and support are 2 tools that we can use to practice courage. Discuss as a family ways you can practice courage around the issue you discuss.

• Roots – Identify if it’s a small or big problem.
• Heart – Name your feelings using an “I feel…” statement.
• Branches – Choose a positive strategy to solve the problem.

To learn more and practice at home, check out this short video: practicing conflict resolution.

Students in 3rd and 4th grade focused on learning and practicing conflict resolution skills using the Tree of Choices tool from Character Strong: PurposeFull People.

• 3rd graders worked together as a whole group to explore real-life scenarios and practice solving problems using the Tree of Choices.

• 4th graders completed a hands-on project centered around the Tree of Choices, helping them apply this tool in meaningful ways.

In addition, 3rd and 4th graders reviewed the important steps to take if they witness or experience bullying. They revisited the Tree of Choices for solving everyday conflicts and learned that while it is a helpful tool, it is not enough when it comes to addressing bullying.

We talked about the difference between conflict and bullying:

• Conflict is a problem or disagreement between people that can usually be resolved with communication and problem-solving.

• Bullying is hurtful, repeated behavior that involves an imbalance of power and is intended to make someone feel unsafe, embarrassed, or excluded.

When bullying is happening, students learned to:

• Stop – Speak up, remove, and distract.

• Support – Show comfort, invite others over, and ask questions.

• Report – Get help, find an adult, and call it out/name it.

5th graders explored the importance of being respectful and responsible digital citizens. As technology continues to play a big role in our students' lives, it's important that they understand how to navigate social media and the online world safely.

We focused on four key rules:

• T.H.I.N.K. before you type
• Get permission before posting
• Recognize, report, and stand against cyberbullying
• Make choices that show respect for yourself

Students practiced applying these concepts through real-life scenarios and thoughtful discussions in whole group settings. We will continue to have these conversations to remind students of the importance to use technology wisely.

As families, you can support this learning at home by:

• Monitoring accounts and privacy settings
• Discussing safe posting boundaries
• Encouraging kindness and respect online
• Setting screen time limits and using parental controls

I'm going to miss some amazing lions next year—but I’ll also be cheering them on as they head into new adventures! Moving from one school to another is a big change, and every year we see it in action as our Line Creek 5th graders head to Walden Middle School, and a brand-new group of lions joins us from Gerner and other local preschools.

Next school year brings even more change as we welcome new students from Chinn and Southeast Elementary due to redistricting. Some staff members will also be starting new chapters in their professional journeys. It’s all a little bittersweet—but filled with excitement and opportunity!

If your family is preparing for a transition, here are a few simple tips to help your child adjust more smoothly:

• 🌟 Stay positive about the change – Your outlook sets the tone. An optimistic perspective can help your child feel more confident and curious about what’s ahead.

• 💬 Avoid comparing the new to the old – Every school has its own unique traditions and culture. Embrace the opportunity to create new memories!

• ⏰ Stick to routines – Kids thrive with structure. Familiar routines can create a sense of comfort during times of change.

For more helpful ideas and tips, check out this great resource from PBS Kids for Parents.

Here’s to supporting our students as they grow, adapt, and thrive—wherever their next step may take them! 💛🦁

Park Hill elementary schools will be hosting Spring Open House events on Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7:00.

Middle schoolers are truly amazing humans. Did you know that between the ages of 10–15, kids experience some of the most rapid and significant changes of their lives—second only to infancy? This is a time of intense brain development, especially in areas connected to empathy, emotional intelligence, and social growth.

During these formative years, students begin to shape the attitudes, values, and perspectives that will guide them into adulthood. They’re building their sense of self, navigating more complex relationships, and beginning to explore who they are and who they want to become.

Educators and caregivers have the incredible privilege of witnessing this transformation—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. As students grow, discover, and change, middle school counselors and social workers are here to walk beside them, offering support, encouragement, and guidance every step of the way.

Classroom lesson dates are subject to change due to MAP testing in 3rd-5th grade.

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Lesson Dates:

• April 14-18
• April 28-May 2

3rd-5th Grade Lesson Dates:

• April 21-25
• May 5-9

Small groups and individual counseling will continue to be available through the end of the school year. These supports are designed to help students with social-emotional skill building, problem-solving, and coping strategies in a school setting.

Please keep in mind that school counseling is not a substitute for outside therapy. School counseling is short-term and solution-focused, while outside therapy can offer more in-depth support for ongoing or more complex needs.

Student Support Services Team
Counseling support is provided by:

• Mrs. Roederer, School Social Worker
• Ms. Mary Kate, Synergy Resiliency Specialist
• Mrs. Collins (me), School Counselor

If a student needs to check in about a concern, emotion, or situation they’re experiencing, I’m here to help. Students can request to see me by asking their teacher, parent, or by emailing me. Please remind your child that if they need help with an emergency or if someone is in danger, they should tell an adult immediately.

If you feel your student could benefit from individual or small group support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me via phone or email (see information below).

• Mrs. Roederer's (School Social Worker) Confidential Resource Checklist Form
• Community Therapy, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Health
• District Student Family Support
• District Calendar
• PTA Clothing Center

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."
• 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.

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.

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
• National Crisis Text Line: 741741
• Community Care Crisis Line (LOCAL KC): 1-888-279-8188
• Compassionate Ear Warmline (4pm-10pm): 913-281-2251 or toll free: 866-927-6327

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, Bonnie Maloney at 816-359-6744 .

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