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Rise and Shine

A friendly note from your school counselor Mrs. Kane

Rise andShineA friendly note from your school counselor Mrs. Kane

Dear Families,

In these strange times, we can expect that kids are waking up on the wrong side of the bed. This newsletter offers some suggestions and resources to help ease the transition as we all navigate this new journey. I hope you and your family find these resources helpful! If you or your child(ren) need immediate support our local Center for Mental Health has setup a number to call 970-252-6220 or if you would like to inquire about tele-counseling or making an appointment you can call 970-252-3200. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to support you and your child(ren) during this time. If your child would like to meet with me they can make an appointment using this calendar and we will have a google meet. You can always email me at wkane@gunnisonschools.net. We are all in this together and we are Gunnison strong!


We miss you!

Mrs. Kane

Practicing Mindfulness
There's a lot of research out there that suggests that taking a few minutes every morning to clear your mind and breathe deeply helps to reduce stress. These are traumatic times, and meditation can help kids (and grownups) to start the day with calm.

Next Up: Get Moving (= Lifting the Spirits)

Let's Go (K-3) Body in Motion

Family Resources

  • Sanford Harmony (SEL curriculum) online platform for home use - click here.
  • A free resource from Let Grow for teaching kids independence - click here.
  • A list of great ideas and activities from We Are Teachers - click here.
  • These podcasts from Big Life Journal are another great free resource and cover a variety of topics from mindfulness to tackling challenges. There are resources that go with the podcasts that you can purchase for 50% off using the code STUCKHOME - click here.
  • Keep active by using the Down Dog app which is being offered for free right now. They have a variety of yoga, barre, HIIT, and 7 minute workouts - click here.
  • An article on how school closures can strengthen families - click here.
  • Handling your kid's disappointment when everything is cancelled - click here.

Things to do at home that don’t involve a computer


  1. Create a routine and schedule that incorporates both school work and non school work.

  2. Read a book for yourself.

  3. Go for a walk or hike. We live in such a beautiful area, get out and enjoy it.

  4. If you have a bike, go for a bike ride.

  5. Go sledding!

  6. Get outside and play some games with family like soccer, baseball, basketball, make sure to do this with family only.

  7. Bake: Find something exciting to bake and share your recipe with friends (via phone)

  8. Cook: Try something new and take turns cooking. Challenge yourself to make a new dish every day for a week :-)

  9. Get artsy- make some collages or go outside and find some (dry) nature things to make an nature collage with.

  10. Science experiments are always fun! Try something new or go with some of the classics like making a baking soda-and-vinegar volcano, or a Diet Coke-and-Mentos rocket.

  11. Set up a tent in the backyard. You can camp under the stars at night, or just hang out there with books and games for a few hours in the afternoon.

  12. Make your own ice cream. It's easier than you think. You just need half-and-half, sugar, salt, ice, vanilla and a plastic baggie.

  13. Play card games. Old Maid, Crazy 8s and Go Fish are all fun. You could also play poker for candy.

  14. You may not be able to visit your favorite paint-your-own pottery place, but you can find some old mugs or bowls to have the kids paint at home.

  15. Clean out your closet. But hold off on the donations. Let your kids play dress-up for a few weeks. If they lose interest, that's cool. That's the time to donate. Otherwise, let them keep a few favorites for their dress-up collection.

  16. Make a car out of cardboard boxes.

  17. Pitch a tent & camp out in the backyard.

  18. Write letters to family members and friends you haven’t talked to in a while.

  19. Have your kids wash the car (maybe they can make a few bucks while doing it).

  20. Whip out those puzzles. Or play Monopoly-those games can be addicting!

  21. Tie dye some old shirts, socks, or any clothing. See what masterpieces you can make!

  22. Make a scavenger hunt for your siblings or family.

  23. Create a play.

  24. Make a comic.
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GES Counselor Mrs. Kane

While school is closed, we'll do our best to keep you updated and busy. Good luck, parents, and thanks for all you're doing! In this time, the best way to reach me is via the following:

Email: wkane@gunnisonschools.net
Website: https://gunnisonelementary.gunnisonschools.net/programs/school_counselor
Location: 1099 North 11th Street, Gunnison, CO, USA
Phone: 970-641-7710
Twitter: @mskanecounselor