Connect with Counselor Collins

I hope this newsletter finds you well! As we continue to support our students' academic growth, we are equally committed to nurturing a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment for everyone.

October's counselor focus was on Empathy (assertiveness, bullying prevention, and learning to celebrate and respect each other’s differences). I’d like to share some of the ways we’re working on this focus and invite you to join us in fostering a supportive community for our children.

I'm here to help you and your student(s) every step of the way.

With gratitude,

-Mrs. Collins

I'm excited to share a new initiative we’re launching at our school: Student Focus Groups. This practice allows students to voice their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about their school experience in a structured and supportive setting. In addition, it flows in alignment with our DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Parent Group.

Our goal is to create an environment where every student feels valued and heard. By listening directly to students, we gain insight into their needs and perspectives, which helps us make informed decisions about our programs, policies, and support services. This practice encourages students to take an active role in shaping their school community and builds their communication and collaboration skills.

We have already informed parents of students who are participating. So far, some of our 3rd-5th grade leaders have already began providing school staff feedback regarding recess, fun school activities and nutrition services. I look forward hearing directly from our students and working with them to make our school the best it can be.

Throughout this month, our Morning Meeting discussions are centered around the theme of gratitude. We are helping students explore what it means to be thankful and why practicing gratitude is important for our well-being and relationships. By practicing gratitude together each morning, we aim to build a caring and supportive community where everyone feels appreciated. We hope to inspire students to carry this positive outlook beyond the classroom and into their daily lives.

Family Pursuits

• What are some small, specific things that you are Grateful for? Maybe it is your favorite water cup, the way the cat sleeps on the chair, or when your grandma bakes banana bread. Spend some time as a family trying to think of at least 10 small things that you have Gratitude for and then choose to notice them this week with a smile.

In Park Hill School District, we define bullying by 3 indicators:

1. Behavior is repeated
2. Intent to harm (behavior occurred on purpose; hurtful); unwanted physical or emotional pain
3. Imbalance of power (student has a hard time defending themselves)-i.e. disability, age gap, number of people involved, weight, etc.

During the month of October, our Morning Meetings focused on respect, with a special emphasis on teaching students in Kindergarten through 5th grade how to be upstanders—individuals who take action against bullying and injustice.

Students learned important steps to become upstanders, including:

1. Recognizing Bullying – Understanding what bullying looks like and when someone might need support.
2. Standing Up Safely – Learning safe and positive ways to respond, such as speaking up, getting help from an adult, or offering support to someone who is being targeted.
3. Showing Kindness and Respect – Practicing ways to show kindness and include others, building a respectful and inclusive community.

By practicing these skills, students are learning how they can make a difference every day.

Access Character Strong Bullying Prevention family page to learn more!

One skill students will re-visit throughout the year is assertiveness. Being assertive is a form of communication that helps us get what we want or need, respectfully. Grade levels will practice the following skills to understand what assertive looks and sounds like:

• Face the person you are talking to.
• Keep your head up and shoulders back.
• Use a calm, firm voice.
• Use respectful words

You can build on these skills at home by having your student practice the skills mentioned above with the example question.

We explored the concept of diversity, focusing on how each person is unique in their background, appearance, and beliefs. These discussions have helped students recognize the importance of treating everyone with kindness and understanding. Through this learning, students gained valuable insights, including:

• Friendships Across Differences: They can be friends with someone who is different from them.
• The Importance of Being Yourself: Being true to who you are allows you to feel comfortable and authentic.
• Shared Human Needs and Emotions: All people experience similar needs and feelings, creating common ground.
• Respecting Personal Identity: You can’t know someone’s identity by how they look; getting to know them respectfully helps build a true understanding.
• The Strength in Our Differences: Our diversity makes us stronger and helps others feel valued and seen.

Emotion Management

• Weeks of October 14th, November 4th and 18th, December 9th: Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade
• Weeks of October 28th, November 11th, December 2nd and 16th: 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

We’re pleased to offer small group and individual counseling for students to help support their social-emotional growth and academic success. We have already started working with many students in these settings.

How Referrals Work
Small group and individual counseling sessions are available by referral from teachers, administration, students, or parents. School counseling is intended as short-term support (typically 4-8 weeks) and uses a solution-focused approach to address specific goals. It is not a substitute for therapy or outside counseling.

Setting Goals Together
Counseling goals are developed in collaboration with parents, students, and teachers to help build resilience and support students in reaching their potential.

Our Counseling 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

• 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."

Books used in counselor lessons this unit:

• Kindergarten: Elmer
• 1st: Spork; The Colors of Us
• 2nd: One
• 4th & 5th: Lets Talk About Race

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

Click the picture on the right to connect to Camber Mental Health for tips on supporting your students mental health through better sleep.

Park Hill School District continues to offer all families the opportunity to enroll their student(s) (Pre-K through 12th) in a low cost, district approved insurance program. Direct all questions to KidGuard Insurance, the school district is not involved in the information, coverage, or application process.

Parents can purchase additional insurance protection for accidents that may occur during school classes and while students are away from school, at home, during weekends and vacation periods, including the summer months. For information regarding this optional coverage, visit www.kidguardinsurance.com for additional benefit and on-line enrollment information.

Jessi Connor, Park Hill's transition teacher, is hosting a series of information nights to support families of students with special needs.

All meetings are held at District Office, Room 230, unless otherwise noted.

You and your students are Big Deals to me! I don't take the privilege of supporting your student's social emotional growth lightly.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