MWES Counseling Update

October 2022 - Mrs. Franklin, MWES School Counselor

Happy Fall!

Hello MWES Families! I hope you all are enjoying some cooler temperatures and some down time during fall break! I'm so happy to report that all classes have now had their first classroom counseling 'class' with me! All lessons focused on self-awareness. K-3 students worked on identifying feelings. 4th graders talked about learning to use their social filter - they know to use the THINK method - is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind - before they speak. Personally, I think this is a great reminder for all of us! 5th graders worked to identify their strengths and weaknesses and using those to boost our self-esteem.

A Word on Clip Charts....

As with many topics, you can find positives and negatives about anything with a quick Google search and this is definitely true about clip charts. The clip chart system at MWES has been used for many years across the district to go along with PBIS - Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Essentially, giving more attention to the positive behaviors and choices we want to see, in the 'hope' that most will comply with meeting those expectations. When the time arises that someone does not meet the expectation, time is taken to teach (and reteach) the desired behavior.

The great thing about this system is that it's never too late for a student to turn their day around by making the right choices. They can clip up or down all day. When I started teaching (a while back), it was pretty much a 3 color system, so a student on a 'bad' color by 10am, had no incentive to try to make a change. Our students understand that they can always make a positive change to get back on track.

Another consideration I hope you will take is that putting too much emphasis on the color each day. A green day is ok. We have had instances where students have been afraid to end their day on green, which is tough to see. Some days teachers are just busy and may forget to give clip ups as often as normal. Additionally, a day here and there below green is ok too. We all have days where we just aren't ourselves and we may not make the best decisions. IF there are several days where a student doesn't meet expectations and those colors are below green often, then that's the time to be concerned. Chances are, you've probably already heard from the teacher if that is the case.

We are always looking at our systems and have considered changes to this system; however, at this time, we have found this works best for most students. If have a concern about the clip chart and how it relates to your child, please feel free to reach out.

Value Word of the Month - Grit

Grit means refusing to give up when life gets hard.

Check out the Core Essentials newsletter for more information on GRIT!

GRIT In Books

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After the Fall

Read Aloud

Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened afterwards?

Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid birdwatcher whose favourite place to be is high up on the city wall - that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most.

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No Biggy!

Read Aloud

Getting frustrated is a part of life! And, whether Kiki is working on squeezing toothpaste right onto her toothbrush, getting the zipper to slide all the way up her jacket, or spreading cream cheese on a bagel, she learns to take a deep breath, say "No Biggy!," and try again—after all, things don't always go exactly as expected on the first try!

Kiki even teaches her mom and dad a thing or two—yes, grown-ups get frustrated, too! Bright and encouraging illustrations picture Kiki throughout her day, right up to her big bedtime bubble bath. Filled with love and positivity, No Biggy! is certain to become the go-to, favorite saying in your home.

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Brilliant Bea

Read Aloud

Despite her struggles with reading and writing, Beatrice is a natural and brilliant storyteller. With the help of a kind-hearted teacher, Beatrice uses an old-fashioned tape recorder so she can speak her words and then play them back, as a technique for learning in whole new way. With her new approach, Beatrice is able to show her classmates who she really has been all along.

Grit in Video