Counseling Corner

I can't believe how quickly the end of the school year is approaching! It seems like it is just flying by. Only 5 weeks left. I know this is a very busy time of year with sports, testing and all the different things going on. It sometimes becomes hard to stick to a good routine. Routines are very important for children, and sleep plays such an important role in your student's abilities to function and manage their emotions. Emotions feel so much bigger when one is tired and a good night of rest helps students be able to self regulate! Let's try our best to ensure our students are getting adequate sleep and rest so we can finish this year out strong! We're almost there!

We have began our problem solving unit to finish out the school year. During our problem solving unit we are learning how to state a problem without placing blame on others, simply just stating what the problem is, in order to be able to think about solutions. We are talking about the difference between big versus small problems so we can learn how to appropriately solve problems on our own but also know when to ask for help. We will learn how to think about or brainstorm different solutions to a problem or conflict and how to compromise to pick the best solution.

We are also focusing on identifying how those involved in a problem feel and how our response to a problem can affect the outcome, good or bad. We are focusing on making sure we are calm before addressing the problem. We can calm ourselves down when a problem arises by using coping skills such as deep breathing or counting. Taking the time to calm down will help us to handle the situation more appropriately.

We are also learning the importance of apologizing, especially if the problem was caused on accident. We learned a 3 step apology: "I'm sorry. Are you okay? How can I help?" Apologizing can help us solve a problem much quicker.

Our Second Step program also taught students how to sign an apology. Ask your student if they remember the sign language for "I'm sorry", "Okay", and "Help."

PTO's Annual Freedom Fun Run will be the morning of May 7th. There will be more information coming soon. We want you to be ready for this PTO once a year, special fundraising event! Times are listed below if you would like to plan ahead to run or walk with your child. Thank you for supporting our schools!

Chronic Absenteeism Information Letters went out to each family in Thursday folders. That letter explains the difference between Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy. Then last week Chronically Absent Notices were mailed to parents based on the State Department Guidelines. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of the school year - which equates to no more than 2 days per month of the school year. Excused and unexcused absences are both counted toward chronic absenteeism. If students have missed more than 10% of the school year and are deemed chronically absent by the state, a Chronically Absent Notice was sent to Parents.

Please help us with attendance by providing documentation for absences as much as possible so we can document why your student wasn't at school. We appreciate your help with this.

Routines are very important for children and sleep is very important for growth, development, and emotions! A good night of rest helps students regulate their emotions! Emotions feel so much bigger when one is tired. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for sleep are below.

Please fill out the form below if you have a concern regarding your student that you would like the counselor's assistance with. The school counselor does her best to respond to request forms as quickly as possible. If you need more immediate assistance, please contact the school and ask to be connected with the school counselor's office.

Please Note:

• School based counseling addresses only issues that affect the child in school and is only short term.
• The school counselor is not a therapist and does not provide in depth or long term therapy. (A list of local professional therapists is available upon request.)

If your student is in need of resources please use the form below and the counselor would be happy to assist you with resource referrals or needs. Please only fill out the form if you and your family are in need of assistance.

Hat Days are a fun way to celebrate and wear a hat to school as well as give back to our friends in need. Bring $1 and wear your favorite hat! Be creative or just have fun wearing your favorite hat while helping us support our school community! The money from hat day will go to support students who might be in need of a coat, backpack, and other items that support our students and classrooms.

Thank you for your support!

Dates to wear your FAVORITE Hat:

• April 12th
• May 16th - Free Hat Day! We made it! Last day of School!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7) 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Alliance on Mental Illness CRISIS TEXT LINE (24/7) Text NAMI to 741-741

National Teen Line – 1-800-852-8336 *8pm-12pm or TEXT TEEN to 839863 *8pm-11pm

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Reachout Hotline – 1-800-522-9054

Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-522-3511

Resource Directory- Dial 211

Emergency - Dial 911

• April 26th - No School - Snow Day
• May 3rd - No School - Snow Day
• May 6th-10th - Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
• May 7th - PTO Freedom Fun Run Annual Fundraiser
• May 15th - PTO Super Kids Day
• May 16th - Last Day of School / Parent Picnics / Report Cards go home