Counselor’s Corner

August 2026

Dear PCS Families,

I wanted to wish you all a welcome back to a new school year! A new school year brings excitement, new routines, new friendships, and sometimes some nervous energy or butterflies in the stomach. Whether your child is eager to return or feeling a little unsure, both reactions are completely normal.

As we get ready for another wonderful year at Putney Central School, here are a few simple ways families can help children make a smooth transition back to school.

 Getting Back into the School Routine

The transition from summer to school can take some time. A few days before school begins, begin gently reintroducing school year routines:

• If you can, move bedtime and wake-up time earlier a little at a time.

• If you can, have children practice getting dressed and ready in the morning.

• If you can, reestablish regular meal and snack times.

• If you can, put backpacks, shoes, and school supplies in the same place each evening.

• If you can, talk through what the morning will look like: “We’ll have breakfast, get dressed, get your backpack, and then we’ll head to school.”

• If you can, keep the first few mornings as predictable and calm as possible.

Children don't need a perfect routine on Day One. They just might need a predictable rhythm that will become familiar over time.

What If Your Child Is Nervous About School?

Some children will say, “I can't wait for school!” Others may say, “I don't want to go.” Some may seem completely fine and then become tearful the night before school starts.

Try to resist the urge to immediately fix or eliminate the worry. Instead, acknowledge the feeling and communicate confidence. Here is an example of what you might say:

“It makes sense that you feel nervous. New things can feel uncomfortable. And I know you can handle it.”

This gives children two important messages at the same time: that their feelings are okay.
And that they are capable of doing hard things.

A helpful rule: Don't make the worry bigger than it needs to be.

If your child says, “What if I don't know where to go?” you might say:

“You can ask an adult for help. There will be people at school whose job is to help you.”

Rather than having a long conversation about every possible thing that could go wrong, help your child identify one simple plan for what they can do if they feel unsure.

Separation Anxiety: Keep Goodbyes Short, Warm & Confident

Separation can be difficult, even for children who have been to school many times before.

A child may cry, cling, complain of a stomachache, or repeatedly ask when you will return. These behaviors are often a child's way of saying to you that this feels hard, and I need reassurance. The most helpful response is usually to try:

“I know it is hard to say goodbye. You are safe, and your teachers will take good care of you. I'll see you after school.” Then try to follow through with the goodbye. I know it can be hard, and it’s also worth it. Oftentimes, long goodbyes, repeated reassurance, or repeatedly returning after saying goodbye can unintentionally communicate to a child that there really is something to be worried about.

A confident goodbye doesn't mean your child won't feel sad. It means you're showing them that they can miss you and still be okay.

Watch for the “What If?” Questions

As school approaches, children may begin asking lots of questions, which can become a cycle of what we call “reassurance seeking”:

What if I don't make any friends?
What if I can't do the work?
What if I get sick?

Instead of answering every “what if?” with more and more reassurance, try helping your child build confidence in their ability to cope.

You might say:

“That's a worry your brain is giving you. We don't have to figure out every possibility right now. If something difficult happens, we'll figure it out.”

Practice Coping Before You Need It

Before school starts, help your child identify a few things that help when they feel nervous:

• Take three slow breaths.

• Notice what is happening around them.

• Talk to a trusted adult.

• Get a drink of water.

• Take a short movement break.

• Use positive self-talk: “I can handle this.”

• Focus on the next small step instead of the whole day.

The goal isn't to teach children how to never feel anxious. The goal is to help them learn that they might feel anxious and still do what they need to do. 

A Few Helpful Phrases for the School Year

Instead of: “Don't worry.”
Try: “I know this feels hard, and you can handle it.”

Instead of: “Everything will be fine.”
Try: “Whatever happens, we can figure it out.”

Instead of: “Are you sure you're okay?”
Try: “You seem a little worried. I'm here if you need me.”

Instead of: “I'll make sure nothing happens.”
Try: “There are adults at school who can help you.”

At PCS, we want children to feel connected, safe, and capable, and that doesn't mean children will never struggle. In fact, struggling with manageable challenges is an important part of growing. Our job at school and at home is not to remove every uncomfortable feeling or solve every problem for children. Our job is to help them develop the confidence and skills to navigate those moments.

Here's to a new school year filled with curiosity, connection, courage, and plenty of opportunities to grow! We are so happy to welcome all of our returning students and families, and a special welcome to the new students and families joining the PCS community this year. We’re excited to get to know you and help you feel at home.

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to explore additional support for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year!

And, last but never least, a special welcome back to Moochie! 🐾

We’re also excited to welcome back our school comfort dog, Moochie, for another year at PCS! Moochie will continue to be part of our school community, offering an extra layer of comfort, connection, and support to our students. Whether a child needs a quiet moment, a little encouragement, help settling into the school day, or simply enjoys spending time with a friendly four-legged friend, Moochie is always happy to lend a paw. 

All the best, 

Marisa
School Counselor
Putney Central School