Counselor’s Corner

October at PCS

October is a busy and exciting month in the School Counseling program! We have been building community, learning about our brains and emotions, strengthening relationships, and getting ready for some fun schoolwide events. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next!

Second Step: Learning About Our Brains & Big Feelings

We have been using the Second Step curriculum in grades K–5, with an early focus on emotional regulation, managing strong feelings, and helping our brains and bodies feel ready to learn.

Students are learning to notice what is happening in their bodies, identify their emotions, and practice strategies that can help them calm down, focus, and get ready to learn.

This work will lead us into learning more about the brain, what different parts of our brain do, how our brains respond when we are stressed or upset, and how we can help our brains get back to a place where we are ready to think, learn, and make good choices.

We will continue exploring the brain and how it connects to our emotions, behavior, learning, and relationships throughout the school year!

Bullying Prevention Spirit Week is Coming!

Since October is National Bullying Prevention Month, we are gearing up for our Bullying Prevention Spirit Week, happening October 26–30!

Look out for more details coming soon, including our fun theme for each day that our middle school leaders chose! We are excited to make this a week that celebrates kindness, inclusion, friendship, and being the type of community where everyone feels like they belong.

More information and daily themes will be coming your way soon, so stay tuned!

Habits of Character Community Assemblies

Our monthly Habits of Character Community Assemblies continue this year, and this year, our middle school students are joining us, which has made these gatherings extra special!

Each month, our school focuses on a different character trait. Throughout the month, students have opportunities to notice and practice that trait in their classrooms, on the playground, in friendships, and throughout our school community.

At the end of each month, students who have demonstrated that month's character trait may be recognized with a Habits of Character certificate at our community assembly. It's been exciting to see students recognizing these qualities in themselves and in one another! September's character trait was “RELATIONSHIP,” where we focused on the ways we build positive relationships with others. 

October's character trait is “COMMUNITY.” What does it mean to be part of a community? How do our choices affect the people around us? How can we help make PCS a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included?

We can't wait to see our students put this month's word into action!

Let Grow: Building Independence & Confidence

We have also introduced the Let Grow program in grades 2–5!

So, what is Let Grow?

Let Grow is based on a simple idea that kids need opportunities to experience independence, take healthy risks, solve problems, and do things for themselves.

As adults, it can be tempting to step in quickly when our children are struggling or when we know an easier way to do something. Let Grow encourages us to give kids opportunities to try, figure things out, make mistakes, and discover that they are capable.

At school, we will be encouraging students to think about:

• What can I do on my own?

• What problem can I try to solve myself?

• What is something new I could try?

• What happens when something doesn't go exactly as planned?

• How can I ask for help when I really need it?

The goal isn't to leave kids on their own. It's about giving them developmentally appropriate opportunities to build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills.

We are excited to see where this takes our students this year!

A lot is happening in the school counseling program this fall! Along with our classroom lessons and schoolwide initiatives, I continue to support students individually and in small groups around:

Friendships • Emotional Regulation • Problem-Solving • Coping Skills • Anxiety • Conflict Resolution • Social Skills • Self-Awareness • Confidence & Resilience

As always, if you have a question, concern, or something you'd like to talk about regarding your child, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

All the best,

Marisa
School Counselor

Here are Strategies to Support a Successful Morning Routine

​

The hustle and bustle of school mornings can be particularly stressful for many families. Here are some strategies to manage the rush and reduce conflicts:

1.Plan Ahead: Prepare as much as possible the night before. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and organize backpacks.

2. Set Priorities: Focus on essential tasks first, like getting dressed, eating breakfast, and brushing teeth. Discuss these priorities prior to the morning rush to eliminate arguments and set clear expectations. To build independence over time, consider creating a morning routine list and have your child mark off each item as they complete it.

3. Use Visual/Auditory Prompts: Visual schedules, timers, and prompts can help the whole family to stay on track.

4. Create Incentives: If necessary, use short-term rewards or earned privileges to motivate your child.

5. Stay Calm: Maintain a calm tone, set clear expectations, and praise small efforts. De-escalate conflicts by focusing on the next step and staying positive. Avoid participating in any sort of "negotiations" with your child, which may reduce the stress in the interim but can lead to greater difficulty and behavior challenges.

6. Set a “No Screen Time” Policy: Research shows screen use (ie, smartphones, video game systems, social media, and other internet-based activities) can be addicting and difficult for a child, or anyone, for that matter, to separate from. Institute a screen-free morning policy to eliminate this added stressor from your routine.

References:

1. Anderson, D. (n.d.). School Mornings Without the Stress. Child Mind Institute.

2. Wilson, L. & Straus, S. (n.d.) Helping Kids Back into the School Routine. Child Mind Institute.