Ms. Liza's Counselor's Corner

👋 Welcome Message

This has been a busy start to the school year so this is my first Counselor's Corner that I've been able to put together. Moving forward, I plan to send these out monthly to keep you updated with school news, social emotional updates and resources for monthly themes.

In this newsletter, you will find links to meet with myself and other student support staff during this upcoming Parent Teacher conference on Monday, November 2, 2026.

You can typically find me in the Conference Room 201 which I share with our school social worker, Katherine Metzner, our occupational therapist, Hailey Stiegel, and our speech pathologist Kaity Aigner. I'm so excited to be working with you and your families this year! If you need anything, please reach out to me.

Tip for my newsletter: I like to link resources to pictures, so try clicking on my photo or the SEL logos for more information. 😉

Catalpa Student Support Staff Appointments

Parent Teacher conferences are on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Please click on our photos to access our appointment calendars.

Liza Reed - School Counselor

Stephanie Creely - Case Manager

Hailey Stiegel - School Occupational Therapist

Katherine Metzner Social Worker

Kaity Aigner - School Speech Pathologist

Hannah Bargouthi - SchoolPhysical Therapist

Social Emotional Learning at Catalpa 😀😔😠😲

Full Day 4 Year Old Classrooms

Our school uses the Second Step curriculum for our 4 year classrooms. I push into all classrooms once a week to help support the lessons being taught each week by reading stories and singing songs.

Half Day 3 Year Old Classrooms

Our school uses the Slumberkins Creatures Full of Feelings for our 3 year old classrooms. I push into all classrooms weekly to help support the feelings being taught each week by engaging in discussion about the feeling and singing a song. Part of the song is the students learning the following mantra:

"I can feel my feelings. They are a part of me. I can listen closely, to what my heart and body need."

Celebrating Native American Heritage

Here are some activities that you can do at home to help learn about and celebrate Native American Heritage Month:

Storytelling Circles: Storytelling is a rich tradition in Indigenous cultures. Tell personal family stories or read stories written by Native American authors such as We Are Water Protectors by
Carole Lindstrom or Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
Music & Movement: Children are exploring rhythm, listening to traditional drum patterns, and moving to songs that celebrate connection to the earth.
Nature Appreciation: Indigenous teachings place great value on caring for our environment. We are taking outdoor walks to observe trees, leaves, and wildlife, learning how we can be good helpers to our planet.

Resources

💡 Counselor Tip: Navigating Holiday Busy-ness

The holiday season brings schedule shifts, extra travel, and busier environments, which can trigger stress or meltdowns in young children.

Keep Core Routines Intact: Try to keep sleep and meal times as consistent as possible, even on weekends or family visits.
Create Quiet Spaces: If family gatherings get overwhelming, set up a quiet corner with a favorite stuffed animal or picture book where your child can take 5 minutes to recharge.
Name the Emotion: When big feelings hit, offer validation: "There are a lot of people here and it feels noisy. It’s okay to take a break with me."

Important Dates and Reminders

Monday, Nov. 2 - Parent Teacher Conferences - No School for Students
Tuesday, Nov. 3 - No School - Election Day
Wednesday, November 11 - No School - Veteran's Day
Friday, November 13 @ 5pm - GoCPS Application closes
November 23-27 - No School for Thanksgiving Break

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