School Counseling Update

As we head into November, our school counseling lessons are focusing on keeping our students safe, kind, and connected. This month, students in grades K-5 will begin our annual Bullying Prevention units, where they will learn how to define bullying, understand the power of kindness, and practice the difference between "tattling" and reporting. We will focus heavily on how to be an "upstander" rather than a bystander, equipping our younger students with actionable tools to look out for one another and ensure our school remains a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, our 6th graders will dive into an essential unit on Social Media Safety. As digital landscapes grow, this lesson is designed to help our oldest students navigate the online world responsibly. We will discuss the permanence of a digital footprint, the importance of privacy settings, how to recognize cyberbullying, and strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and real-world connections. We encourage you to use these lessons as a conversation starter at home by asking your child what it means to be a good friend—both on the playground and online!

I am Megan Utter and I am the school counselor at Prairie Lane and Rockbrook! This is my third year in Westside and my 5th year as an elementary counselor. I help support students in classroom lessons, short-term individual check ins, small groups, and can help families get connected with community resources as well. I'd love to hear from you!

Phone: 402-401-6324

Email: utter.megan@westside66.net

Thank you so much to everyone who donated during the Hygiene Drive! We collected almost 4500 items and shout out to First Grade who brought in 1900+ items! Way to go! These items are so appreciated for the Family Resource Center. Thank you so much for your generosity Panthers!