MYES Counselor Corner

Hello Mountain Lions,

My name is Mrs. Bushman, and I am truly looking forward to serving as your school counselor this year! While some students and families may already know me, I’m very much looking forward to welcoming new faces and starting the school year with positivity and excitement.

As your school counselor, my role is to support students in their academic growth, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. Throughout the year, I’ll be working with students in classrooms, small groups, and one-on-one to help build the skills they need for a successful and meaningful school experience.

Please know that my door is always open. If you or your child ever need support, have questions, or simply want to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help—and I’m excited for all that this school year will bring!

Warmly,
Mrs. Bushman
School Counselor

For the month of April, our Guidance Lessons will focus on resiliency.

Students are nominated every few weeks to participate in Lunch Bunch or small group counseling, which is designed to build community and support social-emotional learning.Once nominations are received, permission slips will be sent home. Only students with returned permission slips will be allowed to participate.

Lunch Bunch Details:

• Takes place once a week during students' lunch period.

• Each group runs for approximately 6-8 weeks.

• The second round will begin in December and conclude by the beginning of February.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

This year, I am excited to offer short-term one-on-one counseling to support the individual needs of our students. In order for your child to participate, a signed parent permission form will be required.

Counseling sessions will take place once a week for six weeks and will focus on helping your child build skills, strategies, and confidence in a supportive setting.

Please note that this service is intended to be short-term. If you feel your child may benefit from ongoing, long-term counseling, I would be happy to share information and connect you with trusted outside providers.

If you would like to request individual counseling for your student; please fill out this google form.

In addition to counseling services, I also offer short check-ins for students in a safe and supportive space. These visits are designed to give students a brief moment to process their feelings and reset before returning to class.

Students may come for a check-in for a variety of reasons—such as feeling upset about something that happened in class, experiencing hurt feelings, feeling sad, or simply wanting to share what’s on their heart.

These visits are never long and often include quiet time in my office, playing with a fidget to support self-regulation, or a short conversation to help the student feel ready to return to learning.

Taking care of yourself and your mental well-being is essential for a happy and balanced life. Here are some tips on how you can take care of your mental health this spring:

• Get Outside – Spend time in nature to boost mood and reduce stress.
• Stay Active – Exercise regularly to improve mental well-being.
• Prioritize Sleep – Maintain a consistent sleep schedule for better emotional balance.
• Eat Nourishing Foods – A healthy diet supports brain function and mood.
• Practice Mindfulness – Engage in meditation, deep breathing, or journaling.
• Stay Connected – Reach out to friends and family for support.
• Set Boundaries – Protect your time and energy from stressors.
• Embrace New Beginnings – Use spring as a fresh start for personal growth.
• Engage in Hobbies – Do activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Seek Help if Needed – Don’t hesitate to talk to a professional if you're struggling.

Below are several topics related to experiences your child may encounter during their elementary years. Each section includes practical strategies and helpful resources to support you along the way. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a message if you have any questions or concerns.

• Establish predictable routines for schoolwork, playtime, and bedtime to create a sense of stability.

• Teach simple organizational habits to support focus and task completion.

• Use visual aids—such as calendars, checklists, or charts—to help manage time and responsibilities.

• Give clear, encouraging instructions that emphasize what to do, rather than what not to do.

• Tackle challenges together to build problem-solving and social skills.

• Support their well-being with healthy meals that help sustain focus and energy.

• Celebrate effort and progress with consistent, positive reinforcement.

• Step away for a short break when emotions feel overwhelming.

• Release energy through movement—running, stretching, or a playful activity.

• Practice deep, slow breathing to calm both mind and body.

• Count slowly to 10 to help settle strong feelings.

• Use creative outlets like drawing, molding Play-Doh, or painting.

• Encourage journaling or storytelling as a way to process emotions.

• Read calming books together—When Sophie Gets Angry is a great choice.

• Teach positive self-talk such as, “I can stay calm,” or “I’m in control of my feelings.”

• Listen with empathy and let your child know their feelings are valid and common.

• Talk gently about their worries and help them separate things they can control vs. things they cannot control.

• Encourage small steps toward facing fears, and celebrate progress along the way.

• Practice calming techniques together—deep breathing, counting, visualization, or relaxing music.

• Support social confidence through structured activities and hobbies.

• Build their self-esteem by encouraging independence and recognizing their unique strengths.

• Use calm, respectful language and a quiet tone to express feelings.

• Say, “Please stop,” when something feels hurtful or uncomfortable.

• Walk away to cool down if emotions become too intense.

• Practice staying calm—even pausing can be a powerful response.

• Calm down with deep breaths or a slow count to 10.

• Apologize sincerely when appropriate.

• Work toward fair solutions like sharing or taking turns.

• Use “I-messages” to clearly express feelings (e.g., “I feel left out when I’m not included. I’d like to join in.”)

• Use kind, encouraging language that affirms your child’s efforts and strengths.

• Model confidence by speaking positively about yourself and practicing self-compassion.

• Foster a home environment where your child feels safe, loved, and unconditionally accepted.

• Encourage participation in cooperative or helpful activities—giving to others can help children feel empowered and connected.

• Help your child practice kindness by offering compliments and uplifting others; spreading positivity often builds confidence from within.

• Try calming visualizations together, like imagining a peaceful walk on the beach or through a quiet, sunny meadow.

• Play soft, relaxing music to create a calm atmosphere.

• Make sure your child gets enough restful sleep to help them feel refreshed and ready for the day.

• Provide healthy meals to keep their energy steady and their mood balanced.

• Encourage them to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and focused.

• Teach your child to use kind self-talk, like saying, “I can handle this.”

• Help them think about happy memories or positive thoughts.

• End the day by asking them to share something good that happened.

If you’re thinking about seeking additional support for your child, here are some thoughtful steps to help guide the process:

• Consult your child’s pediatrician to discuss your concerns and explore possible next steps.

• Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and request a list of in-network mental health professionals (if you need help with this, I am happy to look into providers and ask if they take your insurance).

For more guidance, you can visit this helpful resource from the Child Mind Institute:
Should I Get Care for My Child?

Supervised by Nancy Asher, LPC-S, RPT-S

Professional School Counselor

Email: crystal.bushman@comalisd.org

Phone: (830) 837-7809

Mayfair Elementary School

5912 Guthrie Trail,
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Phone: (830) 837-7804