Counselor's Corner

This month Memorial students are focusing on responsibility and communication which aligns with our Journey of a Blue Devil competencies. Students are still learning the Emotion Management unit during classroom guidance lessons. In this unit, we practice how to identify strong feelings in our body. For example, a racing heart and sweaty skin may indicate that we are feeling anxious or scared. Students learn to recognize what is happening in their body which indicates to them that they need to calm down. I encourage you to discuss with your students the calm down steps that we use in school: stop, name your feeling, and calm down. As a family, you can discuss what calm down methods your student prefers! Examples include: deep breathing, counting and positive self-talk.

My next round of small groups will begin roughly February 24th. The purpose of these groups is to promote necessary social skills that will help them in the classroom and to create meaningful, positive relationships. Groups meet for 30 minutes once a week for an 8 week period, during lunch time. Please be aware that this does not mean your child is in “trouble.” This is a fun opportunity for your child to socialize with their peers in a smaller setting, while also learning life skills! If you would like to learn more about small groups please feel free to email me your questions.

Every month, the counselor lessons align with our Journey of a Blue Devil competencies. In January we are focused on responsibility. When we define what responsibility is, we define it as acting with integrity and honesty. We want students to learn the importance of honoring their commitments and owning the outcome.

During classroom guidance lessons, we started the managing our own emotions unit in from Second Step. Students can demonstrate responsibility by managing their emotions, staying calm and making the right decision.

What Does it Mean to Manage Your Emotions?

Practice Mindfulness

Coping Strategies Challenge

Books Discussing Feelings and Emotions

Zones of Regulation

Please note that parents can learn more about the Second Step Program at any time by setting up a parent account in just a few short steps.

1. Follow this link to create a parent account

2. Enter the activation key at https://www.secondstep.org/

3. Click under the lessons tab under the home link

Below are the following activation keys:

Kindergarten- SSPK FAMILY70

1st Grade-SSP1 FAMILY71

2nd Grade-SSP2 FAMILY72

3rd Grade-SSP3 FAMILY73

4th Grade-SSP4 FAMILY74

5th Grade-SSP5 FAMILY75

Looking for further resources to reinforce the topics from Second Step? Check these out!

Kindergarten Parent Resources

First Grade Parent Resources

Second Grade Parent Resources

Third Grade Parent Resources

Fourth Grade Parent Resources

Fifth Grade Parent Resources

Email: tbehringer@bcsoh.org
Location: Memorial Elementary
Phone: 330-273-0486 ext. #1525

My Hours: School Days 8:15am-3:45pm

Counselors do not maintain 24 hour access to e-mail accounts. In the event of a counseling emergency please call 911, the Medina County Crisis Center (330-725-9195) or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988).

Additionally, you may find the following resource helpful: https://medinamentalhealth.com/crisis-intervention-2/

My job as a school counselor includes:

• Implementing a comprehensive school counseling program

• Tend to the student’s social, emotional, and academic needs

• Collaborate with stakeholders to meet the needs of every student

• Provide short-term individual counseling, small group counseling, and teach classroom guidance lessons that align with district standards

• Ensure that parents and staff have the necessary resources to best provide for our students

• Ensure that Section 504 Plans are being followed and reviewed

Please reach out to me if you need help with any resources for your family!