Counseling Connection

And Union Chapel is a big family!

On the first day of school, we had 608 students and have already added a few more. There are 95 Kinder-gators who are learning how to be students at UC. From the first week to the last, it's always a great day to be a Gator!

Plans are underway for Careers on Wheels 2024. For this hands-on career awareness event we invite people to visit us at school and bring their work vehicles. Kids can learn more about different career fields and check out the cool trucks, cars and equipment. Our kids love it!

Would you like to participate? Do you know somebody with an interesting job and vehicle? Please contact Beth Dusin for more information.

Mornings can be hard! In the words of Parent Coach Rachel Norman, "When kids are calm in the morning, they're emotionally regulated, and ready to jump into their day." With 19 years of experience as a school counselor and 23 years as a mom, I couldn't agree more. Establishing some simple home routines help you create peaceful, predictable mornings that result in calm - not frazzled - parents and kiddos. Sounds pretty good to me! Here are some things to consider in your plan.

1. Allow plenty of time. Nobody likes feeling rushed and kids are no exception. Build a little extra time into your schedule so you can be flexible when snags (inevitably) come up.
2. Break it down. Identify the steps needed to get everyone out the door on time. This helps your kids know what "get dressed" really means--clean clothes, teeth and hair brushed, socks and shoes on.
3. Use visuals. A checklist or picture cue cards are great reminders and help little people be more independent. Here's an example.
4. Avoid power struggles. Offering kids choices is a great way to help them feel in control. This can take time. Making clothing and lunch choices for the week on Sunday is a great time saver. If that's too much--and it would have been for me--make these decisions the night before.

Families have a powerful role in supporting their children’s mental and emotional health at home and at school. Starting a conversation about mental health is a great first step but it can be scary. Try leading with questions and then really listening to what your kids have to say:

• Can you tell me more about what is happening?
• I'm here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
  
• Would you like to to talk to someone else about your feelings?

This article from the National Association of Elementary Principals has great information in English and Spanish.

Meet Union Chapel Social Worker Ellie Logan. Mrs. Logan’s Social Work Spot highlights resources that may be helpful to your family. Check back frequently, because it is updated often. Right now, make sure to check out the Miles of Smiles registration information; the dentist will be visiting Union Chapel in October!

Families can obtain free medical and dental care for kids at the the Synergy Services’ Teens & Tots Health Clinic. The clinic provides youth ages 5-21 years with access to their to high quality medical services including dental care and vision resources. The clinic is staffed by professionals from Children’s Mercy Hospital, Level Up Kids, and Vision Source Eyecare. The clinic is located at Synergy Services Youth Resiliency Center at 2001 Parvin Road.

The staff evaluate and treat patients using a strength-based approach that is inclusive, affirming, informative, and completely confidential. Within the Teens & Tots Health Clinic, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

The one place you should feel safe is your home. But many times, that’s not the case. Synergy Services believes that everyone should have a safe place to call home. They know circumstances beyond your control—abuse, violence, poverty, drugs or alcohol, mental health—can leave you feeling alone, scared, and hopeless. That doesn’t have to be your reality! Their services and resources make safety, healing, and hope possible. And they walk with you from the first phone call to a place of restoration on the other side.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Get the help you need with just one phone call to 816-321-7050. The crisis hotline offers support and assistance and will put you on the right path to living in a community free of family violence.

We're ready to help if you or your family is having a hard time. Please call or email Mrs. Dusin, Mrs. Logan or Mrs. Irwin with a "handle with care" message. We won't ask questions or share your concern without permission. We'll just know that your child might need a little extra TLC.

Through the expertise of School Counselors, the Park Hill School District implements a comprehensive school counseling program that equitably supports all students through academic, career, and social and emotional development needs for success in life.

Email: irwinr@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: Union Chapel
Location: 7100 Northwest Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-6071

Email: logane@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: Social Work Spot
Location: 7100 Northwest Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-5733

Email: dusinb@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: Union Chapel Student Support
Location: 7100 Northwest Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-5646