Our focus for the week is “Resilience,” the inner strength that helps you overcome the challenges and obstacles you have in life to help you become a better human.

Maya Angelou, the great writer and poet, faced a lot of struggles and traumas during her childhood. She moved from one family to another, where she witnessed and was a victim of violence. But she never gave up pursuing her dreams. She once said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

As your student's school counselor, I’m here to help them work on the skills that will help them become resilient so they can pursue all of their dreams.

As part of National School Counselor's Week's theme of "Building Better Humans," we would like for our students to remember how important it is to spread kindness to all creatures, big and small. Pets Inc. is in need of blankets and towels. Gently used, clean items will be collected from Monday, February 3 - Friday, February 7. Students may drop off their donations in the main lobby of the school in the bins provided.

Critical Thinking

[to analyze, evaluate and form an opinion]

Lifelong Guideline:

Personal Best; Active Listening

Lifeskills:

Problem-Solve: Being able to figure out the best way to fix difficult situation

Resourcefulness: Thinking of new and creative ways to work on challenges and opportunities

Curiosity: Being able to discover and learn new information

"I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think."

Socrates

Small groups are getting ready to start for the spring semester.

Third and fifth grade small groups with Mrs. Arndt will be starting the week of February 10th and running for 7 weeks through March. Reminder slips of the group that your child was selected for were sent home the last week of January.

Reminder that fifth grade small groups meet in the morning at 7:20. In order to get the most out of group, students must be on time and ready to work by 7:20. Please refer to the reminder sheet that was sent home to see which day your child has group!

Reminder that third grade small groups are meeting during their lunch time. Please refer to the reminder sheet that was sent home to find out which day they have group so that lunch visits can be planned accordingly. An absence is allowed if the student's birthday falls during group day!

Be on the lookout for fourth grade small group permission forms to be coming home with your child. Remember, a parent or guardian must sign the form allowing them to participate in small groups.

If you have any questions about small groups, please contact your child's school counselor using the information listed below.

Collaboration

[working well with others]

Lifelong Guideline:

Active Listening

Lifeskills:

Cooperation: working together to accomplish a goal

Friendship: treating someone nicely

Flexibility: being able to change plans without getting upset

"It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill."

Wilbur Wright

What Madison has to say about herself:

I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology. My hope is to inspire as many people, children and adults alike, as I can and put a smile on their faces. I love to read and travel and just recently went to Europe in September to present on Play Therapy. I have two fat and happy cats, Domino and Frosty. I look forward to spending this semester at White Knoll!

America's most practical and entertaining parenting training!

Parenting with Love & Logic is a 6-week parent training program designed by Love & Logic Institute, INC. The benefits of the knowledge that you will gain from this program can provide a lifetime reward in your parent/child relationship.

If you are interested in signing up, please click the link below or contact your child's school counselor for more information.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NDi5DzylZgm6TbCFggR98SDswtC8blCy/view?usp=sharing

We are so excited to welcome Stephanie Coombs from the University of South Carolina. Stephanie is a second year student in the Counseling Education program, studying to become a school counselor. She will be working with Ms. Rowe, helping with individual sessions, classroom lessons, small groups, and anything else that is needed. She will be with us everyday through the beginning of May.

What Stephanie has to say about herself:

I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology. I love helping people and kids to be happy and healthy and be able to grow. I have two dogs, a German Shepherd named Eiko and a Yorkie named Gizmo. I love listening to music and playing trumpet as well swing dancing and reading in my free time. I’m so excited to be at WKE getting to know everyone and help make WKE the best it can be!