We have officially made it to the last month of school! How is that possible?? This year seemed to fly by. It wasn't an easy or typical school year. I know we are all ecstatic to finish the year as a school community together back in our building. We have so many fun and exciting end of year activities planned!

While we get ready to finish out the year with celebrations, I'd also like us to reflect on where we started. We asked students, teachers, and families to do something that's never been done before. And although we have the excitement of making it through another school year, there's also the understanding that this end of year will once again be a bit different than years past.

Although we are on the road back to a sense of normalcy, we have to remember we are not fully there yet. Some students will be able to bounce back from this disruption in our lives quite quickly, while others will take far longer. This summer, students may take longer to adjust being in large public places. As the mask mandate lifts, kids may not feel comfortable taking off their masks right away, which is okay. It took time for everyone to adapt to the new way of living during this pandemic, and it will take time for everyone to adapt back to our new normal and feel comfortable. Patience during this time is key.

As we begin to adjust back to "normal," please remember that it is okay to not always be okay. If you and your family are interested in resources throughout the summer, please check out the links at the bottom of this newsletter. Resources can also be found on the School Adjustment Counselor Website, which is linked below as well.

Everyone deserves a much needed break to refresh and recharge for September. I am already looking forward to seeing you ALL on the first day back. Have a FANTASTIC summer and don't forget to wear sunscreen! ;)

Fill up those squirt guns with your favorite paint colors and get creative! This abstract art activity is the perfect messy and fun summer activity. The instructions tell you to use painters tape to create designs under the paint, but crayon illustrations work just as well! Whatever you choose to use, have fun and don't be afraid to get messy. Happy painting!

Squirt Gun Painting Instructions

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, Lynn discusses "the separation anxiety parents feel around summer camp...how we best prepare our own kids leaving home for somewhere new...and how we can manage our worry when our kids are out of our sight."

Summer Camp and Separation Anxiety

Not sure what to do this summer? Check out these fun ideas below to give back to your community! Then, brainstorm your own Summer Bucket List and share it with me. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Worry and fidgeting do not take breaks over summer vacation. Check out this cool sensory chair option you can make right at home using pool noodles!

LINK to Chair Instructions

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, Lynn discusses how anxious parents can pass worry on to their children and how to tell when anxiety is in charge of your household.

The Anxious Parent

1. How did Suki the dog overcome her challenges at the beach?

2. Think back to a time when you faced a challenge or fear. How did you overcome it?

3. What can you do or how can you help when a friend is facing a challenge or fear?

4. Who can you talk to when you are having a worry or challenge?

Upgrade your chalk drawings to the next level- check out this fun DIY recipe for sidewalk puffy paint!

Instructions

There is always a reason to celebrate and find something positive. I think that is especially important during the times of COVID. Check out these obscure holidays in June!

June 1st: Flip a Coin Day

June 2nd: National Rocky Road Day

June 3rd: World Bicycle Day

June 4th: National Cheese Day

June 5th: Hot Air Balloon Day

June 6th: National Frozen Yogurt Day

June 7th: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 8th: World Ocean Day

June 9th: National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

June 10th: Iced Tea Day

June 11th: National Corn on the Cob Day

June 12th: National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

June 13th: Sewing Machine Day

June 14th: Flag Day

June 15th: Smile Power Day

June 16th: International Waterfall Day

June 17th: Fresh Vegetables Day

June 18th: Go Fishing Day

June 19th: World Juggler's Day

June 20th: Ice Cream Soda Day

June 21st: National Sea Shell Day

June 22nd: World Rainforest Day

June 23rd: National Pink Day

June 24th: National Handshake Day

June 25th: Take Your Dog to Work Day

June 26th: National Canoe Day

June 27th: Sunglasses Day

June 29th: International Mud Day

June 30th: Meteor Day

Looking for more resources? Check out the Adjustment Counselor website for SEL information, resources, and more!

Adjustment Counselor Website

Ms.Hunt is on Twitter! Follow my page for SEL updates, articles, and other helpful tips throughout the school year.

@MsHuntSSS

The Interface Referral Service is a mental health and wellness referral help line. Callers from Lynnfield are matched with licensed mental health providers from their database within an approximate two week period of time and are matched by location, insurance and specialty needs of the caller.

The number to reach is 888-244-6843 and they can be reached Monday-Friday from 9-5.

https://interface.williamjames.edu/

We are including this comprehensive list as it is a great resource for mental health resources in our area.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xLJDUNz7g-oD6e-3Rmclvw75nmSWzQJ/view

Missed last months newsletter? Check it out here:

May

April

March

February

January

December

November

October

Heather Hunt MSW, LCSW

School Adjustment Counselor

Summer Street School

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821

Twitter: @MsHuntSSS