Columbia Counselor Corner

Hi Eagle Families!

Safer, Smarter Kids *Only those who opted in for lessons*

In February, I visited all K, 1st and 2nd classrooms for "Safer, Smarter Kids" class lessons. We learned about safe/unsafe - secrets/touches and how to use our guiding voices to "Think, Feel, Act" in situations that do not feel safe. Students did so well, and really engaged with this months lessons. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions. We will begin final lessons in April, connection letters on topics will continue to come home to further discuss lessons as desired.

K-Kids Peer Mentoring

2nd grade K-Kids have continued mentoring Kindergarten students: role modeling positive play, good choices and conflict resolution strategies.

Vehicle Career Day

CES will be having Vehicle Career Day this year on Thursday, April 30th. It will take place in the morning at CES. This year we are focusing on careers that include a vehicle of some form and will take place outdoors. If you are interested in participating please reach out!

Take Ellie the Eagle to work

Along with Vehicle Career Day, CES will be doing another fun Career activity in April. Parents will be invited to "check out" Ellie the Eagle to take to work with them (And share pictures of Ellie at their job to share with students at school). This will be a way for those who are not able to participate in Vehicle Career Day but still want to share about their career. ** More info coming home soon

Character Strong - Purposeful People

This month our Character Trait focus is: Cooperation.

Defined as: Working together to reach shared goals.

* Student of the month for March will be on Tuesday, April 7th at 10:30am.

You can reach me by email: ashley.phelps@myeagles.org or by calling 517-769-8557, feel free to leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I am available.

In March look for new ways to enjoy nature while connecting as a family! Be sure to take time together and solo for self-care.

Hello!

I am hoping the coldest days are behind us at this point and we are heading for sunnier, warmer days!

I have been hosting Game Days during all lunches through January and February. We will end the game days March 18th, right before Spring Break. I used these days to work with students on social skills and to interact with the students in a positive, fun environment. It has been well received and I plan to do it again next year.

We have been able to start our Peer to Peer Program, and although it is in the early stages, I am feeling very good about what this program will do for CUES's culture and climate. The 25-30 sixth grade students chosen by a committee of Mr. Timmerman, the 6th grade teachers, other staff members, and myself are enthusiastic and excited to get started working with their peers, younger students (at times), and patroling the playground during the 3rd/4th grade recesses to help with conflict resolution when there is a conflict. They will also be helping lone students get involved in an activity others are playing to help foster friendships. We will start the conflict resolution training and some basic training next week. The program will roll out soon after.

*I was unable to start Conflict Resolution guidance lessons for grades 3-5 in January as well as a guidance lesson on "Understanding each other and how we are more alike than you think" lesson with the 6th grade students due to other responsibilities. I am hoping to start these soon.

I will also be going into classrooms teaching our newly school board adopted Safer, Smarter Kids curriculum to grades 3-5. A letter was sent home on February 24th explaining it and giving an option to opt your child out of the curriculum. It is NOT our Reproductive Health lessons. Those will be taught toward the end of the year and an opt out letter will be sent separately for that curriculum as well.

*Our Character Strong curriculum continues. March's word is Cooperation. We will have our Student of the Month Ceremony on March 18th due to Spring Break being the last week of March. You will receive a letter if your child is selected to participate.

I hope spring finds you well and the sun always shines toward you!

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns -krista.schatzle@myeagles.org or 592-2181.

Here's your mindfulness moment to try at home. This month the mindfulness moment is Grounding.

Grounding is focusing on something or things in the present and are tangible. Here is a great example of grounding that I use with my students when they are in a high state of anxiety.

Five Senses Grounding Activity

5- Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you.....

4- Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you.....

3- Acknowledge THREE things you can hear around you......

2- Acknowledge TWO things you can smell.....

1- Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste.

Mental Health Resource List

The following document provides a list of different mental health resources available in our surrounding area. If immediate danger is suspected please call 911. For additional guidance and support, our district counselors are available through school email.

Ashley Phelps, CES Counselor, ashley.phelps@myeagles.org

Krista Schatzle, CUES Counselor, krista.schatzle@myeagles.org

Jessica White, JR/SR High Counselor, storm.caryl@myeagles.org

Wendy Diefenthaler, JR/SR High Academic Counselor, wendy.diefenthaler@myeagles.org

Will Bower, District 504 Coordinator - Counselor, will.bower@myeagles.org

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Dial 2-1-1 for immediate access to over 2,000 services available to Jackson County Residents. When you call you are connected to a trained Information and Referral Specialist who can discuss your needs and give you the information and/or referrals you need to find what you are looking for. There is an online directory of available resources as well on the website listed above.

Okay2Say

Michigan.gov/okay2say/

A student safety program that allows students to confidentially report potential harm or criminal activity directed at school students, school staff and schools. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can submit tips through phone, email, text message, mobile app or Okay2Say website.

Community Action Agency Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties

1214 Greenwood Ave. Jackson, MI. 49203

400 W. South St. Adrian, MI. 49221

55 Barnard St. Hillsdale, MI. 49242

517-784-4800

517-263-7861

517-437-3346

Services: Education, Economic Self-Sufficiency, Housing, Health & Nutrition, and Community Development.

LifeWays CMH

1200 North West Ave. Jackson, MI. 49202

25 Care Drive Hillsdale, MI. 49242

517-789-1200

517-439-2641

Behavioral Health Services in areas such as severe mental issues, intellectual/developmental disability, substance use disorder, and co-occurring disorders.

Family Service & Children's Aid

330 W. Michigan Ave.

Jackson, MI. 49201

517-787-7920

Born Free: Counseling & treatment for females (ages 14+) 12-step recovery program into daily life; Intro to Alcoholics & Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon; Families & Schools Together: families attend an 8-week group focusing on family bonding, communication, discipline and nurturing; Other services by referral only: drug screening, counseling (group & individual), First Time Offenders Program, and Breakout Drug Free Education Program in schools (6-12th grade); Child abuse and neglect educational presentations

Lenawee County Community Mental Health

517-263-8905

Behavioral Health Services in areas such as severe mental issues, intellectual/developmental disability, substance use disorder, and co-occurring disorders.

LJ Gallagher PsyD and Associates PLLC

451 Marshall Street

Brooklyn, MI 49230

(517) 414-0697

A Healing Place, LLC

207/209 First St. Jackson, MI. 49201

1218 Greenwood Ave. Jackson, MI. 49201

517-998-4673

Services: Individual Psychotherapy, Psychological Testing, Children/Adolescent Therapy, Family Counseling, Couples Counseling and Group Therapy for Eating Disorders.

Accepted Insurances (Varies by Therapist): BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, HAP, Aetna, Cofinity, PCN/PHP, JHN, Medicare, Magellan, Meridian