Emotional Regulation: Interrupting Negative Emotions

For many parents, they know what's wrong but are at a loss as to how to respond. The first step to respond to negative emotions is to interrupt. This session will cover the following:

• How to intervene early to interrupt negative emotions
• Tools to quickly interrupt emotions by changing physiology of our body
• Tools to quickly interrupt emotions by changing thinking

When: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Online (Zoom)

Register here

Did you miss last month's Lunch & Learn? Watch the recording of the event linked below to learn more about "Emotional Regulation: Recognizing What's Wrong"?

Set aside time this week to talk to your child about their current experiences and emotions. Then, help your child recognize these emotions by walking them through the Think-a-Rator, the “Give me a Squeeze” technique, or a body scan depending on what is appropriate for your child’s age. By validating and teaching your child how to recognize their emotions, they can begin to regulate their emotions.

REPLAY LINK: https://cookcenter.info/Jan22HarfordReplay

Take advantage of free resources and on-demand e-courses. You can also receive answers to your questions with the Ask A Therapist feature…check it out at ParentGuidance.org today!

February is all about love and relationships. Join Parent Coaching to nurture and strengthen your connection with your children. This FREE resource pairs you with a parenting coach and offers content designed by therapists. Click here to register and receive ongoing support: https://cookcenter.info/coaching.

Join Maryland 529 for a special presentation to discover the features and benefits of saving for your child's future education with the Maryland College Investment Plan.

Topics will include:

• SAVING VS BORROWING: How starting to save now can make a big difference later.

• BEYOND MARYLAND: Ways you can use the funds for education both In-State or Out-of-State.

• TAX ADVANTAGES: The unique tax benefits offered to Maryland taxpayers.

• SAVING YOUR WAY: The various investment options available to meet your budget and savings goals.

• BENEFIT FROM A BOOST: With the Save4College State Contribution Program, you could also be eligible to receive a $250 or $500 contribution from the State.

A LIVE Q&A WILL FOLLOW THE PRESENTATION

When: February 20, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Where: Online via Zoom

REGISTER NOW

Harford County Public Schools kindergarten registration and applications for kindergarten early entrance and advanced placement to first grade for the 2025-2026 school year will be available Friday, March 7, 2025.

• Kindergarten registration can be completed online on March 7, 2025.

• Applications for early entrance to kindergarten will be available to print online and submit a hard copy. To submit your application, follow the directions on the cover sheet of the printed application.

• Applications for advanced placement to first grade will be available to print online and submit a hard copy. To submit your application, follow the directions on the cover sheet of the printed application.

*Printed applications will be available at each elementary school on March 7, 2025.*

Note: Prekindergarten applications will be available later this spring. Details will be released as soon as possible.

Due to state law, prekindergarten and kindergarten instruction are not permitted to be virtual. This means prekindergarten and kindergarten registration is not available at Swan Creek School.

Please share this information in your community as we try to ensure families who may not be connected to HCPS are aware that these important applications and registrations will be available March 7, 2025.

Additional registration information is available here.

Mary Beth Stapleton founded the HCPS Parent Academy and has over 30 years experience working on behalf of children and families.

Soon it will be kindergarten registration for the Class of 2038, and this “MiMi”, is so excited to help my granddaughter prepare to enter school this fall.

As a parent, you are working hard to make sure your child is prepared, but you are not alone and there are many simple things you/your family/ and child’s caregivers can do to help you, and your child get ready for this big step!

Share these easy and effective ways with everyone in your child’s circle of support can do to help you help your child's school readiness:

1. Establish a Routine: Make sure everyone is setting regular times for waking up, eating meals, and going to bed. A predictable routine helps children feel secure and better prepares them for the structure of a school day.
2. Develop Independence: Encourage your child’s caregivers to make sure your child can do simple tasks on their own, like putting on their shoes, using the bathroom independently, and packing their backpack. These skills boost their confidence and self-reliance.
3. Practice Social Skills: You, your family, and caregivers can help your child practice sharing, taking turns, and interacting with others. Playdates or group activities with peers can help them build friendships and learn how to work in a group.
4. Encourage Early Learning: Read, read, read –make sure everyone who cares for your child is reading books with your child every day! It’s my favorite time with my granddaughter!
5. Talk About School: Get your child excited about school by talking positively about what they will experience. Discuss the fun activities they’ll do, the new friends they’ll meet, and how they’ll learn new things.
6. Visit the School: If possible, take a trip to the school before the first day. Show your child where their classroom, bathroom, and playground are located.
7. Limit Screen Time: Share your rules about screen time and make it clear for all those who care for your child. Spending too much time in front of screens can hinder the development of important cognitive skills like attention, memory, and problem-solving. Interactive play, reading, and engaging in real-world activities are much more beneficial for brain growth.
8. Build Emotional Resilience: School can bring new experiences and emotions, so it’s important to talk about feelings. Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel nervous or excited and that they will have lots of support. Make sure caregivers are supporting your child’s feelings and reassure your child about this new adventure.

By taking these small steps now, everyone in your child’s “circle” can help develop the skills and confidence they need for a successful and joyful school experience. You’re doing a great job!

Check out the latest edition of the Partners for Success Monthly Update!

This month, you’ll find information about:

• Two Parent Trainings on Addressing Behavior Concerns
• The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Parent Involvement Survey
• Low Intensity Support Funds (LISS) update and advocacy tools
• Developmental Disability Day in Annapolis
• Maryland ABLE accounts
• Social events for the kids
• And so much more!

February marks National PTA Founders’ Day, a time to celebrate the legacy of PTA and its mission to support students, families, and schools. Since 1897, PTA has been a powerful voice for education, and Harford County Council of PTA (HCCPTA) continues that work today by assisting local PTAs and through budget advocacy, scholarships, and community engagement.

HCCPTA is focused on securing school funding, offering education-focused college scholarships, and providing training to local PTAs. Your involvement matters! By joining your local PTA, you help strengthen our efforts to improve education and student success.

Be part of the change—join PTA today!

It is with great pride that we celebrate William S. James Elementary as our Second Quarter Family Friendly School Award winner!! Way to go, Jaguars! William S. James Elementary is now a two-time winner of this prestigious award!

The community nominated and voted for the schools worthy of this honor, which placed William S. James as one of the top three finalists. Then, the finalist schools were reviewed and scored on the following criteria: Welcoming All Families, Effective Communication and Relationship Development, Family Efficacy, School Performance and Achievement Plan, and Community Partners. William S. James scored the highest, making them our second quarter winner.

We made the surprise announcement at the school with our friends from Chick-fil-A Constant Friendship. Watch the video below to hear Principal Beth Farver highlight the amazing work William S. James Elementary School staff are doing that earned the school this special recognition.

And special shout out to our second quarter runner-up schools – two of our awesome high schools!!

• Harford Technical High School
• North Harford High School

The voting window to help name the Third Quarter Family Friendly School Award Winner for this school year is NOW OPEN!

Click here to show some love and cast your vote for one of the nominated schools. The voting window closes at midnight next Sunday, February 23, 2025.

We look forward to announcing the third quarter winner in late March!

Did you know the Board of Education of Harford County asks for public feedback when new policies or revisions to existing policies are presented and discussed at Board Business Meetings? Provide your feedback on the policy by the deadline listed on the webpage! https://hcps.org/boe/hottopics/default.aspx

Harford County Public Schools students, staff, and families looking for help with mental health or substance use are reminded they can call Care Solace at 888-515-0595 for 24/7/365 personalized and confidential help finding a therapist. Or, they can search on their own at www.caresolace.com/harford.

The Harford County Public Library offers so many educational, fun, and FREE events at each of its branches year-round. Be sure to visit the events page of their website to see what's happening this month!

• Harford County Public Library
• Harford County Parks and Recreation
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford & Cecil Counties

Additional resources may be found in the Harford County Community Services Resource Guide.

Be sure you are following the Parent Academy page on Facebook for announcements, updates, resources, and more shared regularly throughout the school year.

Also, bookmark the Parent Academy webpage on hcps.org where all workshops and Real Talks are archived, and where you can find information on other Parent Academy sponsored programs, like Family Friendly Schools.

Looking for an earlier issue of Parent Connection? Visit the newsletter archive on hcps.org by clicking here.

HCPS parents are students’ first and best teachers.

Editors: Mary Beth Stapleton, Manager of Family and Community Partnerships & Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: ParentAcademy@hcps.org
Website: https://www.hcps.org/parents/ParentAcademy/Default.aspx
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5263
Facebook: facebook.com/HCPSParentAcademy