Coastal K-8 Counseling Corner 🖇️

Unit 1 Key of Excellence: Failure Leads to Success

Character Strong Trait: Perseverance

Unit 2 Key of Excellence: Speak with Good Purpose

Character Strong Trait: Respect

Unit 3 Key of Excellence: This is IT!

Character Strong Trait: Gratitude

Unit 4 Keys of Excellence: Ownership & Commitment

Character Strong Trait: Responsibility

Unit 5 Key of Excellence: Integrity

Character Strong Trait: Honesty

Unit 6 Keys of Excellence: Flexibility & Balance

Character Strong Trait: Cooperation

The 8 Keys of Excellence Defined

Partner with us by using the 8 Keys language at home

Check out the Family Strong Website for more information.

At Coastal Academy we use Restorative Practices to strengthen relationships between students, resolve issues of conflict or bullying, and promote overall positive school culture.

What are the 5 R's of Restorative Practices?

1. Relationship
2. Respect
3. Responsibility
4. Repair
5. Reintegration

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a power imbalance. The behavior is repeated and intended to hurt or cause harm.

Bullying has the 3 P's:

1. Power - Imbalance of Power

2. Purpose - Person Intends to Hurt You

3. Pattern or Persistence - Person Continues Action Over & Over Again

Bullies intentionally target someone who seems weak or unable to protect themselves. They do it consistently, over time, and often in secret. The behaviors can be physical, verbal, or psychological. It can take place in person or on line. A bully may use potentially embarrassing information, physical strength, or popularity to emphasize the power imbalance. The imbalance means the victim often feels they can't reach out for help.

How to Deal with a Bully:

1. Students should seek adult support, at home and at school, if they feel like they are being bullied. Students or parents can report bullying to a teacher, counselor, assistant principal or the principal.

2. Respond, don't react. Getting a reaction out of others is often how bullies gain control and power.

3. Walk away when possible.

4. Take a screenshot as evidence in situations of cyberbulling.

5. There is strength in numbers. We encourage students to stand up and speak up for one another.

It's okay to ask for help! Care Solace connects students and their families to care. At no cost to you, Care Solace will quickly find available mental health providers to match your needs. Please reach out ltaylor@classicalacademy.com if you would like to be connected.

TCA Resource Directory

2022 TCA podcast with Lisa Taylor and Alissa Atkins, counselor at CAMS

2023 Jumpstart Powerpoint Presentation: Keeping Your Kids Safe In A Social Media Age

2024 TCA podcast episodes:

The Hidden Dangers of Social Media on Your Child's Development

The 7 Habits of Healthy Kids

Starting Strong - Homeschooling Your Kindergartner

2025 Jumpstart Presentation: Motivating Kids at the Kitchen Table

These are just a few of the many resources available to parents who want to help their children stay safe online. By talking to your kids about online safety, setting parent controls, and monitoring your child's online activity, parents play an important role in keeping their child safe from harm.

• Smart Social
• Common Sense Education
• Safe Search Kids
• Family Online Safety Institute

Here are some additional tips for parents on online safety:

• Talk to your kids about online safety regularly. Explain the risks of online predators, cyberbullying and online content.
• Set parental controls on your children's devices. This will help limit their exposure to harmful content and people.
• Monitor your children's online activity. This doesn't mean you need to read every text message or email, but you should be aware of what they are doing online.
• Teach your kids about privacy. Explain the importance of not sharing personal information with people online.
• Encourage your kids to come to you if they see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable. Let them know that you are there to help them.
• Model good digital media habits. Be a good role model for your child by limiting your own screen time and using digital media responsibly.

1. "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey
   
2. "Grit" by Angela Duckworth
   
3. "The Whole Brained Child" by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
   
4. "The Drama Years" Real Girls Talk About Surviving Middle School; Bullies, Brands, Body Image and More, by Haley Kilpatrick
   
5. "UnSelfie" Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in our All-About-Me World, by Michele Borba
6. "Generation Z Unfiltered" Facing Nine Hidden Challenges of the Most Anxious Population, byTim Elmore & Andrew McPeak
   
7. "The Real Guide to Teenage Depression" Handling Teen Depression a book about what matters most for teen boys and teen girls, by Patrice M Foster
   
8. "Parenting The New Teen In The Age of Anxiety" by John Duffy
   
9. "At Wit’s End" A Parent’s Guide to Ending the Struggle, Tears and Turmoil of Learning Disabilities, by Jill Stowell
10. "Unwinding Anxiety" New Science Shows How to Break the Cycle of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind, by Judson Brewer
11. "Scattered Minds" The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder, by: Gabor Mate

Book recommendations sortable by character trait and grade level.

Mistakes happen and sometimes our kids just need to know that we're on their team. Creating a safe space to talk can make all the difference.

1. You're safe here. I just want to understand what happened.
2. Do you want my advice or do you just want me to listen?
3. How are you feeling about what happened?
4. What do you think you could do differently next time?
5. It took courage to tell me that. I appreciate your honesty.
6. You're human, and humans make mistakes.
7. You're not alone in this. We will figure this out.

@biglifejournal

Be their BIGGEST FAN

Welcome their friends over to your house

Ask about their day

Little gifts

Respect their alone time

Respect their privacy

Give honest advice

Make family dinners

Approve of them

Write a kind note

Show affection

Say I Love You

Engage in deep conversation

One on one time

Would you and your family be willing to attend an Oceanside School Board meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at 6pm and briefly (3 minutes or less) talk about how AWESOME our school is?

This is a FaNtAsTiC educational opportunity for students and families to share your story and advocate for our school.

Location: Chavez Middle School, 202 Oleander Drive, Oceanside CA 92057

Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a school-based, family and community engagement program that invites father, grandfathers, uncles, or other father figures to volunteer at their child's/student's school during the school year.

Sign ups for Units 2 & 3 are open! Father figures are encouraged to sign up for one or two 4-hour shifts. Click here for more information & to sign up!

Best ways to contact me:

• Email - ltaylor@classicalacademy.com
• Phone: (760) 631-4020 ext. 5195
• Schoology Message
• Stop by!