Counseling Connection

We can't say enough great things about the visit of Kari Hamilton (a human being) and Tempe (a Guernsey cow) to Union Chapel! The Mobile Dairy Classroom is a traveling milking parlor and educational experience that brings information about cows, farming and careers in agriculture directly to schools. Sponsored by the Southwest Dairy Farmers, an alliance of dairy farmers from Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina, the MDC teaches kids about math, science, health and nutrition, and agriculture. And it's a lot of fun!

When you think about a career in agriculture, you are likely picturing a farmer driving a tractor. That's true, but not the total story. Ranging from equipment operator and IT to Food Safety and Marketing, there are lots of jobs within the ag industry. Almost 11% of all jobs in the US are agriculture related! And ag jobs are good jobs. They even pay better than a similar job in another industry! Learn more about cool ag work being done in St. Louis.

Counting blessings is popular around Thanksgiving, but noticing both the big and small things in your life can benefit you -- and your kids-- all year round. Research shows that consciously practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. And these effects can last up to three months!

Mental wellness isn't just the absence of mental illness. Mental wellness means thriving through life’s inevitable ups and downs. It doesn't mean you’re always happy or unaffected by challenges. Being mentally healthy involves learning to navigate the challenges with grace and resilience. It’s an ongoing process of cultivating helpful habits, finding joy, and fostering positive relationships, both personally and professionally. Being mentally healthy helps you feel more engaged, productive, and connected to those around you.

The next webisode in the Park Hill Family Webinar Series is entitled Mental Wellness is a Muscle. The webisode will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 6:00-7:00 PM. You can register for the webinar by clicking here.

When we think of mental wellness as a muscle we can “work out,” we open the door to becoming healthier and happier people! Participants will learn about the importance of mental health and mental wellness, and the valuable tools we can use for positive mental well-being.

We're ready to help if you or your family is having a hard time. Please call or email Mrs. Dusin, Mrs. Logan or Mrs. Irwin with a "handle with care" message. We won't ask questions or share your concern without permission. We'll just know that your child might need a little extra TLC.

Through the expertise of School Counselors, the Park Hill School District implements a comprehensive school counseling program that equitably supports all students through academic, career, and social and emotional development needs for success in life.

Email: irwinr@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: Union Chapel
Location: 7100 Northwest Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-6071

Email: logane@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: Social Work Spot
Location: 7100 Northwest Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-5733

Email: dusinb@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: Union Chapel Student Support
Location: 7100 Northwest Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-5646

National Career Development Month is a chance to increase awareness of the career development process and the need for lifelong career check-ups. Sponsored by the National Career Development Association, this month-long event focuses on the importance of career education from childhood through adulthood. NCDA offers a resource for those interested in finding career help.

School counselors across Missouri are part of this process as we support the academic, career, and intrapersonal/interpersonal development of all students.