September 2025 Counselor Corner

Happy September families! This has been a wonderful month full of guidance lessons! Please know we are here to support every student. If you have any questions about our Counseling services here at Hoffmann, do you not hesitate to reach out.

August was a great month in guidance as we got to see all of our wonderful students back from summer break! As a reminder, we will spend about 30 minutes every week and a half teaching different lessons to Hoffmann students. Some examples of things we talk to the kids about during our guidance time is: Positive Thinking, Growth Mindset, Goal Setting, Careers, Friendship, Bullying, Internet Safety, etc. We will read stories, play games, and do fun activities that the kids can take with them. We always encourage kiddos to talk with parents about what they learned during guidance!

Guidance Topics We Will Be Covering for September:

Kelso's Choices (How to be a problem solver)

Conflict Resolution

Growth Mindset

Guidance Topics For October:

Friendship

Bullying

Healthy Choices (Kinder-3rd) Red Ribbon Week

Vape Free Is The Way To Be (4th & 5th) Red Ribbon Week

Problem solving is a very important skill that we need to teach children from a young age. The simplest of problems can be of a great concern to children. Kids in all ranges, face problems and challenges everyday. Our job is prepare them for these decisions by teaching them how to solve problems by themselves.

A child who lacks problem-solving skills may avoid taking action when faced with a problem. They may get frustrated or give up when something seems too challenging. On the contrary, having problem-solving skills builds confidence. Children with these skills keep going until they find a solution. They are creative thinkers and can adapt better in a variety of settings.

Here are four problem-solving skills strategies to guide you:

1. Set a good example. Children learn by watching us. Let them see how you deal with problems.
2. Involve your child in family problem-solving meetings. Encourage your child to participate in solving a family problem. They will learn while also building confidence.
3. Encourage your child to solve their own problems. Having your support on stand-by while they practice their skills will help them find success.
4. Teach your child the steps toward solving problems by:

• stating the problem clearly
• coming up with possible solutions
• choosing what seems like the best solution
• trying out the solution
• Reviewing how the solution worked

We are gearing up for our Fall Small Group Counseling sessions. We will meet with a group of students for 30 min (15-20 min for Kinder) 6x throughout the Fall semester. The topics for Small Group Counseling:

Kinder: Positive Choices, Friendship

1st-5th: Coping Skills, Friendship, Self Esteem, Family Changes

As of now, our Fall small groups are full. If you are interested in your child participating in our Spring groups, please reach out.

This month Hoffmann teachers will be nominating two students from each class to receive the Pillar of Character Award for RESPECT! If your child is chosen, our ceremony will be held on Friday, September 26th at 8:15am in the cafeteria. This will be a reoccurring event throughout the year, so please stay tuned for more Pillar of Character awards!

It is a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether you're facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources.

We will be having our annual Career Day Friday, November 7th! If you , or someone you know, is interested in presenting about your Career to our students, please reach out to the Counselors. We will be sending our Career Day flyers in September.

Try these different mindfulness activities with your child at home to help calm any nerves and worry they might be feeling.