Counseling Corner (Oct.)

🏆💛 WENT FOR GOLD… AND WE GOT IT! 💛🏆

I am beyond excited to announce that Aldridge Elementary School has earned the LSSSCA 2026 GOLD AWARD for our highly developed, comprehensive school counseling program! 🌟🐾

This recognition celebrates the intentional work I do every day to support the academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being of our Ocelots.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible students, families, staff, administrators, and community partners who believe in and support our counseling program. This accomplishment belongs to all of us! 💛

From Bronze 🥉 to Silver 🥈 to GOLD 🥇what an incredible journey of growth, purpose, and impact!

Intentional Work. Meaningful Impact. GOLDEN Results. ✨

#LSSSCAGoldAward #AldridgeOcelots #SchoolCounseling #ComprehensiveSchoolCounseling #GoldStandard #OcelotPride #IntentionalWorkMeaningfulImpact #GetitMsHardy

"We Make a Great Team" by. Ellisyn Thoma Aldridge Alum c/o 2026

WORDS FROM THE COUNSELOR

Why is Self-Care so Important?

Although most counselors are familiar with self-care — even preaching the concept religiously to others — at time we find it challenging to put the concept into practice in our own lives. As life gets busy, we counselors tend to assume that we can, or even should, handle problems and stress silently. But I am learning that ignoring my own needs is the easiest way to become ineffective in my job!

Taking time to care for yourself can remind you and others that you and your needs are important, too. Having a well-cared-for body can make you feel good about yourself and your life, and conveys to others that you value yourself. This can contribute to long-term feelings of well-being.

So I am challenging all of my wonderful Aldridge staff and families to take a "31-Day Self-Care Challenge" during the month of October. Use the "31 Days of Self-Care" Challenges below and join me in taking better care of ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally.

ALDRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM

Mission Statement

The mission of the Aldridge Elementary School Counseling Program is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic, social/emotional and career goals. Thorough, partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members we will produce lifelong learners and enable all students to become successful, productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.

Vision Statement

The Aldridge Elementary School Counseling Program will empower all students to reach their maximum potential by using a comprehensive program that addresses academic, personal/social, and career goals. We will promote an environment to encourage personal inquiry and growth, social responsibility, and academic excellence. I believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of school, home, and community leading to responsible and productive citizenship in the 21st century.

Aldridge Ocelots Develop the Whole Child

Optimistic October

When things are feeling a bit tough, it can help to set some goals. Making goals achievable and ensuring that you have a few short term as well as longer term, more ambitious goals helps us feel we're making progress. It doesn't matter if your goal for the day is something really small, the important thing is to give yourself the opportunity to feel like you've achieved something and to celebrate that! So let's be intention this October and let out optimism guide our hearts.

October Haps & 2026-2027 CoC & Character Strong Scope and Sequence

Character Strong: October Family Character Dare Challenge

Read-A-Thon Fun September 30- October 11

Empowering Minds, Building Community: Read-A-Thon's Impact for elementary students.

$27,000 is Aldridge Elementary School Fundraising Goal and we cannot do it without your support!

Read-A-Thons require less than an hour per week for one person to manage. Our online platform and hands-on support make it quick and easy to get started and raise money

When students choose their own reading materials, they stay more engaged and motivated. With Read-A-Thon, they can read in class or at home and earn prizes from our rewards store making reading even more rewarding.

Read-A-Thon makes it easy to reach the broader community, letting everyone share in the excitement of helping students become better readers.

"Anti-Bullying & Character Counts" Week (October 19- October 23)

October is National Bullying Prevention & Character Counts Month. Plano ISD and Aldridge ES will be combining these important goals in one celebratory week.

Students will be taught or will review the STOP-TALK-WALK model and will learn ways to be a "Helpful Bystander" by supporting the child that is being targeted or by getting an adult to intervene.
The difference between “Bullying vs Bothering” & "Teasing vs. Tattling"
Students will also review Aldridge’s definition of bullying- - an intentional act of aggression, occurring in a relationship characterized by an imbalance of power and is persistent or pervasive-- and the three types of bullying.

PHYSICAL Bullying means:

Hitting, kicking, pushing (or threatening to do it!)
Stealing, hiding, or running away with someone’s belongings.
Making someone do things they don’t want to do

VERBAL Bullying means:

Name-calling, teasing, or insulting

RELATIONAL Bullying means:

Ignoring or excluding others
Spreading rumors or gossip
Making someone do things they don’t want to do.

"Harsh words don't break bones, but they often break hearts." ~Rev Run

Let's represent our awesome character traits at Aldridge by wearing Character Education Colors.

Red Ribbon Week (October 26- October 30)

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. It started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico.

After his death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor Kiki’s sacrifice. Today, millions of people celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community anti-drug events, and pledging to live drug-free lives.

In many communities, the celebration has turned into a variety of activities implemented throughout the month of October. These activities are meant to demonstrate the importance of making healthy and smart decisions throughout life so that your dreams and goals can be

achieved.

KINDNESS MATTERS BY. LOUIS GIDDINGS (ALDRIDGE ALUM c/o 2024)

PISD UPSTANDER WEEK (OCTOBER 5 -OCTOBER 9)

CAPTAIN CARE RED RIBBON WEEK ASSEMBLY: OCTOBER 9

🦸🏻‍♀️CAPTAIN CARE RRW ASSEMBLY🦸🏻‍♂️

🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♂️Captain Care will be landing at Aldridge on Friday October 9 to prepare us for Red Ribbon Week!

Students will learn the importance of keeping our hearts, brains, and muscles strong to live a healthy life.

We're looking forward to the energy, the message, and the reminder that making healthy choices helps us be our very best every day!

OCTOBER IS BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH: CHECK OUT OUR BULLYING PREVENTION MODEL (STOP-TALK-WALK)

STOP-TALK-WALK is the bullying prevention curriculum Aldridge Elementary School will use this year. Students in grades K-5 are taught that when they encounter a bullying situation, the first thing they should do is tell that person to STOP in a firm voice. Students are encouraged to use an “I Message” to tell the other person how their behavior is affecting them (i.e., “I feel ____ when ____. Please stop.”). If that doesn’t work, students are taught to WALK away from the situation and to go to a safe place where that person can not bother them. If that doesn’t work, students are taught to TALK to a trusted adult to get help.

Aldridge’s Rules Against Bullying are:

We will not bully others.
We will try to help students who are bullied.
We will include students that are often left out.
When we know someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

RED RIBBON WEEK OCTOBER 26- OCTOBER 30

Unity Day (Wed. October 21)

Unity Day is an annual event occurring during National Bullying Prevention Month that promotes joining together to create healthier communities through kindness, acceptance of difference, and inclusion. Make sure you wear your orange because Character Counts

First Responders Recognition Day (October 27)

We will be celebrating National First Responders Day on Tuesday October 27. This day recognizes the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes.Join STUCO as they pass out fun prizes and help students write letters to local first responders.

RRW Assembly( October 9): Operation Be Smart (Red Ribbon Week Show)

The Perfect Red Ribbon Week Assembly Program!

Operation Be Smart is a great way to teach your students about the dangers of alcohol, cigarettes/vaping and drugs. This is much more than a “Just Say No” type assembly, however. James explains to the kids why these substances are harmful and provides techniques to help avoid them in an age-appropriate way.

James Wand shows kids how to say “no!” to alcohol, cigarettes/vaping and drugs and “YES!” to a bright future.

James Wand believes that unless the children are engaged and entertained they will not pay attention to the important message. The audience is spellbound by his amazing tricks and captivated by an exciting story of secret agents and evil enemies!

Check out our OCTOBER CCMR INITIATIVES

WHERE WILL YOU GO WEDNESDAYS

EVERY Wednesday of the month wear your favorite college OR AVID t-shirts in support of post-secondary educational options. We're building exceptional scholars at Aldridge Elementary School.

Guidance Curriculum & Social Emotional Learning Corner

Three Signature Practices

1. Open each class period, meeting, or professional learning experience with a WELCOMING INCLUSION ACTIVITY, ROUTINE, OR RITUAL that builds community and connects to the work ahead.

(Examples of Welcoming Activities, Routines, and Rituals: • Smile warmly and greet each person by their preferred name • Whole-group greeting activities • Morning circles • Interactive “do-nows,” such as peer-to-peer homework help)

2. Embed ENGAGING STRATEGIES, including brain breaks to anchor thinking and learning, throughout the experience. Engaging strategies offers many opportunities that vary in complexity to practice SEL skills. Engagement and learning individually (e.g., “turn-to-your-partner”) and collectively (e.g., “Socratic Seminar” and “Jigsaw”) are supported by intentionally chosen strategies and activities with sequenced steps that suit your group’s current needs. Building a balance of interactive and reflective experiences to meet the needs of all participants.

(Examples of Engaging Strategies: • Think, Ink, Pair, Share (silent time to reflect; time to write; partner discussions; close with a group share out) • Clock Partners (prearrange partners for quickly pairing up for reflection and discussion) • Private think-time (facilitator wait-time) • Mindful Minute Brain Break (a calming activity, promoting focus and readiness to learn)

3. Close each experience in an intentional way. An OPTIMISTIC CLOSURE is not necessarily a “cheery ending,” but rather highlights an individual and shared understanding of the importance of the work, and can provide a sense of accomplishment and support forward-thinking. The closing activity may be reflective of the learning, help identify next steps, or make connections to one’s own work.

(Examples of Optimistic Closure: • One-Minute Accolade • Something I learned today… • I am curious about… • I am looking forward to tomorrow because... • Suit Yourself • Something I’ll do as a result of this meeting is... • Something I still question... • Something that still concerns me...)

"Anxiety presents itself in many different ways"

Worrying itself is a normal emotion. We all worry sometimes. However, when those worries grow or don’t go away, it can be a real issue for kids and young adults. Over 4 million children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety. Many more are likely struggling with anxiety that aren’t diagnosed. Quite often, anxiety can be an invisible disability, meaning we don’t “see” it at first glance. The same is true for kids struggling with severe worries who may not meet the clinical criteria for anxiety.

Here are some great books to help children with Anxiety

How Big Are Your Worries Little Bear? by Jayneen Sanders

Hey Warrior! by Karen Young
The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside
When My Worries Get too Big by Kari Dunn Buron
What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner
Wilma Jean: Worry Machine by. Julia Cook
Ruby's Worry: A Big Bright Feelings Book by Tom Percival
Help Your Dragon Deal with Anxiety by Steve Herman
I'm Calm: A Book to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety and Stressful Situations
by. Jayneen Sanders
The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright

📖📖Aldridge Read-A-Thon📖📖

🔖📑Read---Dream---Grow🔖📖t’s officially time to READ!

The Aldridge PTA Read-A-Thon starts TODAY, and we can’t wait to see how much our Ocelots can accomplish together!

Our goals are 60,000 reading minutes and $20,000 raised over the next two weeks.

Start reading, log your minutes, and share your student’s fundraising page with friends and family.

Haven’t registered yet?

You can still join the fun!!

Event Information

Aldridge Elementary School PTA Presents...... Walk & Bike to School Day!!!

Why Walk, Bike or Roll?

It’s fun! Remember the thrill of riding a bike for the first time or walking or rolling to school on the first day? There’s a feeling of joy and independence—a sense of adventure—that doesn’t fade. Of course, there are many other benefits to walking, biking or rolling to school, too.

Healthier Habits

Active trips to school enable children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles and joints, and it decreases the risk of obesity. In contrast, insufficient physical activity can contribute to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Participate in our fun Scavenger Hunt. Details are below!

When?

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026, 07:15 AM

Where?

Aldridge Elementary School, Pleasant Valley Lane, Richardson, TX, USA

location_on Open maps

Plano ISD School Social Workers Presents Monthly Mental Health Series

Plano ISD School Social Workers Monthly Mental Health meetings are in full effect. Please feel free to join our amazing social workers to find out ways to support your entire family.

For more information about the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program, please visit Plano ISD’s PEEP webpage, PEEP Facebook page or contact Director of Family and Social Services Sharon Bradley.

Parent Awareness Regarding Social Media Challenges

Plano ISD is aware of frequent emerging trends that students may be participating in via social media. As we continue to reinforce training and guidelines related to social media and cyber safety, the district asks for your help in discussing the importance of digital citizenship and the potential consequences of violating the Student Code of Conduct and/or breaking the law. Students should be aware that what they may consider a “prank” could actually lead to suspension, expulsion, and the potential for criminal charges for students involved.

We appreciate your help in maintaining awareness of your student’s social media activities. If you or your children know of students engaging in potentially harmful, destructive, and illegal activities on social media, we encourage you to report this information to your campus administrators, your local police or anonymously via the Plano ISD tip line at www.pisd.edu/tipline.

Please note that when making a report, it is important to provide as many details as possible (dates, times, names, locations, etc.), so that your tip may be investigated appropriately.

For help with online security resources for your children, please visit the district’s digital citizenship webpage.

Counselor Referral Form

Please give Ms. Hardy up to 24 hours to respond to your counseling referral or telephone messages. Thank you!

Counseling Corner (Oct.)