Counselor's Corner
Prairie Trail Elementary
Howdy, Texans!
There is so much going on this month here at Prairie Trail Elementary! We have Red Ribbon Week, Stuff the Pantry, and so much more! If you need any support or have any questions, please let me know.
Fun Fact about Fall: The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is called the harvest moon, which is why fall was once called the harvest season.
ADAPT and HOPE are alternative discipline programs for elementary (grades 3-5), middle, and high school students and their parents. The programs cover a variety of topics including self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Parents and students attend together, but also meet with other parents and students.
For more information, please call the CHOICES office at 469-948-8680.
- The CHOICES Family Center, established in 2008, is a free counseling program for all LISD students and families. Counseling provided by licensed mental health professionals and/or certified school counselors. Services include: Brief Individual, Family, and Group Counseling
Referral Services. Counseling is available in Spanish and English.
Bullying Prevention
- Role-playing is another way to proactively prepare kids for possible bullying situations. However, never have students “pretend to be the bully.” You can practice this by using scenarios and having the students tell what they would do or say. Although students should expect the adults to be involved in situations where they aren’t safe, we need them to begin to build the courage to stand up for themselves. With that said, it’s also a good time to teach about courage. Helping kids understand courage and how to show it is another way to proactively prepare potential targets of bullying.
- Self-confidence and self-esteem are good topics for potential targets of bullying. Because we don’t know who those potential targets are, we should make sure all students understand that they matter and that they are important. Self-confidence activities allow kids to think about their strengths and what makes them special and unique. Positive Affirmations is an example of an activity to boost self-confidence. They will begin to realize that because they matter, they deserve to be treated with respect. When they are not being treated with respect, they will be able to recognize it and speak up.
- Take time to talk about the people in the school students can talk to if they are being targeted by a bully. During this conversation, remind them how important it is to tell an adult. Make sure your student(s) know that you and their teachers want to know and that you can’t do anything about the problem if students don’t share.
- Make sure your students understand the difference between tattling and telling. People who tattle are trying to get someone IN trouble. People who tell (or report) want to get someone or themselves OUT of trouble. This is another time to use scenarios with examples of tattling and telling and having your students identify which category the scenario falls under.
Ms. Rutherford, M.Ed.- School Counselor- Prairie Trail Elementary
Email: rutherfordl@lisd.net
Phone: 972-350-4062
