April showers bring May flowers! Let's hope this month is filled with warmer weather so we all can get outside. I am SO happy that we can all be together again this month in our school. We have all missed our SSS learners being under one roof! Things are going to look a little different around here because of distancing, but that doesn't mean we won't have fun! The snow has melted and the mud is here. What are some things you enjoy about spring time? My favorite is hiking. I know some students mentioned they enjoy four wheeling in the mud, going to drive-in movie theaters, kayaking, or spring skiing! Whatever you like to do, take advantage of this warmer weather and get outside!

We are SO happy to have all our superstar learners back in the building this month! Here's a fun video from Kid President to get us in the spirit of learning. Take a look!

After listening to this read aloud, discuss the questions below with an adult in your home!

1. Have you ever tried to join a group, game, or activity and other kids wouldn't let you join? If yes, how did that make you feel. Have you seen that happen to someone else? What did you do?

2. Have you ever intentionally excluded other kids from joining your group, game, or activity? If yes, why?

3. What did Brian do to help Justin feel better after J.T. and the other kids made fun of the food he was eating? Was there ever a time you saw someone being made fun of? What did you do about it?

4. What did Justin do to make Brian feel less invisible? Are there kids in your class, grade, or school who you see being treated as if they are invisible? If yes, what could you do to make them feel more valued and appreciated?

Many children utilize different textures and sensations to calm their bodies when feeling worried. Not only is this DIY great for fidget or calming tool, but it is also great for anyone who loves these popular sequins as much as I do! Want to test out writing secret codes to your siblings? Or maybe run your hands along the fabric to calm your brain? This DIY has many purposes! Let me know how yours turns out!

Sequin Writing Tray Instructions

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, Lynn discusses how we, as adults, can model perfectionism and anxiety to our kids, when it can become toxic, and how we can make a conscious effort to break this model.

Podcast Link

This month we celebrate Earth Day! What better way than making your own earth concoction right in your kitchen that you can eat? As you create your own "earth" to eat, brainstorm ways you can help our earth stay healthy and strong. What can you do to make our planet healthy and green? Some people like to plant trees, pick up trash on the side of the road, or use reusable water bottles. There are lots of options to help keep our planet healthy!

Edible Dirt Cups Link

There is always a reason to celebrate and find something positive. I think that is especially important during the times of COVID. Check out these obscure holidays in April!

April 1st: National Burrito Day

April 2nd: National Walk to Work Day

April 3rd: Find a Rainbow Day

April 4th: School Librarian Day

April 5th: Deep Dish Pizza Day

April 7th: Caramel Popcorn Day

April 8th: Draw a Picture of a Bird Day

April 10th: National Siblings Day

April 11th: National Pet Day

April 12th: Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

April 13th: Scrabble Day

April 14th: National Dolphin Day

April 15th: National High Five Day

April 16th: Mushroom Day

April 17th: National Cheeseball Day

April 19th: National Garlic Day

April 20th: Volunteer Recognition Day

April 22nd: Earth Day

April 23rd: National Zucchini Bread Day

April 24th: Pigs in a Blanket Day

April 25th: World Penguin Day

April 26th: National Pretzel Day

April 27th: Morse Code Day

April 28th: International Astronomy Day

April 29th: National Zipper Day

April 30th: National Raisin Day

Looking for more resources? Check out the Adjustment Counselor website for SEL information, resources, and more!

Adjustment Counselor Website

Ms.Hunt is on Twitter! Follow my page for SEL updates, articles, and other helpful tips throughout the school year.

@MsHuntSSS

The Interface Referral Service is a mental health and wellness referral help line. Callers from Lynnfield are matched with licensed mental health providers from their database within an approximate two week period of time and are matched by location, insurance and specialty needs of the caller.

The number to reach is 888-244-6843 and they can be reached Monday-Friday from 9-5.

https://interface.williamjames.edu/

We are including this comprehensive list as it is a great resource for mental health resources in our area.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xLJDUNz7g-oD6e-3Rmclvw75nmSWzQJ/view

Missed last months newsletter? Check it out here:

March

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January

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November

October

Heather Hunt, MSW, LCSW

School Adjustment Counselor

Summer Street School

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821

Twitter: @MsHuntSSS