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Hello Nicholson Stars,
Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your summer break but we are so so thrilled to have you back in the building. Just a reminder that the NES school counseling department is here for you and your families and ready to help. Each teacher has counselor passes if you ever wish to visit with us, whether it be help solving a problem, calming down, sharing a celebration, or just to say hi- you are ALWAYS welcome! Parents if you wish to contact us or schedule an appointment, we can be reached by calling the school phone at (770)928-5573 or by email: Mrs. Doneghy- serves grades K-2 ([email protected]) Mrs. Gordon- serves grades 3-5 ([email protected]) We look forward to a wonderful school year! Crisis Information If you have concerns for your child's mental health and safety, please refer to these links or contact these agencies: https://www.georgiacollaborative.com/providers/georgia-crisis-and-access-line-gcal/ https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Peachford Hospital- (ages 4-12)- (770)454-2302 Ridgeview Institute- (age 12 or older)- (770)434-4567
Hey Guys!!! I hope you enjoyed your summer and are excited to reconnect with friends. Starting the year virtually is not exactly how we'd imagined but I truly believe there's nothing we can't do. We are resilient and will make the best of this experience. Starting with my new virtual office space. I really had to use my growth mindset for this one but I'm proud of my progress. There are now six interactive pages below so while visiting be sure to click the images around! For starters, see if you can find the virtual counselor pass, a read aloud book, our favorite power of yet song, more music (this song describes just how I'm feeling about being able to see your faces again soon), and of course something to help you relax when you just need a break. Start exploring below!
May is finally here (well almost)!!! These past few months have been interesting, I'd say, and some of you have probably experienced grief and confusion because of what's been unraveling around us and the many unknowns that come with it. You may not realize it, but the word grief is appropriate because people grieve when they experience a great deal of sadness due to loss of someone or something. What did we lose? We loss our routines as we know them, plans for any end of the year activities and celebrations, and the overall closure that comes after a successful school year. During this time, we usually are preparing for so many fun activities at school and opportunities to make new memories with our friends. So I know this time around, things are different but we can still make the best of it. It's tough to grieve and you may go through a rollercoaster of emotions as you move through the stages of grief- shock, denial, anger, sadness/depression, and acceptance/hope. Think for a few minutes about what stage you may be in right now and what you're doing to help you cope... I know you hear me say the work cope all the time but we all need healthy outlets for our feelings. Although, I have been sad too, I have also taken this time to reflect on some of the good. During this time while quarantining, I decided to do things at home that I've always wanted to do, to reconnect with family and friends, to journal more, and listen to my music ( you know I love music!). My friend actually gifted me with a pair of Airpods and that has changed my entire life and musical experience! I even listen to music while working sometimes. That probably won't happen very often after this time of working from home is over. So I say all that to say grieving is normal and expected but not all is bad in this situation and accepting the grief and finding an outlet helps as you move through the process. What's something you've been able to do while learning from home that you probably wouldn't do in the classroom daily (ie. wear pajamas to class everyday, bring your pets or siblings to class, etc.)? Attached below is another fun way to explore coping strategies (especially if you like coloring). In the meantime please remember that this will soon pass, I miss you and continue to do your work and make the most of your time at home.
Nervous about middle school lockers? Here's your chance to practice and ease those fears. Download the school lock app and practice as many times as you want.
You don't want to miss it!!! Transition meetings are taking place this week on zoom. Your middle school counselors and myself were bummed that we didn't get to do the McCleskey walk this year. So we decided to get your mind off of all the craziness and bring the fun to you. Get your questions ready! This Friday, April 17th each homeroom class will have the opportunity to learn more about middle school from the staff and students of McCleskey Middle. The zoom schedule is posted below and was also sent out from your homeroom teachers along with the links. Can't wait to see you there! Friday, April 17th Purselle's Homeroom- 9am Gagnon's Homeroom - 10am Hersey's Homeroom- 11am To prepare for the meetings and give you some ideas of need to know middle school topics, please see the videos below:
As you unwind from your day, please remember to take time for yourself and to have quiet time. As you know, self care is so important to every day life and especially during these times. The restrictions aren't as easy as they were a week ago and the weather hasn't necessarily given us much to look forward to. But if nothing else remember to take the time to breathe and appreciate the things we do have (like health, family/friends, etc). I get it, your siblings may be bothering you or your parents may be demanding a lot but that's okay-you can do it. Today around 6pm, I went to my room to breathe and ended up taking a nap. I figured I must've need it. I was so tired from cooking, cleaning, and honestly communicating with people. I woke up refreshed and decided to take the advice that I have given so many of you and your parents this week, "just do what you can!". The next time you need a break, practice using some of these breathing boards below.
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Greetings Nicholson Parents and Students, March and April is usually a time that I introduce and teach one of my favorite counseling classroom instruction units- Careers! Over the course of the next few weeks, you still have the opportunity to participate in career exploration. Each of the resources below are free ways to digitally access activities, lessons, and games while still having fun with careers (you know I like to keep it fun)! These are optional and self-paced modules that can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to complete. Following this, you will be given a simple, optional career project. If you have any questions, as always, contact me at [email protected]. I miss you all greatly and welcome any communication-even if it's just a hello. Take care! Grades K-5th https://www.vaview.vt.edu/k5/ Grades 4th-5th (Invite Code-18UXWCGI) https://www.thrively.com/student
Prior to our break from school, your students were learning tools to utilize when de-escalating from overwhelming schedules and stressful situations. We used the book, I'm Stretched by Julia Cook and in it she spoke about good stress vs. bad stress. Unfortunately, the most recent news and headlines are probably causing more of the latter. Please ask your kids about this lesson and use the free resources below to make sure that they are appropriately coping during this scary time for everyone.
arents learning and counseling services are still available to your student although we are not physically in the building.
Availability: Monday - Friday 9:00-10:30am Simple Steps to Reach Out:
Counselor Contact Information: K-1st Counselor Dionna Doneghy [email protected] 2nd-5th Counselor Kristie Gordon [email protected] If you have safety for your child's mental health please refer to these links or contact these agencies: https://www.georgiacollaborative.com/providers/georgia-crisis-and-access-line-gcal/ https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Peachford Hospital (ages 4-12)- (770)454-2302 Ridgeview Institute (age 12 or older)- (770)434-4567 |
AuthorMrs. Gordon Annual School Counseling Calendar:
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