Mission Trail Elementary
Mrs. VanGaasbeek's Counselor's Corner
This week we wrapped up our unit over self-control with the kinder crew. We read the beloved book Waiting Isn’t Easy by Mo Willems. Then we took turns waiting patiently while our other partner played with a shared object. Although we only worked up to one minute, the students said the struggle was that they had to wait “so long”!
In first grade we continued with our self-awareness unit in which the first graders created a list of all of the things they were good at. Then they discussed how they can change the world with one of these skills. The students finished by making a flip book that showed something that they were already good at and something that they want to get better at. This sets them up wonderfully for goal setting that will be a skill in second grade.
For the current second graders we continued with responsibility. This week the students were asked to decipher if certain tasks were their responsibility, their teachers’ responsibilities or their parents’. It was a lesson to show what they are in charge of and that they don’t have to worry about other people. It allowed them to ask: “Am I being responsible for myself? Or am I worrying about someone else’s responsibilities.”
Which one are you?
- I live in a house divided. I am ever the optimist while my husband is a little less on the sunny side. That became clear recently when my twelve year old daughter wanted to snuggle with me. I savor these moments because I know soon she will be way too “mature” to want to snuggle with me. My husband, Chad, took this as her being babyish and clingy. What a pessimist, right?!?! As the optimist, my take is that this is her way of connecting with me through affection. All of this to say, you have to adjust your thoughts and feelings about parenting because you may not have the power to control your children’s actions. So, for all of those pessimists (ahem…Chad) out there, here is a cheat sheet for how to look on the bright side! 😊
When your child is…
Know your child is trying to…
Frankie Says R-E-L-A-X
- Anxiety is a funny thing, it can manifest in a variety of ways for each individual and can change with each situation. Recently I was part of a webinar about handling anxiety. During this session. there were some great suggestions of how to handle your anxiety to fit those individual needs. If you are noticing that you are feeling the anxiety yourself try something new from the list below.
Taking Care of Your Body
Taking Care of Your Body
Building Positive Relationships
Look Within Your Own Mind
Can You Do Me a Favor?
I am always on a quest to better myself. In order to do so I am always looking for constructive criticism from other perspectives. As a first year counselor I have learned a TREMENDOUS amount about this role and understand that I have a long way to go to be the best. I am asking parents to complete a brief survey in order for me to find what has been working and what needs some adjustments in the coming years. I would be so grateful to know your honest opinions. So, if you are willing to help me out please click on the link below.
Thank you SO MUCH for those who have already completed the survey! I am already considering how to better organize my program next year. I really appreciate it. Thank you!! I am still wanting more feedback. Thanks for considering!
Additional Resources
- If you need food or clothing, fill out this anonymous request form, and your items will be delivered to MTE's loading dock within a week. You will create your own ID number on the form, which you'll then use to identify your items in the loading dock. This process is completely anonymous.
Back Snack Program
- We are excited to offer a great community resource through our partnership with Community for Kids.
- Community for Kids is a local non-profit organization that has the mission “to alleviate food insecurity for students in the Blue Valley Community by providing weekend food packs”.
- Here’s how it works: If your family would like to participate in the program please email Quisha Mitchell, MTE’s social worker, at qmitchell@bluevalleyk12.org to express your interest.
- After providing consent, any child in your family ages pre-school through middle school is eligible to receive a weekend food pack throughout the school year each week.
- There is no cost to participate in the program and participation is voluntary.
Dinner Table Discussion
- What is something that always makes you laugh? Who is someone who can always cheer you up? What happened the last time you laughed so hard that your belly hurt or you had tears come out of your eyes?