School Counselor Corner Newsletter Winter January 2018
Fall ~~ School Counselors’ Corner ~~ 2017
978-772-8600 Preschool through Grade 2: School Psychologist, Kathy Kenyon X 1431 [email protected]
Grade 3-Grade 5: School Counselor, Betsy Dolan x 1424 [email protected]
What a beautiful fall season we have been fortunate to have this year. We’re so thankful students have had ample opportunity to run and play in such great weather at recess. Throughout the fall school psychologist Mrs. Kenyon and school counselor Mrs. Dolan have been visiting your child’s classroom to discuss lessons on empathy, bucketfilling, active listening, and many other social and academic topics. The school counseling department also supports students’ social skills in locations such as cafeteria, in lunch groups, at recess, and at pod to name a few. If you should have a question or concern please do not hesitate to contact us above.
William James Interface Referral Service: Please keep in mind the counselor referral resource through William James Interface Referral Service is available to Ayer and Shirley residents. This is a complimentary service made possible through financial support each year from Ayer Shirley Regional School District, the Town of Ayer, the Town of Shirley, and through private donations. If anyone in your family residing in Ayer or Shirley needs to find a counselor for any reason, who is matched to their/your insurance coverage, please call Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00 pm 1-888-244-6843 x 1411, and a case specialist will speak with you to assist you.
What do Elementary School Counselors Do?...
“Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere.” American School Counselor Association
More info Link:
ASCA "What Do Elementary School Counselors Do?"
Articles on Why Elementary School Counselors?...
Early Prosocial Behavior Good Predictor of Kids’ Future - Science Daily
Children’s Social Skills Predict Success in Adulthood a 20 yr study - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
School counselors not only help support with situational emotions such as death of relatives or pets, but they also support important social and behavioral skills to ensure lifelong social success.
Register for 2nd Annual Dance for Kindness Dance for Kindness participation is growing rapidly. We still have room for more dancers. You can register at www.danceforkindness.com. Dance event at downtown Main Street in Ayer on Sunday November 12th. Open to all families, friends, and community members. Voluntary dance rehearsals will be held this week at the following times:
AREA LECTURES and Resources
Ayer Shirley Education Foundation presents Lecture series:
Wednesday November 29th, 7:00 pm.
Presenter: Hilary Levey Friedman, PhD, Author of “Playing to Win, Raising Children in a Competitive Culture”. Location Ayer Shirley Regional High School Auditorium.
Complimentary Admission provided by Ayer Shirley Education Foundation. Free babysitting for children 4 and over provided by Ayer Shirley HS National Honor Society.
Prof. Hilary Levey Friedman is a sociologist and expert on childhood and parenting, competitive after school activities, and popular culture who teaches courses in the Department of Education at Brown University. She holds degrees from Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of Cambridge.
“I was delighted to see that Friedman tells both sides of the story -- the good and not-so-good about organized sports. Well written and very educational. Every parent who puts their child in organized sports
should read this.” -Cha Book Review
Autism Resources Events:
Saturday, October 28th. Boston Children’s Hospital Autism Spectrum Center, Waltham. Learn more about community organizations, the kids can enjoy sensory fun games and activities, and meet representatives from Boston Children’s Hospital Autism Spectrum Center and the SPARK Study. 10:00 am- 3:00 pm. Location Boston Children’s at Waltham, 9 Hope Avenue, Waltham. RSVP to [email protected] or register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-autism-festival-tickets-38143032838
Also Saturday October 28th, Boston, Museum of Fine Arts, Artful Healing and Beyond the Spectrum offer a specially designed program for Autism Spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome, accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Beyond the Spectrum is a specially designed program for children ages 8–12 on the Autism Spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The program meets one Saturday per month from 10:30 am–12 pm. Each class lasts an hour and a half and combines gallery exploration with an art-making activity. $9 per child (includes materials and Museum admission) For more information or questions please e-mail [email protected].
Additional Events:
Documentary “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety”
Thursday, October 26th. 7:00 pm, Location: Stony Brook Middle School, Westford. Sponsored by Westford Parent Connection, a documentary by Indieflix Foundation (producers of Finding Kind). Join the Westford Parent Connection for a screening of Angst, a 56-minute film that explores the causes and effects of anxiety and discusses ways to cope with it. Many people do not seek treatment because there is still a stigma attached to mental illness in general. Angst features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer – or who have suffered – from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts and suggestions for help and resources. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Sue Hanly, RN, NCSN, (school nurse at Stony Brook) who has extensive experience with mental health issues.
Anxiety, Executive Function & Learning: Help for Parents
Tuesday, November 7th: Co-Presentation by Michael Delman, CEO of Beyond Booksmart, and Dr. Joseph Moldover, neuropsychologist and expert in child development. Location Wellesley Public Library, 6:30-8:00 pm. Michael Delman and Dr. Moldover co-present about Executive Function development, neuropsychological evaluations, how anxiety impacts learning, and what parents can do to help their anxious children. RSVP to reserve a seat to [email protected]
No Such Thing As a Bad Kid!
Wednesday, November 15th, Location: Stony Brook Middle School, Westford. Sponsored by Westford Parent Connection. Speaker Charile Appelstein, M.S.W., President of Appelstein Training Resources, LLC (ATR) provides expert strength-based training, consultation, publications, CDs, and DVDs for individuals and groups who work with children and youth experiencing serious emotional and behavioral issues. An engaging, informative, and humorous speaker, Charlie is the author of three critically acclaimed books on youth care and the creator of two innovative CDs that helps kids and parents make better choices and lead happier lives. Charlie's strength-based approach delivers a message of hope and possibility to our most vulnerable youth and those who shape and influence their lives.
William James Interface Referral Service: Please keep in mind the counselor referral resource through William James Interface Referral Service is available to Ayer and Shirley residents. This is a complimentary service made possible through financial support each year from Ayer Shirley Regional School District, the Town of Ayer, the Town of Shirley, and through private donations. If anyone in your family residing in Ayer or Shirley needs to find a counselor for any reason, who is matched to their/your insurance coverage, please call Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00 pm 1-888-244-6843 x 1411, and a case specialist will speak with you to assist you.
What do Elementary School Counselors Do?...
“Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere.” American School Counselor Association
More info Link:
ASCA "What Do Elementary School Counselors Do?"
Articles on Why Elementary School Counselors?...
Early Prosocial Behavior Good Predictor of Kids’ Future - Science Daily
Children’s Social Skills Predict Success in Adulthood a 20 yr study - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
School counselors not only help support with situational emotions such as death of relatives or pets, but they also support important social and behavioral skills to ensure lifelong social success.
Register for 2nd Annual Dance for Kindness Dance for Kindness participation is growing rapidly. We still have room for more dancers. You can register at www.danceforkindness.com. Dance event at downtown Main Street in Ayer on Sunday November 12th. Open to all families, friends, and community members. Voluntary dance rehearsals will be held this week at the following times:
- Wednesday (3:05 - 4:00) Page Hilltop School
- Thursday (3:05 - 4:00) Page Hilltop School
- Saturday (11:00 - 12:00) Maria's School of Dance, 200 E. Main Street, Ayer
- Sunday (4:00 - 6:00) Page Hilltop Cultural Arts Room
AREA LECTURES and Resources
Ayer Shirley Education Foundation presents Lecture series:
Wednesday November 29th, 7:00 pm.
Presenter: Hilary Levey Friedman, PhD, Author of “Playing to Win, Raising Children in a Competitive Culture”. Location Ayer Shirley Regional High School Auditorium.
Complimentary Admission provided by Ayer Shirley Education Foundation. Free babysitting for children 4 and over provided by Ayer Shirley HS National Honor Society.
Prof. Hilary Levey Friedman is a sociologist and expert on childhood and parenting, competitive after school activities, and popular culture who teaches courses in the Department of Education at Brown University. She holds degrees from Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of Cambridge.
“I was delighted to see that Friedman tells both sides of the story -- the good and not-so-good about organized sports. Well written and very educational. Every parent who puts their child in organized sports
should read this.” -Cha Book Review
Autism Resources Events:
Saturday, October 28th. Boston Children’s Hospital Autism Spectrum Center, Waltham. Learn more about community organizations, the kids can enjoy sensory fun games and activities, and meet representatives from Boston Children’s Hospital Autism Spectrum Center and the SPARK Study. 10:00 am- 3:00 pm. Location Boston Children’s at Waltham, 9 Hope Avenue, Waltham. RSVP to [email protected] or register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-autism-festival-tickets-38143032838
Also Saturday October 28th, Boston, Museum of Fine Arts, Artful Healing and Beyond the Spectrum offer a specially designed program for Autism Spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome, accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Beyond the Spectrum is a specially designed program for children ages 8–12 on the Autism Spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The program meets one Saturday per month from 10:30 am–12 pm. Each class lasts an hour and a half and combines gallery exploration with an art-making activity. $9 per child (includes materials and Museum admission) For more information or questions please e-mail [email protected].
Additional Events:
Documentary “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety”
Thursday, October 26th. 7:00 pm, Location: Stony Brook Middle School, Westford. Sponsored by Westford Parent Connection, a documentary by Indieflix Foundation (producers of Finding Kind). Join the Westford Parent Connection for a screening of Angst, a 56-minute film that explores the causes and effects of anxiety and discusses ways to cope with it. Many people do not seek treatment because there is still a stigma attached to mental illness in general. Angst features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer – or who have suffered – from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts and suggestions for help and resources. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Sue Hanly, RN, NCSN, (school nurse at Stony Brook) who has extensive experience with mental health issues.
Anxiety, Executive Function & Learning: Help for Parents
Tuesday, November 7th: Co-Presentation by Michael Delman, CEO of Beyond Booksmart, and Dr. Joseph Moldover, neuropsychologist and expert in child development. Location Wellesley Public Library, 6:30-8:00 pm. Michael Delman and Dr. Moldover co-present about Executive Function development, neuropsychological evaluations, how anxiety impacts learning, and what parents can do to help their anxious children. RSVP to reserve a seat to [email protected]
No Such Thing As a Bad Kid!
Wednesday, November 15th, Location: Stony Brook Middle School, Westford. Sponsored by Westford Parent Connection. Speaker Charile Appelstein, M.S.W., President of Appelstein Training Resources, LLC (ATR) provides expert strength-based training, consultation, publications, CDs, and DVDs for individuals and groups who work with children and youth experiencing serious emotional and behavioral issues. An engaging, informative, and humorous speaker, Charlie is the author of three critically acclaimed books on youth care and the creator of two innovative CDs that helps kids and parents make better choices and lead happier lives. Charlie's strength-based approach delivers a message of hope and possibility to our most vulnerable youth and those who shape and influence their lives.