Small Voices, Big Change: Becoming Upstanders
Small Voices, Big Change: Becoming Upstanders
Embedded Files
This inspiring collaboration between Amanda Gorman and Sesame Street, is a great tool to help students understand what it means to be an upstander!
Our students recently discovered that you’re never too young to make a difference! Our learners explored what it means to move from being a "bystander" to an Upstander.
While a bystander might see/hear something hurtful and stay silent, an Upstander is someone who recognizes injustice and chooses to take action. Our students learned four powerful ways to stand up for others:
Be a Buddy: Offer support and kindness to the person being hurt.
Interrupt: Change the subject or give the person/people being hurt an excuse to get away from the person harming them.
Speak Out: Use your voice to say, "That’s not okay" or "That’s not fair."
Tell Someone: Reach out to a trusted adult who can help manage the situation.
We are so proud of our students for committing to being a force for good in our school, our community, and the world!
For more information about examples of how to be a buddy, interrupt, speak out, or tell someone - see our CARE class pages!
Special Topic: How to Talk to Children About Immigration
Special Topic: How to Talk to Children About Immigration
Given the recent events that are impacting families and students across the country, this guide is intended to provide adults with curated tools—including podcasts, articles, children’s books, and scripts—to help children navigate and understand complex current events. This collection is designed to be non-partisan and apolitical.
Please Note: As with all my resources, I encourage you to review these materials yourself to ensure they align with your personal beliefs and values before sharing them. While not every resource will perfectly reflect every perspective, they are intended to serve as a foundation for navigating difficult conversations.
CIE-Immigration.pdfThe impact of immigration enforcement on children and schools
ASCA-Statement-on-Escalating-ICE-Enforcement.pdfASCA Statement on Escalating ICE Enforcement and its Impact on Students
Know Your Rights Cards - Available in 50+ Languages
Bullying Prevention Instruction: January - February
Bullying Prevention Instruction: January - February
Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit (January - February)
Each year students at PPS receive direct instruction around the importance of creating a safe and respectful space where everyone can learn. District-wide (K-8) and school-wide, we implemented the Second Step program in your student's classroom, beginning in 2022. The Second Step program teaches children important skills forgetting along with other and doing well in school. It also helps your school be a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.
To provide further instruction and skill-building, we are implementing the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit through CARE class instruction. In the lessons, your child will earn specific skills to help stop bullying.
For more information about the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit, visit the CARE Class Page.
Caregiver Resources for Bullying Prevention and Response
Caregiver Resources for Bullying Prevention and Response
How to support your child(ren), ages 5-11, who may be experiencing bullying.
How do you help your child if you think they may be bullying others?
Empowering your children with information and strategies to protect themselves.
Lynn Lyon's helps parents recognize that not all bullies are the same, not all difficult interactions between kids are bullying, and direct conversations about how to step in are critical.
What Is Bullying?
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is intentional negative behavior that’s repeated and involves an imbalance of social or physical power.
Who Is Affected?
Who Is Affected?
Bullying doesn’t just affect the students being bullied. It can cause emotional harm and reduce academic achievement for all students involved.
Food, Housing, Healthcare, Financial Needs?
Food, Housing, Healthcare, Financial Needs?
Need a Hand? We can Help!
Need a Hand? We can Help!
Many families in our school community are struggling with food, housing, and financial insecurity. We have seen and heard that needs have increased locally and nationally. Please know that we are hear to support the whole student - to include ensuring that all students have access to basic needs including safe housing, nutritious food, and health care. If you are in need of support to access any of these things, please use the links, below, to explore community resources or contact Kim at kimberly.thibodeau@colchestersd.org.
Vermont State Housing Authority
Section 8 Housing Applications and Assistance
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity
Food Support, Housing/Weatherization, Fuel Assistance
Joint Urban Ministry Project
Food; Heat/Electricity Assistance; Bus passes; Gas vouchers
The Family Room
Food, Clothing, Educational Programs, Play Groups, Family Support and Home Visits
Colchester Food Shelf
Wednesdays on 11/5, 11/ 12, and 11/19 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thanksgiving Distribution:
Monday, November 24 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Tuesday, November 25 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
3Squares VT
Food assistance
Vermont Agency of Human Services
Crisis fuel assistance; emergency housing; energy assistance; childcare assistance; etc.
Salvation Army
Financial assistance; school supplies; clothing; hygiene/personal care products; holidays gifts
Care for Kids Curriculum : November - December
Care for Kids Curriculum : November - December
Prevent Child Abuse Vermont - Care for Kids Curriculum
Each year, students at UMS, PPS, and MBS receive instruction regarding personal safety and healthy childhood sexual development using the curricula, Care for Kids (grades K-2) and We Care Elementary (grades 3-6). The curriculum has been in use throughout the state since 1996 and is supported by Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, a statewide non-profit organization committed to ending the cycle of abuse for children in Vermont. Our district has been using this curriculum for the past 6+ years. Following the November break, students will begin their Care for Kids lessons.
For more information about Care for Kids, visit the CARE Class Page.
Caregiver Resources for Child Safety and Abuse Prevention
Caregiver Resources for Child Safety and Abuse Prevention
When a child feels forced to demonstrate physical affection, they get the message that they are not in control of their bodies. This is a dangerous message for kids to receive.
Dr. Alilza Pressman, a developmental psychologist, discusses rituals, routines, separation, screen time, etc. While aired in 2020, this episode has many points that remain helpful for the current year.
Clinical psychologist, Dr. Becky Kennedy, shares a script for helping prep your child(ren) for back to school. Start laying the groundwork now - whether your child(ren) appears worried about the start of school, or not.
Mental and Emotional Health Resources at PPS
Mental and Emotional Health Resources at PPS
What is school counseling? Why aren't school counselors called "guidance counselors"? How do school counselors support students?
What are the similarities and differences between these three mental health professions?
NAMI Basics is a free six-week course designed to empower parents and caregivers of youths aged 22 and under with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the challenges of supporting a young person with a mental health condition.
Join the Howard Center for a 4-part series of free virtual information sessions about community resources, youth and depression/anxiety, youth and substance use, and improving communication.
How to Talk to Kids About...Clear the Halls and Evacuation
How to Talk to Kids About...Clear the Halls and Evacuation
Safety Practices at Porters Point School
Safety Practices at Porters Point School
When we teach students what to do for each type of safety practice, we focus on our first school expectation - Be Safe - and explain the need for both drills in this way:
Evacuation practice: “Today we will review one of the signals and routines we use if something unsafe happens at school. We will do an all-school practice today on how to evacuate or leave the building. If there is a problem inside the school building, we might need to leave the building quickly to stay safe. One signal you will hear that tells all of us to leave the building is the fire alarm.”
Clear the Halls practice: “Today we will review one of the signals and routines we use if something unsafe happens at school. We will do an all-school practice today on how to Clear the Halls by staying inside the building. If we need to stay inside the building to stay safe, then you would hear a signal - “Clear the Halls” - over the intercom (speakers) we use for announcements.”
Caregiver Resources for Back-to-School Transitions
Caregiver Resources for Back-to-School Transitions
Podcasts👂
Scripts🗣️
Scripts to Develop a Separation Routine in Advance.jpegScripts to Use When Your Child Cries at Separation.jpegScripts to Respond to After School Dysregulation.jpegScripts to Use When You See Your Child After School.jpegArticles/How-to-Guides📑
How to Manage Back To School Anxiety_ Stop Momsplaining.pdfBack to School Routine Hacks.jpegSchool Routine Hacks_ Simple Tips for Smoother Days.jpegRead Aloud Books - Updated regularly
Read Aloud Books - Updated regularly
I've worked to provide additional access to materials for families/students at Porters Point. On my YouTube channel, you will find "read aloud books" of some of my favorite SEL books. I've organized these into categories based on topic or interest. These will be listed under the "Resource" section of this website, along with questions/activities that go along with each book. Please do not share these videos, as they are intended only for PPS/CSD families and students.
What are we learning in CARE Class?
What are we learning in CARE Class?
CARE is one of the five Unified Arts (UA's) classes including Library, Art, Music, and PE. I will visit each classroom one time per week, to teach a 40-minute CARE class. Please check class pages regularly for updates on what your child is learning in CARE!
Zones of Regulation - Second Grade and First Grade
August-September
Students in first and second grades will begin CARE class by learning about emotional regulation through the Zones of Regulation. More information about these lessons is available on the 1st Grade CARE page and 2nd Grade CARE page.
We Thinkers: Social Problem Solvers - Kindergarten
August-October
In our Kinder CARE class, students will learn social skills to hep build a foundation of success at school and socially. These skills include understanding thoughts, feelings, being part a group, and understanding others' thoughts and feelings. For more information about these topics, please visit the Kindergarten CARE page.
For more information about what a school counselor does, watch an informational video by the 2011 ASCA Counselor of the Year, Randy McPherson.
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