Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit (March - April)

Each year students at PPS receive direct instruction around the importance of creating a safe and respectful space where everyone can learn. In 2024, PPS students will be using the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit, in CARE class. 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.

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.

Common Sense Media - Digital Citizenship Curriculum

The Common Sense Media K–12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum was designed and developed in partnership with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education -- and guided by research with thousands of educators. Each digital citizenship lesson takes on real challenges and digital dilemmas that students face today, giving them the skills they need to succeed as digital learners, leaders, and citizens tomorrow. 

For more information about the Digital Citizenship Curriculum and associated resources, visit the CARE Class Page. 

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. 

For more information about what a school counselor does, watch an informational video by the 2011 ASCA Counselor of the Year, Randy McPherson.