Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Counselor Newsletters

Career Day May 2025

The Argyle West Counseling Department helped bring Career Day to life today, inspiring our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students to dream big about their futures! We had local professionals from a wide range of industries share their experiences, answer questions, and open our students' eyes to the many possibilities their future holds. From firefighters, to axolotls, to nurses, and business owners our students were exposed to a variety of different careers. Thank you to each guest speaker who brought real-world insight into what it takes to pursue their path and the importance of education, hard work, and passion.

At Argyle West, we believe it’s never too early to dream big—and today was a powerful reminder that those dreams start right here in our classrooms.

Special thank you to these presenters and supporters--

Brock Starkweather

Braden Funderburg

Dr. Courtney Carpenter

Kaitlin Weber

Dana Clement

Dr. Stuart Michnick

Edward Nolter

Ben Hillard

Kyle Fletcher

Anjali Bajaj

Kyle Keeling

Blair Munger

Krissi Dallas

Cody Wilson
Nick Williamson

Jake Pak with Axolotl Planet

Tony Coffey

Morgan Quick

April 2025

Bounce or Splat? Learning from Mistakes with Optimistic Thinking

In Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade, we explored how optimistic thinking can help us when we make mistakes. We introduced students to the idea that when something goes wrong, we can either go SPLAT or BOUNCE.

We described going splat as getting stuck in our feelings—kind of like an egg that falls and just stays there. On the other hand, going bounce is like being a bouncy ball—finding new ways to move forward even when things get tough!

Students learned a helpful strategy to use when they make a mistake:
Pause. Take a deep breath. Say something positive.

Together, we brainstormed positive affirmations and practiced how to calm our minds and shift our thinking in a helpful direction.

We wrapped up our lesson by reading aloud the book Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg, (YouTube Link) which shows how mistakes can become something wonderful. Just like in the story, we discovered that with a little creativity and perseverance, our “oops” moments can turn into opportunities.

Then, I presented students with a special challenge! I showed them pages where I had made different “mistakes” and asked them to turn each one into a beautiful oops. We talked about how it’s okay to feel unsure at first, but they can always pause, take a deep breath, and say something positive to get started.

Check out all of the beautiful oops featured below—our students turned mistakes into masterpieces!

Saying Sorry the Right Way: 2nd Graders Learn the Art of Apology

This month in 2nd grade, we focused on an important life skill: apologizing sincerely and genuinely. Learning how to make a heartfelt apology is essential for building strong relationships and taking responsibility for our actions.

We began by discussing how it isn't always easy to apologize. Sometimes we feel angry, believe we deserve an apology first, or feel nervous about admitting a mistake. Understanding these feelings helped students realize that everyone struggles with apologizing sometimes!

To deepen our understanding, we practiced giving both real and sincere apologies as well as not-so-sincere apologies. Students had a chance to hear and discuss the difference, helping them recognize the qualities of an apology that feels genuine versus one that does not. This activity sparked great conversations about how an apology can make someone feel better or, if not sincere, might even make the situation worse.

To lighten the mood, we shared a few apology jokes and had some good laughs together. Humor made it easier for students to open up about their own experiences with apologizing.

After our discussion, students put their new knowledge into action by creating Apology Comic Books! In their comics, they illustrated scenarios where a sincere apology was needed and demonstrated both genuine and not-so-genuine ways of apologizing. This creative activity not only reinforced the lesson but also allowed students to practice empathy and problem-solving.

Learning how to apologize is an important part of growing up, and our 2nd graders did a fantastic job practicing this valuable skill.

March 2025

Growing Great Friendships with Kindergarten and 1st Grade

This month, our focus was on Self-Awareness, an essential skill for building strong friendships and understanding emotions. To explore this topic, we read Way Past Sorry by Hallee Adelman. This heartfelt story follows two friends, Kat and Sage. Kat realizes she needs to apologize but struggles to find the right words. As we followed Kat’s journey, students reflected on the different emotions she experienced and how she ultimately found a way to make things right with Sage.

To bring the lesson to life, students engaged in a fun and interactive role-playing activity with their favorite puppet—Puppy! Together, we practiced different ways to apologize and discussed whether Puppy's apology sounded sincere or if he needed to try again.

To wrap up our learning, students created an Apology Flower, reinforcing the idea that a heartfelt apology can help repair friendships and brighten someone's day.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow socially and emotionally!

Affirmation Tap with 2nd and 3rd Grade

This month, we played a game I like to call Affirmation Tap! The purpose of this game is to help students reflect on the power of their words while also lifting each other up in a fun and meaningful way. It’s a simple yet powerful activity that fosters kindness, appreciation, and self-reflection.

How the Game Works

In Affirmation Tap, we play two rounds, and students take turns in different roles: tappers and sitters.

The sitters remain seated at their desks with their heads down for the entire round. Their job is simply to be present and receive affirmations.
The tappers walk around the room and gently tap sitters on the shoulder when they hear a statement that describes them.

I read aloud different positive statements, such as:

✔ "Tap someone who is a good friend."
✔ "Tap someone who always tries their best."
✔ "Tap someone who makes you smile."

Tappers can tap as many sitters as they want, and even if a sitter has already received a tap, they can still receive more. This allows students to see just how many people recognize and appreciate their positive qualities.

Examples of Affirmation Statements

Here are some of the statements I read during the game:

Tap someone who is a good friend.
Tap someone who helps others.
Tap someone who is kind to everyone.
Tap someone who is brave.
Tap someone who is a great problem solver.
Tap someone who stays calm in tough situations.
Tap someone who always tries their best.
Tap someone who includes others.
Tap someone who has a great attitude.
Tap someone who makes you feel safe.
Tap someone who is a great role model.
Tap someone who never gives up.
Tap someone who is a great leader.
Tap someone who encourages others.
Tap someone who is thoughtful.
Tap someone who follows the rules.
Tap someone who stands up for what is right.
Tap someone who always tries to do the right thing.
Tap someone who is really creative.
Tap someone who makes learning fun.
Tap someone who makes you smile!
Tap someone who has helped you.
Tap someone who you would want on your team.
Tap someone who works hard in class.

Every time we play this game, the energy in the room shifts. At the end of each round, students lift their heads, and you can see the smiles on their faces. Some students are surprised by how many taps they received, while others feel a sense of pride knowing that their kindness and hard work have been noticed.

After the game, we take a few minutes to reflect. I ask students to share which statements meant the most to them. Many students express how special it felt to be recognized as a leader, a helper, or someone others trust. Some mention how much it means to know that their classmates see them as kind, brave, or hardworking. Some students have been moved to tears when talking about how much this experience meant to them. It truly is a special time together and one of my favorite "lessons" of the year!

This simple activity creates a positive ripple effect in the classroom. It reminds students that their actions matter and that their words can make a real difference in someone's day. Affirmation Tap is more than just a game—it’s a way to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a culture of kindness.

Building Empathy in 5th Grade: Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

This month, our 5th graders participated in an engaging and thoughtful activity designed to help them build empathy and better understand others' perspectives. We played a game where students practiced "walking in someone else’s shoes."

How the Game Works

Students started the game by receiving a scenario that described a day in someone else’s life. Each scenario came with a set number of beads, representing that person’s emotional state or circumstances. For example:

"Your dad is out of town, and you're really missing him. You have a big test coming up that you're a little worried about. Start with 8 beads."
"You had your birthday this weekend and got to see your grandma who you haven’t seen in a while. You and your friends watched a movie and had so much fun. Start with 11 beads."

After reading their scenarios and receiving their beads, students moved through various social situation cards that either added or took away beads based on their responses. For example:

"You walk into class, and someone says good morning to you. You say good morning back." → Gain 2 beads.
"At lunch, a friend starts gossiping about your neighbor. You add to the gossip." → Lose 2 beads.

As students played, some gained beads, while others lost them, simulating how everyday interactions and choices impact our feelings and sense of well-being.

Reflecting on the Experience

At the end of the game, we discussed how it felt to "live a day in the life" of someone else and reflected on how our choices can positively or negatively affect not just ourselves but others too. Students shared insights about the importance of empathy and how being mindful of their actions can make a difference.

This activity encouraged students to think deeply about how they treat others and how small acts of kindness can significantly impact someone’s day. It was a meaningful way to practice empathy and perspective-taking!

February 2025

Brain Boss: Mastering Study Skills & Smart Habits with 4th and 5th Grade

This month in 5th grade, students explored the importance of executive functioning and study skills—key tools for staying organized and managing their time effectively. We focused on developing smart habits that support success in school and beyond.

Students learned strategies for keeping their materials organized, such as setting up a structured backpack system and using color-coded folders for different subjects (e.g., red for Math, blue for Science). To put these skills into practice, students were given a list of upcoming school tasks—such as tests, projects, and homework—and worked in small groups to plan their week using a blank agenda.

We wrapped up the lesson with a powerful visual activity about time management. A short video illustrated how our time is like an empty container that can be filled with:

Big Rocks – the most important things in our lives, like family, friends, and school responsibilities.
Pebbles – important but flexible activities that can shift around, such as hobbies and entertainment.
Sand – less essential time-fillers, like watching TV or playing video games.

Students saw how prioritizing their "big rocks" first ensures everything fits into their schedules, reinforcing the importance of making time for what truly matters.

Encouraging these study habits at home—such as using a planner, setting up an organized study space, and discussing priorities—can help students build lifelong skills for success!

4th Grade Gratitude Mugs

December 2024 and January 2025

The Magical Yet with Kinder and 1st Grade

This month, we read The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, which teaches the power of perseverance and growth. Students explored the idea that some skills take time and practice, and that "yet" can help them overcome challenges. They designed their own Magical Yet characters and reflected on a skill they want to learn, brainstorming ways to achieve their goals with patience and determination.

Careers and 2nd Grade

In 2nd grade, we explored the journey of education from PreK through 12th grade, sparking connections to siblings, cousins, and friends. We read Mahalia Mouse Goes to College and reflected on how current interests can inspire future careers. Students also participated in a goal-setting activity to envision their futures. Check out the attached PowerPoint for more details!

Argyle ISD feeder system AWE.pptx

Exploring Higher Education: A 3rd and 4th Grade Research Project

Our 3rd-grade students recently engaged in an exciting research project exploring various colleges and universities using CampusTours.com. Through their research, they created custom college pennants showcasing the school’s name, colors, mascot, and location.

Students were highly engaged as they navigated interactive websites, explored campus maps, and even investigated the cost of books and materials, as well as student population data. This experience sparked curiosity and encouraged discussions about higher education.

We were also fortunate to welcome Maggie Adams, who shared insights from her experiences at Texas A&M and Texas Woman’s University. She provided students with a glimpse into college life, studying, and career aspirations.

A big thank you to Maggie for inspiring our students and to our 3rd graders for their enthusiasm in this project!

5th Grade College and Career

Exploring the Future in 5th Grade

This month, our 5th-grade students engaged in activities designed to help them think about their future. They began with a pre-assessment to evaluate their understanding of study skills, planning, and executive functioning. Students then watched a video featuring Nick Bloedow, who shared insights from his experience at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following this, they completed an interest survey that connected their current passions to potential future careers. Finally, students explored the Texas Reality Check website, where they considered their desired lifestyles and learned how to align their budgets with projected salaries.

These discussions encouraged students to think critically about their goals and the steps needed to achieve them!

Careers on Wheels

Station 514 in Harvest

Careers on Wheels

Touch of Toast Food Truck

Station 514 in Northlake

CoServ

Officer Melo

Kinder Team Work

Career Week with Kinder

October and November 2024

Warm Fuzzies

Building Empathy

5th Grade with DEA Helicopter

Middle of the Year House Party

Decorating Ornaments Together

Middle of the Year House Party

Building Connection and Relationship

Emapthy Lesson in 4th Grade

AISD Multicultural Night

PreK Feelings Lesson

October and November 2024

PreK

Over the past month we have learned about big and small problems, ways to be a Warm and Fuzzy friend, the importance of using our words, and focused on qualities of a friend. We also did our bully prevention lesson together. Students are working hard on using their words when they have a conflict or disagreement with someone else and also listening to the other person involved in the disagreement.

Kindergarten

Over the past month in Kindergarten we have learned a lot together. We have focused on different ways to solve small and big problems, talked more about what it means to be warm and fuzzy, and learned different phrases to help with conflict. We also did our bully prevention lesson together. Students have also been introduced to Kelso's Choices. Click here to download Kelso's Choice Wheel to see if it can be a helpful tool in resolving conflict at home.

1st Grade

Over the past month in 1st Grade we discussed what it means to be a warm and fuzzy versus a cold and prickly friend and we also did our bullying prevention lesson. Later this month, we will learn about Kelso's choices for solving small problems. Click here to download Kelso's Choice Wheel to see if it can be a helpful tool in resolving conflict at home.

2nd Grade

In 2nd Grade, we worked on our bully prevention lesson together. We read Mean Jean, Recess Queen and focused on how Katie Sue used her words and got help when Jean was exhibiting bully type behavior. We also reviewed what it means to be rude, mean, and bullying. We made a flip book together that went over 6 strategies for bully prevention.

3rd Grade

In 3rd Grade we focused on our bully prevention lesson. We analyzed the differences between rude, mean, and bully behavior. Afterwards, we dissected the differences between conflict and bullying. To help with conflict, we learned and practiced an I like/I don't like statement. (Ex: I like working on my homework with you. I don't like when you make fun of me for reading slow. I need you to encourage me. OR I like playing football with you. I don't like when you taunt me because I couldn't catch the ball. I need you to stop.)

4th Grade

In 4th Grade we worked on a lesson about building empathy and bully prevention. We practiced building our empathy by reading through a variety of scenarios, putting ourselves in the person's "shoes", naming a feeling that person is having, and then thinking of how we could support that person.

5th Grade

In 5th Grade we talked about boundaries in friendships (joking vs. being mean; BFF's vs. exclusion; playful vs. hurtful touches; giving ideas vs. being controlling; positive chit chat vs. negative chit chat) and we related that to warm and fuzzy versus cold and prickly. We talked about verbiage to use when a boundary is crossed and how to set healthy boundaries in our relationships/friendships with others.

Our First House Shout Out of the Year!

Congrats Ana!!

DEA Helicopter for Red Ribbon Week

Beginning of the Year House Party Kick Off

AISD Guest Speaker Carolyn Brown

Helping support learning about social conflict, mean behavior, and bullying

Warm Fuzzies Have Arrived!

August and September 2024

Hello AWE Community!

I have had so much fun getting to know all of the students and families here over the past several weeks of school. Please mark your calendars for our parent presentation coming up on Monday, October 21st in the cafeteria at Jane Ruestmann Elementary. The presentation starts at 6:30pm. The presentation will cover how to help your child through a social conflict, what bullying is and isn't, and helping you to continue the conversation at home.

Here are some of the things we have accomplished so far this school year through our School Counseling Program.

Here is what we have learned in guidance over the past month--

In Kindergarten, we have been learning about how to give each other personal space, sizes of problems and when to handle those problems on our own versus getting a teacher for help, and we talked about listening with our whole bodies (eyes looking, ears listening, voice quite, and body still)--we focused on how that helps our brain grow and helps our friends too. We pointed out that we listen with our hearts by using kind and supportive words and listen with our brains by making thoughtful comments.

In First and Second Grade, we learned about what a school counselor does (a school counselor is a helper) and we focused on how our heart has many feelings throughout the day and we talked about people who help our heart to feel happy and safe.

In Third Grade, we learned about what a school counselor does through School Counselor BINGO. We had LOTS of fun playing together and talking about how we are a TEAM here at AWE.

In Fourth and Fifth Grade, we reviewed what a school counselor does, how to get in contact with me, and then we made Positive Affirmation Fortune Tellers. We discussed how it is important that we notice our self-talk, especially when we are facing a problem. For example, it might be writing time and I am having a hard time figuring out what to write. Instead of saying "I'm never going to be a good writer", I could say "I can figure this out...I won't give up." We focused on how positive self talk can impact our day.

In Fifth Grade, we did a second lesson about empathy and putting yourself in someone else's shoes. We talked about how showing empathy costs zero dollars, takes seconds of our time and can have a huge impact in someone's day or life.

Watch DOGS have started!

We have been so very fortunate to have the amazing dads and father figures of AWE kick off our Watch DOGS program this year. If you would like to sign up, here is the Sign Up Genius link. We would love to have you! (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA9AA2EA1F9C70-50967684-awewatch#/)

If you have any questions, please email our school counselor amelia.torres@argyleisd.com

Argyle High School PALS

We have been so fortunate to have the Argyle High School PALS join our school once a week on Wednesdays to be a bright spot in our students' week. Together they are setting goals to create a bright future for all of our Argyle Eagles!