Hello 5th Grade Students and Parents,

As we start this new year, you may have many questions or concerns about our new routines.  I am here to help students and parents/guardians navigate their way to having a successful year.  Mindfulness can also help with this transition in this uncertain time.  Practicing mindfulness helps us to focus and attend while we calm our minds and bodies, and change our attitudes and perspectives.  We will be continuing our mindful moments  during Homeroom while you are in person. I've attached a link to a  video called  "Just Breathe".    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YEZnrySrtQ 

If you have any question or concerns, please feel free to contact me

Topics we will cover this year…

Every week and throughout the year, all students in homeroom are doing a Mindfulness Based Activity from Yoga 4 Classrooms. 

• Calming Strategies

• Making Glitter Bottles, "Just Breathe" Video by Julie Bayer Salzman

• Anxiety- Reading the book "Hey Warrior" 

Elizabeth Young is a certified School Counselor who has worked in Public Education for 23 years. She started her career at Guilford High School, worked at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School for 9 years, and joined our Walsh community in 2018. Liz received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from Southern CT State University. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, she has had a private practice for the last 8 years. Liz is also a certified Yoga Instructor who has been teaching for the past 18 years and is the owner of Chestnut Hill Yoga Studio. She shares her love of Mindfulness and Movement in the classroom with her colleagues and students. She resides in Killingworth with her husband Michael. She misses her college-aged children, Bella and Sam, and keeps herself active as an "empty nester" with her hobbies, which include: cooking, hiking, long walks on the beach, interior decorating, and traveling.