Current Groups

K/1 Social Groups: In these Kindergarten and First Grade Groups, Mrs. DeSantis will work with students to learn and practice social skills including: sharing, taking turns, calming strategies to use when upset, listening and following directions, following rules, stating needs, transitioning away from preferred activities, and being flexible in the face of unexpected changes. These groups will meet once per week for six weeks during the school day.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade Lunch Bunches: In these small lunch bunches, groups of four-six students will have the opportunity to connect with peers while working on specific SEL skills. Lunch bunches meet for six sessions during the students' lunch periods.

Groups from Earlier in the Year

New Students' Groups: Each of our new 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders are invited to join a New Students' Group. In these groups, students learn about their new school, meet other classmates who are also new to Washington Avenue School, share feelings about moving, identify school supports, and even learn some academic skills. These 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade groups will begin in September and meet once per week for four weeks during the school day.

Kindergarten Pumpkin Pals (2 Groups): In this small counseling group, students learn important friendship skills through a weekly read-along story about a pumpkin pal with great friendship qualities. They will participate in small group activities and engage in developmentally appropriate self-reflection to reinforce character traits that are learned, including patience, understanding, mutual respect, protectiveness, kindness, integrity, and non-judgment. The group takes place once per week during the school day, for a total of six weeks.

I always welcome counseling group ideas from families and staff. If there is a particular area (ie: social skills, friendship skills, coping skills, executive functioning skills, etc.) that you think your child would benefit from learning in a small group, please feel free to contact me. I will do my best to accommodate requests throughout the school year.