Feb

2024

Counselor Corner Newsletter

Minden Elementary School

A Message from Mrs. Goering

Parents,

Wow...January flew! February will be a very short month due to the week break from Feb 19-23rd. We are entering our testing season! In MES Counseling, this month we will be focusing on Test-Taking skills in the upper grades but we are still plugging away through Self-Management in K-2. Enjoy the breaks in chilly weather!

Happy Trails,

Ashley Goering, Counselor MES

Test Prep Strategies

In Counseling, we are learning about our "Test-Taking Monsters". These are monsters who get in the way of our success on assessments. Some examples of monsters are:

Focus Monster- monsters that distract us

Feelings Monster- monsters that determine how we feel about tests.

We are also learning how to tame these monsters. What strategies can we do to help develop the mindset for taking tests!

Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.
Make sure your child is prepared: pencil, eraser, comfortable clothes.
Remain positive: Staying calm will help your child stay calm.

These are some strategies that will help maximize your child's success in school on a daily basis:

Assist your child with homework and read to them.
Help develop good study habits and positive attitudes toward school.
Ensure your child has good attendance at school.
Stay in communication with your child's teacher.
Encourage your child to read as much as possible.

*Remember, standardized tests are just one portion of education. Ask your child to do his/her best on the test but there is no number that dictates the worth of your child.

Student Council

Student Council consists of 4 representatives from each 4th and 5th grade class. The Student Council meets bi-weekly on Wednesdays during lunch. In the meetings we plan social events, school service events, and community service projects. In October and January, we will focus on our lollipop fundraisers and completing a community service projects!

February Meetings: 14, 28

February 9th: Sports Day

February 12-16 is Lollipop Grams Sales

Minden Elementary Student Council will be hosting a “Snacks” Food Drive from March 11-15 . Our school goal will be to collect non-perishable “snacks” for families in need in our community.

Please have your child bring these items to his/her classroom the week of

March 11-March 15

Kindness Club

Mrs. Davison and I will host the club once monthly for 3rd graders during lunchtime. Our main goal is to spread kindness and cheer throughout our school!

February Kindness Activity: Cards for staff on cars!

Next meeting is February 1st

February Classroom Counseling Lessons

Below are the topics for the Counseling Lessons this month. The lesson material is based on Second Step curriculum, as well as other resources, and involves appropriate books and videos to support the topic. Whole group and individual activities are also included. Kindergarten, 1st grade classes and 2nd grade classes receive weekly lessons and 3rd-5th grade classes receive lessons bi-weekly. All lessons are included on my Landing Page.

The February Standard is #2: Self- Management.