Counselor's corner

Week of September 28, 2020

Beginning October 5th, our newsletter will be updated monthly--on the first Monday of every month. If you would like any additional resources or information between updates, please reach out to your school counselor!

How to Wear a Mask in School

In North Carolina, students all over the state are going back to school; some in October, some later this year. Whether you're needing to wear a mask at school or out and about in public, there are so many reasons why wearing a mask is essential to your health and the health of others. If your child is having difficulty becoming adjusted to a mask, there are many things you can do to help make it easier! For starters, make sure the mask fits correctly, as it shouldn't move while you are speaking or have gaps in the sides. You can watch this video for tips on ensuring a proper fit. For younger kids that simply don't like wearing a mask, watch this video for ways to turn mask-wearing into a positive experience!

SEL LEssons

What is SEL?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Elementary School

5th Grade

Monday, September 28th at 10:00- Mr. Hunt's PAA

Tuesday, September 29th at 10:00- Ms. Newcomb's PAA

Wednesday, September 30th at 9:00- 4th Grade Small Group (ALL 5th graders invited!)

Thursday, October 1st at 10:00- Mrs. Q's PAA

Friday, October 2nd at 10:00- Mrs. Williams' PAA

*Attendance not required but highly encouraged. Zoom links and static version will be sent via Jupiter & posted in Ms. McGarry's Google Classroom!

Middle School

6th Grade- Breaking Down Your Goals

7th Grade- Overcoming Roadblocks

8th Grade- Harnessing My Strengths

High School

SEL for High School Students (Week #5): Respect for Others

We are different in many ways, yet we are similar in just as many. What is respect? What does respect look like at home, school and in relationships? What is self-respect? Take a few minutes and think about how you would answer one of more of these questions. We have all at some point been on both the receiving and distributing end of respect; however, we don’t always understand what it looks like in our day to day life. This short animated video will answer the questions you reflected on earlier by helping you understand what it means to be treated with respect, and most importantly, how you can show respect to others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFGlRKqDXSQ

Use the attached worksheet to further reflect on what your strengths are as it relates to respecting others, and what areas you can use improvement. Remember these areas as you interact with your family, friends and even strangers. People will always remember how you made them feel.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C7W43GerWLZx5-OWY-UgWucFExSrGlmS/view?usp=sharing

And don't forget to complete the "SEL Check-in/out Form" here!

Bullying Prevention

For this week's bullying prevention section, we wanted to shake things up a bit! Rather than providing a tip or fact about bullying, we want to encourage you to get creative. Think of a way that bullying has affected you or someone you know, and express these feelings in a way of your choice. For example, write a poem speaking out against bullying, or a story or skit teaching bystanders how to help. Perhaps an artistic work is more your style; such as a collage or drawing about respect or the effects of bullying. If you would like to take this one step further, feel free to email it to Ms. McGarry for a chance to have it featured in a future newsletter!

Elementary

Into the Cloud™ is NCMEC’s flagship online safety product for children ages 10 and under. Using data from actual CyberTipline reports, each episode focuses on a different element of online safety, from strategies for handling cyberbullying to recognizing and reporting unsafe/inappropriate interactions and content. Into the Cloud™ presents important safety information in an age-appropriate and entertaining manner! Connect your child to their content here, or visit Ms. McGarry's Google Classroom!

College & Career planning

Elementary School

Click here to check out Paws in Jobland on CFNC.org!

Middle School

Check out CFNC.org and begin exploring the site! We will work in the website through the year. You will be sent activities per grade to help you begin your career search and make the most of middle school!

High School

Students and parents are encouraged to explore the redesigned CFNC.org website. This is a one stop shop for students and parents to plan for college, apply to colleges, explore careers and sort through resources to pay for college in the state of NC. Planning starts even before high school. Students with CFNC accounts are encouraged to login and click around! Students without CFNC accounts are encouraged to create an account! Go ahead! Explore!

Click here for up-to-date information that colleges, universities, College Board (SAT) and ACT are releasing about COVID-19 and college admissions.

Click here for updated information about virtual college representative visits to FLA.

Upcoming Virtual Visits (links sent via Jupiter):

East Carolina University: Tuesday, September 29th at 2:00 pm

Meredith College: October 1st at 2:00 pm

Use this link to join zoom meeting when applicable!

Free College Application Week 2020 for Seniors

Here is the list of schools in North Carolina who will be waiving their college application fee during the two (2) week period of October 19th -30th. This is usually a one week event, so take FULL advantage of this opportunity.

Please know that you MUST apply to the colleges through CFNC.org in order for the fee to be waived during this time frame. Use the list of colleges and their application deadlines to submit your college applications accordingly.

#Howtodeal

Every week, we will be including tips or tricks for you on how to incorporate self-care into your daily routine! We understand that during our time away from school, it may be a challenge to take care of YOU. So, here you will find some ideas to stay active, healthy, and mentally strong as we cope with this pandemic. Enjoy!

SEL in the Morning

Have you ever had a bad day before you even got to work? Take this time to check-in with yourself, and start your day on the right foot!

Set your alarm 5-15 minutes early to be quiet and meditate, and/or lie down and take time for yourself before you start getting ready.
While your car is warming up, try taking a minute to quietly pay attention to your breathing.
While driving, become aware of body tension, e.g., hands wrapped tightly around the steering wheel, shoulders raised, stomach tight, etc., consciously working at releasing dissolving that tension. What does it feel like to relax and drive?
Try not to play the radio and be with your own thoughts.
Pay attention to your breathing and to the sky, trees, or quality of your mind, when stopped at a red light.