Dear Parent/Guardian,

This month, our classroom counseling lessons in grades K-5 will focus on skills of resiliency, coping, and how to get help for oneself and/or a friend if needed. These lessons are intended to educate students on feelings of stress, worry, sadness, how to cope with such feelings, and how to ask for help if needed.

Students will identify coping strategies and trusted adults at school and outside of school to whom they can go for help. Any student who has difficulty identifying coping strategies and/or adults who can help will receive a follow up visit with the school counselor or school psychologist to determine if any additional steps are necessary.

Please talk with your child about these feelings, and reinforce appropriate coping strategies such as talking with a trusted adult, exercising, positive self-talk or doing an activity they enjoy. Modeling appropriate reactions to stress and feelings of sadness in your own life and then talking with your child about you handle it in a healthy way can also help to empower your child to make healthy choices.

Please contact Kelly Blecha or Lindsey Harrahill with any questions. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping to ensure your child has a successful school year!

Sincerely,

Kelly Blecha

School Counselor at Upchurch Elementary & Black Elk Elementary

kfblecha@mpsomaha.org

(402) 715-6212