Classroom counseling lessons with emphasis on personal/social skills, bullying prevention, problem solving, safety, academic development (study skills), and career awareness. I see every class in the building twice a month on a two-week rotation.  Please see the counseling calendar for specific dates when I will be in your child's classroom, and what the topic will be. 

The 2nd Step Curriculum and The Zones of Regulation

In effort to ensure that a Comprehensive Guidance Program inclusive of the three domains of professional school counseling (personal/social, academic, and career development skills) is delivered to all students;  Career Development, Drug and Alcohol awareness, Personal Safety, and Bully prevention lessons are taught in addition to Second Step lessons throughout the school year. The Zones of Regulation curriculum is utilized alongside of the 2nd Step Curriculum.

The Second Step program teaches skills in the following four areas:

1. Skills for Learning: Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork.

2. Empathy: Students learn to identify and understand their own and others’ feelings. Students also learn how to take another’s perspective and how to show compassion.

3. Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger.

4. Problem Solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.

Your child will be learning a lot this year—and he or she will need your help! Throughout the year, your child may be bringing home "Home Links" that go with several of the Second Step lessons. Home Links are simple, fun activities for you and your child to complete together. They are a great way for you to understand what your child is learning, allow for extra practice, and for your child to show you what he or she knows.

If you have any questions about the Second Step program, please contact me for more information. Thank you for supporting your child in learning the skills that promote success in school and in life.

Sincerely,

Ally Swisher, School Counselor

Prairie Point Elementary

P.S. Make sure to join www.secondstep.org with the (grade level appropriate) activation keys below to watch videos about the Second Step program and get information about what your student is learning.

Activation keys by grade level are as follows:

Kindergarten:     SSPK FAMI LY70

1ST Grade:           SSP1 FAMI LY71

2ND Grade:           SSP2 FAMI LY72

3rd  Grade:           SSP3 FAMI LY73

4th  Grade:           SSP4 FAMI LY74

5TH Grade:           SSP5 FAMI LY75