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January 20, 2021
January 20, 2021
We continue to press on ....
We continue to press on ....
Are we there yet?
It's a new year, but we are still faced with the ongoing worsening pandemic and more restrictions on everyday pleasures we used to take for granted, like going out to eat or meeting up with friends. The rollout of the vaccine means we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have a long way to go, with continued sacrifices along the way - mask-wearing, social distancing, and more hand sanitizer than we ever thought possible - as well as that lingering sense of danger as more lives are lost to the coronavirus. On top of all that, recent political upheaval left everyone wondering about a potentially tenuous transition of power this week, with armed guards at the Capitol. However, today's successful inauguration showed that democracy prevails despite attempts at violence and threats, a ray of hope on the horizon for our government's ability to tackle the challenges this country faces.
Still, although the future is promising, we are still in the midst of it, and some of us are running out of ways to cope with being stuck at home. We are dealing with constant overwhelming news events, too much "together" time, and a lack of activity and fun things to do. Well .... some funny bird videos should do the trick! Or, seeing Poor Zoey wearing the Cone of Shame last month might put things in perspective for you. She survived, and so will we! Check out the new pictures of Zoey, who recently celebrated her 1st birthday this week! Also, The Washington Post Optimism newsletter comes to the rescue with 57 ways to stop doomscrolling.
Hopefully my next post will be about my sore arm from my vaccination, on my way to the movies, bowling, or a crowded mall .....
OCtober 20, 2020
OCtober 20, 2020
VOTE!!!!!!
VOTE!!!!!!
Early voting started last Saturday, October 17th in Massachusetts. (No early voting in New Hampshire, unfortunately.) No matter what your party affiliation, beliefs, values, etc., you should vote! It is your civic duty as part of our great democracy. Your voice matters!!
Massachusetts Voting Information
New Hampshire Voting Information
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
Back To School supply list for 2020-2021
Back To School supply list for 2020-2021
Pack your bag and come on back to school! Make sure you bring with you all of these must have tools for a successful new school year!
Pack your bag and come on back to school! Make sure you bring with you all of these must have tools for a successful new school year!
THE Every-so-often Summer BLOG
THE Every-so-often Summer BLOG
August 24, 2020
August 24, 2020
MINDSET MATTERS
MINDSET MATTERS
(From Dennis & Angela Buttimer's Blog at the Atlanta Center for Mindfulness & Well-Being)
Mary's Mother has 4 children April, May, June, and __________. Can you guess the name of the fourth child?
Did you think "July?" It's tempting, isn't it? The correct answer is Mary. The point? The mind is easily seduced into thought patterns. You have to be vigilant of where your mind is taking you!
Lots of societal and personal shifts are happening in the world now. Fear and a deep sense of unrest can hijack your best laid plans and thinking. Here are some tips on how to feel better and stay on track no matter what:
Clear your mind by practicing calming strategies: meditation, walking in nature, taking technology timeouts, exercise, or listen to uplifting music you enjoy.
Limit the amount of time you watch the news and conversations you have about the big topics of the day. While those topics are relevant to our lives and livelihoods, they can become all-consuming, leaving you feeling upset and helpless.
Set aside time for pure enjoyment. Have fun! With the pandemic, race issues, and politics constantly looming, you can become quickly overwhelmed with data, information and communication. Take a break. Push away from the TV and social media. What can you focus on that brings you joy?
Breathe. Literally. Focus on the power of your breath. Right now, sit back and practice this tactic: slowly breathe in fully to the count of 4, then slowly exhale to the count of 8. Stretch out the exhale! Do about 4-5 rounds. Notice how you feel. Remember, when you feel your best, you perform at your best!
Your mind is perhaps your most valuable asset. You get to choose what you focus on and for how long. Freedom can be found in exercising your mind in the next best right direction for you. Mindset matters!
See more mindfulness tips at the Atlanta Center for Mindfulness & Well-Being: https://acmwb.com/
August 5, 2020
August 5, 2020
LayING the Groundwork for RADICAL ACCEPTANCE: Expect the Unexpected
LayING the Groundwork for RADICAL ACCEPTANCE: Expect the Unexpected
Gardening, cycling, and ice climbing as metaphors for life
Gardening, cycling, and ice climbing as metaphors for life
Maybe a better phrase would be "Not-so-Radical Expectations" (instead of Radical Acceptance). That is, it's not so much that we have to adjust our expectations and accept things we do not want to happen, but rather we should start by expecting hardships, mishaps, obstacles, illness, change, failure, and unexpected outcomes as part of life. If we expect these things, it is not a big stretch to accept them and take them in stride.
To quote the gardener in this New York Times article, “If you can’t enjoy weeding, you won’t be a happy gardener.” You probably shouldn't take up gardening and expect to avoid weeding, right? It should be no surprise when weeds pop up and it turns out it's your responsibility to pull them out if you've taken on the job of gardener! You wouldn't agree to go for a bike ride and then expect not to have to work your legs and peddle the bike, would you? Or, as my husband reminded me when he took me ice climbing for the first time, "Yeah, you're probably going to get cold. It's just part of the deal."
As we have all learned from experience, life holds unwanted challenges, twists and turns. Learning to expect the unexpected (or unwanted) and even embrace it is the key to going with the flow during times of difficulty or transition. Mr. Tilghman really was just talking about gardening, but it's such a good metaphor for life, we can use it as an illustration of how acceptance of challenges leads to more contentment. In my last post, I talked about acceptance as a part of the problem solving process, but it may not always be accurate to call it a "problem" that requires "solving", but rather we can think of challenges as expected parts of the task at hand. Don't be surprised you need to weed the garden; it's a necessary chore in gardening. Don't complain about physical exertion; it's why you exercise. Don't be resentful of numb fingers and toes; it's part of winter sports.
We can apply this to the mental and emotional hurdles that come up in life as well; they should be no surprise. When we are confronted with an emotionally difficult experience, we can re-frame this as an expected part of relationships, work, school, or life in general. Instead of fighting it and insisting this shouldn't be happening, we can say to ourselves, "Oh, this is one of those things that are part of life!" To quote my husband, "It's just part of the deal."
Why is this important? It is often the stories we tell ourselves about what should or shouldn't be happening in life that make us most unhappy, more so than the challenges themselves. Expect the unexpected difficulties in life, and you will never be disappointed or unhappy!
“If you can’t enjoy weeding, you won’t be a happy gardener.”
“If you can’t enjoy weeding, you won’t be a happy gardener.”
- Timothy Tilghman, the head gardener at Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers, N.Y., a 43-acre former estate on the Hudson River [READ MORE ....]
JULY 24, 2020
JULY 24, 2020
FLexible Thinking & Radical Acceptance
FLexible Thinking & Radical Acceptance
"Life gives us lots of opportunities to practice acceptance. If you have a problem that you can solve, then that is the first option. If you can’t solve it, but can change your perception of it, then do that. If you can’t solve it or change your perception of an issue, then practice radical acceptance." (Karyn Hall Ph.D., Psychology Today)
Just in case you haven't had enough of my flexible thinking lectures, I will point out that Radical Acceptance is a part of the process of problem solving and flexible thinking.
When we are faced with a problem, we have FOUR OPTIONS:
Solve the problem (Think "The Obstacle Is The Path", see last week's post.)
Change how you feel or how you think about the problem (Flexible Thinking!!)
Accept it (Even MORE Flexible Thinking! - Radical Acceptance!)
Stay miserable (When we give up trying to solve the problem too soon and/or have trouble with flexible thinking and then get STUCK with the problem.)
When we have an idea about the way things should be, but we resist change or can't seem to adapt to the new situation or problem, this is when we need to use our flexible thinking skills. Flexible thinking means being able to apply new ways of thinking, or to adapt and change our usual routines, in order to better respond to what is needed in the moment. If we can't solve a problem, we need to work on alternate solutions. If none of those work, we can try to change our perceptions, beliefs, or expectations. And if THAT doesn't work? We may need to try to just accept things as they are. And what if we don't (or feel we can't) accept it? Option 4: Stay miserable. But that doesn't sound like very much fun, does it?
Here's an example: Imagine driving without your GPS and you reach a "road closed" sign; you have no idea where you are or where to go next. You might get angry and consider taking the closed road regardless. You might panic about what to do next and call someone for help. Or you might simply sit there flummoxed. That’s the feeling of someone who struggles with flexible thinking when asked to find another way to solve a problem or move to a new, unfamiliar situation—a combination of confusion, anger at the injustice, and panic. The specific response is very dependent on the person's personality. It might look like someone is being stubborn or difficult when in reality she or he is desperately struggling to cope with things not going as expected. (Example adapted from the Mindprint Learning Blog.)
But if you can use problem solving skills and positive approaches to problem solving, and try new ideas in order to find a new route when necessary, you can still get to your destination, even if it's not the way you expected you would.
Read more about Radical Acceptance, Flexible Thinking, and Resilience on the Self-Care page.
Jen
July 17, 2020
July 17, 2020
The Obstacle Is The Path
The Obstacle Is The Path
I'm pretty sure everyone is tired of hearing me talk about "this little experiment in flexible thinking", but I can't help but appreciate - and urge others to understand - any unexpected turn in life as an opportunity to learn and grow, to make adjustments, to push ourselves to do and be more. To overcome. Our recent battle with covid-19 has been quite an opportunity for growth and overcoming.
That's not to disregard the pain of the loss of lives due to the pandemic (135,000 Americans, and 586,000 deaths worldwide with almost 14 million cases, to date), as well as the terrible effects of the covid-19 illness on long-term physical health, emotional well-being, and economic stability and security. I'm not saying I wanted this to happen or that I wouldn't choose for it to end immediately if it were in my power to wave my magic wand and get rid of it. But so many things in life that we don't choose and that are unpleasant and even tragic shape us in meaningful and valuable ways.
The phrase "learn and grow" can sound trite or overstated when thinking about facing challenges. However, there are many wise spiritual thinkers who share this perspective. Rick Warren, a Christian minister, author, and speaker, said "There is no Growth in your Comfort Zone and no Comfort in your Growth Zone." Buddhist teachings suggest that "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."
One of my favorite allegories is the story of the wise king and the hard working peasant in The Obstacle is the Path. Instead of going around the boulder in the road, we are rewarded when we approach the obstacle - or nearly any problem in life - head on, when we put in the hard physical and mental labor of pushing and problem solving and tackling the obstacle. I can even take a somewhat more realistic stance and say that it may be likely we can't ever physically move the boulder (or solve the life problem completely), but I believe that the process of trying is significant to our growth. And there is a chance we can do it after all. But not if we don't try.
[There is also the matter of figuring out when to let go of a problem and move on. Persistence and determination are keys to overcoming a true challenge, but might there be a time when we need to just ... stop and let it go? In my next post, I'll explore ideas about "radical acceptance" as a component of the problem solving process, which doesn't necessarily mean hopelessness or giving up entirely....]
But, before we get to that "radical acceptance", now your task is to ask yourself what is your biggest challenge right now? Are you avoiding dealing with it? Have you given up, or do you find yourself complaining endlessly about the situation without really trying to do anything about it? Figure out that thing that is very difficult to do. And then do it. Is it a difficult conversation or a tiresome chore? Something emotionally draining or just plain hard work? Point yourself in the direction of that thing that you dread and face it head on.
You can see the story of the Obstacle is the Path and other quotes and related ideas in the Self-Care section.
Jen
jschultz@valleycollaborative.org
July 15, 2020
July 15, 2020
MICHIGAN!
MICHIGAN!
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
HOW (NOT) TO RELAX
HOW (NOT) TO RELAX
My husband said I should relax during Summer Break. Here's what I did during the first 4 days of vacation ......
Laundry.
Took the kids and the dog swimming at the pond .... 3 days in a row.
Gave the dog a bath (see video).
Washed dishes.
Went for a bike ride.
More laundry.
Planted flowers.
Folded laundry.
Walked the dog.
Put away dishes.
Read to my children.
Went to dog obedience class.
Reminded the kids to put away their laundry.
And, finally, sat on the deck and watched the hummingbirds for a while .....
Wait .... it turns out Work was my Break! My Summer is time to catch up on Life and Family .... and Laundry. But that's ok, Relaxing isn't really my thing anyways ....
:)
Best,
Jen
WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATES -
WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATES -
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES & STUDENTS
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES & STUDENTS
June 22, 2020
June 22, 2020
Dear Valley Collaborative Students, Families, Staff, and Others,
As we wind down this most unusual school year, one thing has not changed - the many mixed feelings about the Last Day of School! Whether you are feeling relief or dread or something in between, time marches on and we have no choice but to turn to the next chapter, Summer 2020, and whatever new "New Normals" it may bring.
As we get ready to adjust to our summer schedule, here are some new things to look for in the blog:
Remember to use your coping strategies and review stress management ideas in the Self-Care and Mindfulness pages! One of my favorite TED Talks is "How To Make Stress Your Friend", which reminds us that our attitude about stress can be more important than the stress itself! Also, I have added links to my favorite podcast, "The Happiness Lab", with Dr. Laurie Santos, where she shares the latest research on how to stay calm in a crisis and how helping others can help us feel happier.
This week you can find new material in the COVID-19 Resources page - ideas for DIY no-sew face coverings and summer mask-wearing tips.
There are some new pictures and videos of Zoey, my rambunctious pup, on the Animals page!
Also, read about a real reason to celebrate progress on human rights and social justice! There is an article on the LGBTQ+ Resources page about the landmark Supreme Court decision that ruled that the Civil Rights Act includes protections for workers against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation!
And, finally, I just added some video clips from one of my favorite clean comics, Jim Gaffigan. Listen to his thoughts on Disney, cake, donuts, and hiking on the Just For Fun/ Humor page!
Over the summer months I will be pausing briefly in my apparent quest to clog your inbox with emails and updates! However, if you want to check back here periodically, I will be adding some of these little notes from time to time, and it seems I'm always finding new quotes, videos, and articles that I just have to add to the blog resource pages. If you don't see anything new for a while, please send me an email with something you think I should include!
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER BREAK! Looking forward to seeing you in the fall!
Best,
Jen
June 15, 2020
June 15, 2020
Dear Valley Collaborative Students, Families, Staff, and Others,
I don't know about you, but last week felt like a long one to me! It has now been 3 full months that school has been closed, and still we are waiting for official details on how and when we will be able to move forward with the next phase of re-opening. I know a lot of you are feeling eager for news, perhaps even frustrated about the extended school closures. The Commissioner of the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) recently released several notices containing Guidance on Summer School, Purchasing Safety Supplies, and Special Education. I assure you Valley is working hard to develop a plan that is safe and effective to get us all back in the building as soon as possible! Again, this is more of our ongoing (perhaps unwanted) lesson in patience and flexible thinking.
Among all of the news media about coronavirus numbers (up and down, depending on where you look) and racial justice protests, I found a hopeful article in The Atlantic marveling at the many changes that have taken place in a few short weeks - new social justice advocacy efforts, more African Americans and people of color in leadership positions, and changes in police policies and the role of police in domestic affairs.
In my daily life, I have turned to simpler measures in order to make my own contribution to the greater good, and to cope with the uncertainties of this time. I have been talking with my students, as well as my family and friends, about research on happiness, and the idea that Helping Others Is The Key To Happiness. Check out the new videos that have been added to the Relationships page for some inspiration about the importance of reaching out and helping others in need, and for a few giggles with the Dalai Lama.
Please reach out just to say hello if you want, or as always, if there is anything I can do to help.
Best,
Jen
JUNE 8, 2020
JUNE 8, 2020
Dear Valley Collaborative Students, Families, Staff, and Others,
I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy! As much as we want to be done with all of this quarantine business, we need to be patient and continue these new habits - wearing masks, keeping physical distance, and use of hand sanitizer and more frequent hand washing - in order to eventually safely come back together in person. Stay tuned for more information on WHEN we can be together again IN PERSON, IN SCHOOL! I'm told updates will be coming soon!
Also, I cannot ignore the fact that COVID-19 has taken a backseat in the media behind coverage of nationwide protests in response to the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
"Since May 26, 2020, cities across the US have been gripped by protests seeking justice for George Floyd, an unarmed African American man who died in police custody on May 25, 2020. The incident has led to one of the biggest displays of unrest seen in America in 50 years and reignited the debate about law enforcement and race relations globally." (Read the full article here.)
This incident, following a long history in this country of similar instances of institutionalized racism and certain subcultures endorsing hate crimes, has prompted people to come out onto the streets to gather together to make their voices heard, giving new life to the social justice movement. While this has been a difficult time, it is also potentially a time of hope and coming together. Some are saying that this renewed energy and focus may finally find us ripe for long awaited unity and real, lasting change.
I have added Social Justice resources to this blog to increase awareness of these efforts to put an end to racism and other social injustices in our society, and hopefully to empower you to do something to contribute to this movement, even if it is only through small gestures in your day-to-day interactions with others. In addition to broader social justice themes, there is also a page of resources specific to people who are LGBTQ+ and allies. June is Pride Month, when the world's LGBTQ+ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. I urge you to take a look at these pages, even if you aren't sure yet how these issues may apply to you. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice for one is injustice for all.”
Finally, I had to dig deep this week in order to offer what I initially intended to do when I started expanding my "resource pages" and created this blog, which you may recall was to "lighten things up a little". I guess I didn't entirely accomplish that this week, but it seemed important to address the social justice issues that are confronting us with such intensity right now. Anyways, you will find my attempt at lightness and fun on my Animals page: a rare nod to cats, with some "Tiny Munchkin Kittens". Even I have to admit they are cute!!
I look forward to connecting with you this coming week. Please reach out if you would like to discuss these issues in the news, the munchkin kittens, or anything else that is on your mind!
Best,
Jen
June 1, 2020
June 1, 2020
Hello Valley Collaborative Community - Students, Parents, & Fellow Staff,
I hope you are well and enjoying the warmer weather and the precious New England sunshine!
As more people are venturing out and our leaders are making plans and preparations to open more public businesses, places of worship, and YES, eventually schools, we might want to think about how to personally prepare, mentally, emotionally, and physically, for these changes ahead. Check out these articles for some news and information on how this is progressing and how to manage throughout this transition:
I thought that when lockdown ended I would just feel relief. But much to my surprise, while the relief did occur it was also accompanied with anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, and feeling overwhelmed. It actually makes sense that we would feel a mixture of emotions. So first recognize that this is a very normal reaction. Here are some tips on how to cope with re-opening.
As the U.S. debates when to bring children back into classrooms, phased-in reopenings have begun in numerous countries around the world. Here’s how schools around the world are trying to protect children as they reopen.
Despite uncertainty about what school will look like in the fall, education officials in Massachusetts are set to release draft guidance to school districts next month to help plan for reopening.
You can find these and many more new resources on my Social and Emotional Blog page.
Finally for those of you following my pup Zoey's progress, I would like to report that she started her first (socially distant) puppy training class last week. She was a terror on the leash, but made me proud with her "sit and stay"! Also, I finally did post a video of her biting, and then chasing, her tail. It's not the best example of her doing this ridiculous activity, but I discovered many more "Zoey chasing her tail" videos on YouTube that you might enjoy instead!
Remember the best way to get through this is to stay connected! Please reach out if I can offer any ideas or support during this transition time.
Best,
Jen
May 26, 2020
May 26, 2020
Hello Valley Collaborative Community - Students, Parents, & Fellow Staff,
I hope you enjoyed the long weekend in observance of Memorial Day.
Although we are still awaiting news on how we will offer services during our summer program - whether we will continue remotely, or we will be able to access the school buildings safely and attend school in person again - other parts of our local communities are starting to re-open! As we think about cautiously re-emerging into society, going shopping, getting a hair cut, or playing golf (does mini golf count?), we may feel a mix of emotions - anxiety and fear, relief or impatience, courage, wistfulness, sadness, anger or irritation, and maybe even a fair amount of gratitude, hope, and happiness. It is important to be patient with this process. Sitting with uncertainty is difficult and uncomfortable. It's ok to have mixed feelings about everything that has changed in daily life, and it is normal to feel at least some anxiety about not knowing what the future holds. If I have learned anything during the past few months, though, it is that whatever happens, we are in this together! I pictured "quarantine" being isolating and boring at first, but our remote learning program has brought connection and engagement every day, and we can trust that these bonds will keep us going through the summer and into the fall.
I'll share one of my favorite quotes: "Everything that happens to you is your teacher." While we may not like to admit it, we can learn and grow the most from the things that challenge us the most! I hope you find many positive lessons coming out of our current situation.
Please check out the new material in this Social and Emotional Wellness blog! If you're looking for some inspiration from nature, you might be interested in seeing the new section on the resilience of Trees. I added some new Mindfulness and Meditation videos, and a new page with LGBTQ+ resources. I am still working on getting the perfect video of Zoey chasing her tail... But I must be patient .... she always seems to do it when I don't have a camera handy. I did manage to get 30 seconds of video of a hummingbird at my backyard feeder over the long weekend! That took patience!
As always, please feel free to reach out if I can offer any additional support, or if you want to share how things are going for you and your family.
Best,
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
Hello Students, Parents, & Fellow Valley Staff,
For those of you who have taken a peek at my (so-called!) Inspirational Slideshow, you know it was getting a bit too big for its britches! I had so many videos, songs, memes, images, jokes, quotes, and puppy updates, I didn't know what to do with them all! So, to organize things a bit better, I created this Google Sites Blog page. (Thanks to Lia Metrakas for giving me the idea!) I hope you will check it out. I have added new resources, such as journaling prompts, beginner meditation and mindfulness exercises, and more fun animal videos! I am still working on getting a video of Zoey chasing her tail. Keep on the lookout for that one!
As we continue to adjust to life under a stay-at-home-order, I have noticed people growing in acceptance and connecting in new ways. Also, I notice humor is more important than ever, to help us get perspective and stay calm enough to problem solve and deal with new challenges and do basic self-care. Please make sure to laugh a little every day, and give yourself and others around you a little bit of extra love whenever you can.
Please reach out if you have any concerns I can help with, or if you just want to say hello! I would love to hear how YOU're coping with quarantine.
Best,
Jen
EMAIL ARCHIVES
EMAIL ARCHIVES
May 11, 2020
May 11, 2020
Hello Students, Parents, & Fellow Valley Staff,
I have been joking with students and staff about how this shift to remote learning, and really the whole stay-at-home quarantine experience, are GREAT exercises in practicing our problem solving and flexible thinking skills! What a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn, right ….. ?
Here’s an example of flexible thinking…. See what sportscasters are doing since they don’t have any sports to comment on these days – they are narrating everyday life!
It is important to keep a sense of humor and not let the little day-to-day inconveniences get to us. To keep perspective during this “unprecedented time”, don’t forget to check out the newest updates to my Inspirational Slideshow. I have added Bad Dad Jokes, Eric’s Hockey Slap Shot How To video, my new favorite quote (look for the figure standing on top of the mountain, towards the end of the slideshow), new puppy pictures, a contribution from my mom, and much more! And remember, if you want to change the world, start off by making your bed! I hope all of my students will do a couple of extra chores this week to help out around the house …..
As always, please reach out if I can do anything to help.
Stay well!
Best,
Jen
May 4, 2020
May 4, 2020
Hello Students, Parents, & Fellow Valley Staff!
I feel like we are finally getting into a bit of a routine with our Remote Learning Program! It is great to be able to see students engaging and learning every day! For those parents who are cajoling your child out of bed every morning, we thank you! For students who are getting yourselves up and motivated on your own, you’re doing an outstanding job!! For staff who show up on Google Meet with smiles on your faces, you inspire me to do the same! I especially appreciate everyone’s patience with (often glitchy) technology! Kudos to everyone for helping each other through this!
I would like to remind you to keep a sense of balance in your activities throughout your day in order to take better care of yourself. This is for students and parents alike, as well as staff and teachers who may be reading this. We should all remember to take care of basic hygiene and nutrition, to reach out socially to people inside our own homes and from a distance, and to do some things that are productive, fun, and relaxing every day. Here is a CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESSFUL SELF-CARE DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING to help you stay on track in completing these important tasks. [See the list below, and click on the link above to print or save and edit your own copy. Maybe you have things you want to add to this list!]
Now that we are scheduled to start online class time at 9am every weekday, I noticed some students have had a hard time adjusting to getting up on time, even though in most cases when you factor in our later start time and no van ride, they could have as many as 2 extra hours in the morning to get ready! Here are a few resources if you’re a parent or student struggling to get up in the morning:
5 Tips for Getting Your Kids Out of Bed for School
21 Tips For Getting Stubborn Kids Out Of Bed In The Morning
Remote Learning During Coronavirus: How to Make Your Home Into a Workable School
These and other updated resources are available in my Counseling Resource Guide.
If you’ve gotten this far, thanks for reading! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to help!
Stay well and in balance.
Best,
Jen
APRIL 27, 2020
APRIL 27, 2020
Hello Parents & Students!
Welcome BACK from “Spring” Break!
I’m sure most of you have heard that the governor has officially extended the school closure through the end of the regular school year. Now that break is over and we know we will be using this online educational format for the next 7 or 8 weeks, we can settle into a new routine of learning and socializing that is hopefully starting to feel more comfortable.
I will be continuing to do social skills and wellness groups during morning online class time, as well as doing weekly individual counseling check-ins with students throughout the week. Please feel free to reach out – parents or students – if you want to talk before our scheduled time. Email is the best way to reach me, as I am pretty much parked in front of my computer these days…..
I also want to encourage you to check out my quirky little Inspirational Slideshow. I have been adding new stuff every few days. What started as an attempt to lighten things up after all the more serious COVID-19 updates and resources has turned into my personal therapeutic project which I love sharing with people! You can find quotes, videos, memes, and more! Keep up to date on my puppy (Zoey!), see staff picks for funny videos (Nicole Noska’s Pass The Pen Zoom Class) or uplifting songs (John’s Alicia Keys pick), or Dan’s videos and photos (the sunset as seen from staff Dan’s back porch or his DIY videos), as well as memes and funny songs (Liz’s Family Lockdown Boogie is a fan favorite!) Feel free to make suggestions and share ideas with me so I can add more!
If you got this far, thanks for reading! Please keep in touch and let me know how things are going and if there is anything I can do to help.
Best,
Jen
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Hello!
With the advent of our new Remote Learning Program, starting this week, I wanted to let you know a little bit more about the Counseling services I will be offering students, based on the goals on their IEPs.
I will be providing Social Skills groups via Google Meet video chat, and I will also be providing weekly self-directed assignments in my Google Classroom (please email me if you need a Join Code to use a non-Valley account). I encourage students to check the class page often and to use this as a place for socializing as well as focusing on wellness and healthy coping strategies.
I will also be doing individual counseling sessions and/or check-ins, much as I have been doing for the past several weeks. I will be meeting individually over the phone or via video chat. The exact time of day may fall into more of a consistent pattern over the next few weeks, but if you have a strong preference, I will try to accommodate that. It may depend on other meetings, as well as the demands of my personal life, as I am working from home.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Jen
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