Ms. Malone's
Counseling Corner
Welcome to my Counseling Corner! If you need anything at all the best way is via email at jessicamalone@vidacharterschool.com.
As we begin the 2020-21 School Year, I want my webpage to continue to be a tool for families and students to use in order to identify and learn about various social/emotional resources such as coping strategies, digital citizenship, community based resources, etc. If there is anything you have found that was/is especially helpful to you as a parent, as a family or for your child(ren), please let me know so that I can add it to this webpage.
May 3, 2021
Sociocultural Competence is the 3rd pillar of Dual Language programs such as Vida Charter School. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is important and real.
I have increased my own personal and professional reading regarding DEI and thinking about my role as school counselor in a Dual Language school. There are many articles and resources, but I find myself going back to EmbraceRace for their webinars and articles. EmbraceRace believes in "Embracing the Possible: Raising a Generation of Children who are Thoughtful, Informed and Brave about Race".
The EmbraceRace website shares that their community grew substantially in 2020. It explains that parents, educators and caregivers engagement with EmbraceRace enhances their knowledge, skills and motivation with respect to children's racial learning. Below are highlight from their 2020 survey of EmbraceRace community members:
97% planned to learn more about how to help their kids recognize and resist stereotyping
82% agreed that they knew more about how kids develop racial/ethnic stereotypes
96% planned to learn more about how to support their kids’ efforts to advocate for racial justice
86% agreed that they knew more about ways to help kids develop a positive racial identity
94% planned to learn more about how to effectively speak out against prejudice
If there are resources you have found helpful and powerful, please reach out to me so that I may share them with other parents, caregivers, educators, etc. My email is jessicamalone@vidacharterschool.com
March 23, 2021
I found a powerful parenting tip in one of my resources. It reads:
We all want our children to be successful, kind, resilient, grateful, confident.
But how do we get them to be this way?
The simplest but most powerful tip... is that our children live up to our versions of them.
What does it mean?
It means they respond to and reflect back to us our expectations and our opinions of them.
You might be thinking...but my child is acting unkind, why should I tell them that I think they ARE kind?
It's important that you separate, in your mind, their behaviors from their true selves. Remember that they are NOT their actions and behaviors. Their brains are developing. Their emotions often get in the way.
What we need to remember is that they are always good inside. And it's very important for children to know that you see this goodness in them.
Here are some things you can say:
"I believe you're a kid who can do hard things."
"I know you're a kind and loving brother."
"I know you're feeling grateful inside."
They will reflect back your version of them...
March 12, 2021
How is already March?! I'm going to blame it on all the snow!
This weekend have the whole family practice a positive mindset and gratitude. When you list the weekend chores or the "to do list", change it to the "Get to Do List". In the evening discuss encourage everyone to share one positive from the practice of changing their thinking about chores as "get to do" instead of "have to do".
Here are some examples:
I get to put my clothes away. This is good because it means I have clothes and somewhere to put them.
I get to clean the bathroom. This is good because our family has a working bathroom that we can use every day.
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
If you'd like to schedule a time for us to check-in via Zoom or by phone, please use the calendar to do so. We can just informally check-in. We can also schedule a social time with your friends and classmates!
I hope everyone is doing well!
~Ms. Malone
January 4, 2021
Happy 20201! My School Counselor Weekly Overview has been and will continue to focus on Digital Citizenship for the 2020-20201 school year. I purposefully try to keep each week simple as to not overwhelm students and/or families. One small video/lesson per week is better than none!
There are so many resources and lessons on the topic that I often feel guilty for not putting MORE on my weekly overviews. But again, I do not want to add more stress to any student or family member. By the time I sort through everything that is out there and update the document, I've easily spent 4 hours on my Sunday afternoon (unfortunately there is no time during the school day to do this).
One resource that I have not added to my Weekly Overviews is Be Internet Awesome, a collaboration between Google, The Net Safety Collaborative, and the Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe.org). The resources on the webpage are designed to teach kids and families the skills they need to be safe and smart online are available in both English and Spanish. AND there is a free playful online game called Interland that makes learning about digital citizenship and safety interactive and fun - just like the internet itself.
In Interland, kids (typically grades 2-6) will help their fellow Internauts combat the badly behaved hackers, phishers, oversharers and bullies by practicing the skills they need to be good digital citizens. In the game, players explore four islands that review Be Internet Awesome's 5 fundamental topics of digital citizenship and safety:
• Share with Care (Be Internet Smart)
• Don’t Fall for Fake (Be Internet Alert)
• Secure Your Secrets (Be Internet Strong)
• It’s Cool to Be Kind (Be Internet Kind)
• When in Doubt, Talk It Out (Be Internet Brave)
Play the game with your learner for some good laughs! It took me quite a few tries to make it to the first tower. How many did it take you?!
You can also explore more Digital Citizenship/Internet Safety resources by clicking the link button below...
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
This month when 6th graders read the daily words of wisdom during morning announcements, they will be focusing on community, citizenship and gratitude. Caregivers at home can reinforce the messages by asking their child(ren) to share about the Words of Wisdom...you can do this when you pick them up from school, while making dinner, bedtime, etc.
November is Native American Heritage Month and Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness Month. I encourage you to explore the websites below to learn more about how you can increase awareness within your family.
Monday, October 26, 2020
Please check out my Family Resources page for information about Holiday programs in Adams County and Hanover area including an opportunity to support other families within our Vida Charter School community.
Monday, October 19th, 2020
I'm very excited to share this new FREE resource for families from Look for the Good Project! Please explore their website to learn how their trauma-informed programming helps kids (and their grownups) process the toxic stress of the pandemic together.
There are 15 videos (most are under 3 minutes) to teach how to look for the good in uncomfortable emotions. Six of those videos help viewers learn and practice coping strategies for disappointment, loneliness, worry, anger, sadness and being overwhelmed.
Why am I convinced these videos are worth your time during these stressful, busy days? They were revamped this summer to specifically address the trauma of the pandemic and the social unrest associated with it. And the programming was created by researchers and practitioners in mental health and trauma recovery. Below are the 4 reasons they provided about why grownups should explore their programming.
The Coronavirus Pandemic is a form of toxic stress. Toxic stress dysregulates a person's biochemistry and negatively impacts a child's mental and physical development .
Forced positivity actually compounds the stress. If grownups try to pretend a stressful situation isn't happening by forcing or faking positivity with their children, they don't allow their children to feel the full range of human emotion and deny their real experience. Doing so significantly reduces a child's resilience to toxic stress. It's essential for families to embrace ALL emotions and accept that negative emotions are a natural reaction to stress.
Kids need safe adults to buffer them from toxic stress. It takes just one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult to protect a child from the lifetime consequences of toxic stress. Just ONE adult.
This website can help you be that safe adult for your child. Even though they use cartoons that are fun for your kids to watch, these videos are really to help YOU become a calming presence for your child.
PS I also love that they acknowledge that the majority of the characters in their videos are not diverse...they explain why...and they explain their plan to fix that in the future. Including making all the videos available in Spanish!
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
October is Bullying Prevention Month! Please explore Kids Against Bullying, a website designed for students by the National Bullying Prevention Center. I recommend starting with the “What is Bullying-Videos”
You can learn more about UNITY DAY where we will celebrate by wearing and sharing orange on Wednesday, October 21st at school, home and in the community.
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Welcome back to school! As we all navigate the new and ongoing changes please know that I am here to help all students and families. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email jessicamalone@vidacharterschool.com or by phone 717-334-3643. Email is best since I move around the building throughout the day and on a daily basis.
It's been SOOOO great to see all the students both in-person and via Zoom!
Tuesday, May 26, 2020: SEL Lessons, United Way 211 and 6th Grade Transition
6th Grade Transition: Check out the 6th Grade Transition subpage within Family Resources for detailed information about how to register/enroll your child for 7th Grade at their new middle school. Students and parents will also find answers to many common questions about middle school that are specific to their home district.
Brief K-6th Grade SEL Lessons for Home : Check out Social Emotional Learning for two more short lessons for K-2nd Grade and 3rd-6th Grade. The topics include: Small Problem vs Big Problem, Growth Mindset, Self-Compassion and Anger Management.
For Emotional Listening Support When You Need To Talk: 1-800-932-4616
DIAL 211. FIND HELP. GET CONNECTED. PA 211 SouthCentral PA Region is administered by CONTACT Helpline-Harrisburg and covers Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York counties.
What is 211? PA 211 is a FREE health and human services information and referral hotline.
What type of assistance can I receive? PA 211 can help with children and youth services, support groups, education, food, shelter, clothing & much more! Take a look at the most-requested types of assistance.
How do I contact PA 211 for assistance? Simply dial the numbers 211 from any phone and you will be connected with a trained specialist.
Is there a certain time that the PA 211 hotline number is unavailable? No. PA 211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost.
United Way’s information and referral service – FIRST – is now PA 211. 211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects south central PA residents with all the health and human services available to help. The trained specialists are available to help with a number of services that include:
Aging Services
Child & Youth Services
Education/Training
Food/Shelter/Clothing
Health Services
Support Groups
Monday, May 18, 2020: SEL Lessons for Home
Please head over to Social Emotional Learning for two brief lessons that you and your family can do at home!
Monday, May 4, 2020: COPING STRATEGIES/SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Mayo Significativo/Meaningful May
Para cuidarnos emocionalmente ahora mismo, es increíblemente útil dirigir nuestros pensamientos y acciones hacia cosas que PODEMOS controlar, en lugar de aquellas que no podemos. El calendario de mayo significativo es un gran recurso para hacer precisamente eso. Las familias pueden añadir a su rutina matutina el mirar el calendario como, por ejemplo, durante el desayuno. Mantenlo simple, escoge uno por semana si estás listo para añadir más. Ajusta las acciones significativas para que coincidan con la singularidad de tu familia. Lo más importante es que disfruten conectando y aprendiendo unos de otros.
To take care of ourselves emotionally right now, it's incredibly helpful to direct our thoughts and actions on things we CAN control, rather than those that we cannot. The Meaningful May calendar is a great resources to do just that. Families can add looking at the calendar to their morning routine such as during breakfast. Keep it simple, pick one per week until/if you are ready to add more. Adjust the meaningful actions to match the uniqueness of your family. Most importantly, enjoy connecting with and learning about each other.
Monday, April 27, 2020: DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
Recursos Buenos De Crianza Digital Este recurso es de Family Online Safety Institute, una organización internacional sin fines de lucro que trabaja para hacer que el mundo en línea sea más seguro para los niños y sus familias. FOSI utiliza investigaciones, recursos, eventos y proyectos especiales para promover una cultura de responsabilidad en línea y fomenta un sentido de ciudadanía digital para todos.
Friday, April 24, 2020: DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
Please check out Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety for TWO new resources for families!
Monday, April 20, 2020: COPING STRATEGIES
Looking for preventive and responsive strategies to help your child(ren) and family with worries? Check out 15 Ways We Can Help Kids Who Are Worried About Coronavirus
Wednesday, April 15, 2020: SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING/COPING STRATEGIES/FAMILY RESOURCES
Hi everyone! I've been finding and exploring many new Social and Emotional Learning programs that are temporarily free through June 2020. The three I want to share with you this week are Mind Yeti (free guided mindfulness video and audio in both Spanish and English: 3-5 minutes), Reboot for Schools (free daily mindfulness audio sessions: 3 minutes) and The Imagine Neighborhood (free podcasts that uses our imaginations to talk about the big feelings that we all have: 15-18 minutes) . Please click on their links to learn more about these resources and how you can access them from home.
Also, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Committee for Children has easy-to-use guides, called Hot Chocolate Talk, to help parents begin having crucial conversations about sexual abuse—at any age, from toddler to teen.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020: FAMILY RESOURCES
Thank you for everyone who has submitted a Check-In with Ms. Malone! You guys are filling my bucket by doing so. Feel free to submit one more than once. You can use it as a way to vent about anything frustrating or to celebrate a success!
For parents, I added Talking with your Learners about COVID-19 under Parent Resources today. The information was provided by our local Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12.
Thursday, April 2, 2020: COPING STRATEGIES/SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING/DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
I hope everyone has been doing 4-7-8 deep breathing this week! I have updated Digital Citizenship with resources for students and families. I also updated Social and Emotional Learning with a link to Harry B. Wigglebottom animated books on topics such as listening, sportsmanship, courage, getting along, etc.
Monday, March 30, 2020: COUNSELING CORNER FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
As we all begin the new adventure of distance learning, I look forward to working together to ease any worries and answer questions. I am adding resources to my Counseling Corner for Vida Charter School students and families. Resources such as digital citizenship, social and emotional learning, coping strategies, etc.
I can immediately offer check-ins with students and/or families. And I am working on learning how I can offer skill groups and support groups for students on things like self-care, time- management, social emotional learning, and online safety. I will also look into “Conversations with the School Counselor”, an open group for families to have an opportunity to have conversations with other parents who may be struggling with the same issues created by our present circumstances.
Although I am very excited to be reconnecting with everyone, I do need to share that I ethically cannot provide counseling for students experiencing significant emotional/mental health concerns or symptoms. However, I can connect you with community based providers and resources who can provide long-term mental health counseling. Additionally, please keep in mind that while interacting online, I cannot completely guarantee student and family privacy according to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), as there may be other people such as family members in the same room (whether on screen/video, audio, or other online engagement).
I hope you are all staying healthy and safe at home. And I look forward to talking with you soon! -Ms. Malone-
March 30, 2020
Welcome to my Counseling Corner! Instead of monthly updates, you can now expect to see updates several times per week. I started with Self-Control , Check-In with Ms. Malone and Digital Citizenship.
If you need anything at all the best way is via email at jessicamalone@vidacharterschool.com. I will be available to communicate between 8:30 am-3:00 pm Monday-Friday. If you are not available until after 3pm, please reach out and I will do my best to accommodate to your schedule.
March 3, 2020
Please check out Parent Resources -- Strengthening Families for information on the free 7 week family program here at Vida Charter School that will begin on Thursday, March 19th. There will be a Spanish speaking and an English speaking instructor/facilitator for parents. Please contact me at jessicamalone@vidacharterschool.com or 717-334-3643 for more information or to sign up for the program.
February 21, 2020
The Values/Needs visuals below are posted in all classrooms, typically in the Peace Area so that while a resolving conflict the student(s) can include what value was not being practiced that led to a disagreement or conflict. Educators in the school use this language and reference these values/needs when reinforcing positive behaviors as well as reminding and redirecting unexpected behaviors.
This is a great tool for parents to use to help their children be successful academically and socially.
Reinforcing language examples...
What helped you cooperate and take turns with your brother/sister today?
I saw you have empathy for your brother when you helped him clean up his toys.
I noticed that you kept your promise to clean your room by Sunday. How does it feel to be trustworthy?
Reminding language examples...
What can you do to make your self-control in the grocery store even better?
Show me how to be responsible and follow the rules for bedtime.
What can you do to be responsible and be ready to leave the house in 5 minutes?
Redirecting language examples...
First be responsible and finish your homework, then you can play on your tablet/video game.
When you have self-control, we'll begin.
January 21, 2020
Would you like a new way to start a conversation with your child about their day at school? At the end of the day you can ask your child what was today's Words of Wisdom message? Or during your morning routine, tell you child to be sure to listen to today's Words of Wisdom so that they can tell you about after school...such as on the way to soccer practice, cello practice, karate, granddad's house, etc.
The daily Words of Wisdom are one minute thought-provoking inspirational messages based on various character traits and values. Each morning two 6th graders read a message that is designed to uplift and promote a positive and effective school climate. Each month is based on a different character trait or value. In January we have been focusing on Caring/Empathy; and in February we will focus on Respect/Tolerance/Assertiveness.
Each Words of Wisdom message ends with one of the following closings:
With something to think about, this is (name of narrator) reminding you that the choices you make today shape your world tomorrow. Use your heart as well as your mind.
Con algo para pensar, yo soy (nombre de narrador) recordándote que las decisiones que tu hagas hoy forma tu mundo mañana. Usa tu corazón al igual que tu mente.
OR
With something to think about, this is (name of narrator) reminding you to be kind, be responsible, and be the best you can be. Use your heart as well as your mind.
Con algo para pensar, yo soy (nombre de narrador) recordándote que seas amable, seas responsable, y seas lo mejor que puedas. Usa tu corazón al igual que tu mente.
October 29, 2019
Support for the Holidays
Toys for Tots is a program for Adams County and York County families with children 14 years of age and younger. To participate in this program, families may register directly by contacting Retired MSgt. Richard Bradley at usmcbradley1@aol.com. www.toysfortots.org
New Hope Ministries is a program that serves York County. You can contact them at 717-432-2087. It includes Gardners, York Springs, New Oxford, Hanover and Littlestown. The office in Hanover (717-698-3365) has an option for families whose preferred language is Spanish. There is also bilingual staff at the New Oxford office.
United Way Holiday Family Outreach of Adams County is a program run by the United Way of Adams County for families 12 years of age and younger who live in Adams County. The referral period for this program ended on October 31, 2019. 717-334-5809 If your preferred language is Spanish, ask for Erin. She is their bilingual staff member.
Want to donate or volunteer? Volunteering is a great, free family activity during the holidays. Feel free to contact them or look at the websites for ways that your family can help in their Holiday gift programs (such as sorting, wrapping, etc). If you would like to help a Vida Charter School family, you may give gift cards to the main office up until Friday, December 13th. Gift cards to places such as Target, Giant, Wal-Mart, Community Aid, Kohl’s and Sheetz go a long way.
If you know of other organizations or programs that should be added to this resource. Please email me at jessicamalone@vidacharterschool.com.
October 2019
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Every October, schools and organizations across the country observe National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal: encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying by increasing awareness.
In October, the daily Words of Wisdom at morning announcements are about citizenship, cooperation and other traits that prevent bullying.
All classrooms will have at least one Morning Meeting or lesson that focuses on the importance of kindness, acceptance and inclusion as a way to prevent bullying in our school and community. Below is the list of the school-wide activities, including Unity Day on Wednesday, October 23rd. Please help your child/children participate by wearing or accessorizing with orange.
Week of October 7th
Morning Meeting about Citizenship/Cooperation
Words of Wisdom will be about Citizenship and kindness/responsibility/leadership.
Week of October 14th
Morning Meeting Unity Tree leaves. Students will write or draw their responses to the following questions:
¿Qué puedes hacer para cambiar / impactar la cultura de la escuela Vida Chárter sobre el acoso escolar?
¿Cómo puedes apoyar a un amigo / compañero de clase que está siendo intimidado?
¿Cómo se puede prevenir el bullying de la escuela Vida Chárter?
¿Por qué es importante ser amable? ¿aceptar a los demás? ¿incluir a otros?
¿Cómo puede ayudarte alguien si ve que estás siendo acosado?
¿Cómo se siente la bondad, la aceptación y la inclusión?
What can you do to change/impact Vida Charter School's culture about bullying?
How can you support a friend/classmate who is being bullied?
How can you prevent bullying at Vida Charter School?
Why is it important to be kind? To accept others? To include others?
How can someone help you if they see you are being bullied?
What does kindness, acceptance and inclusion feel like?
Week of October 21st
Morning Meeting Wrinkled Heart activity
Wednesday, 10/23:
During Morning Meeting students will watch a video about bullying and take the Pledge against Bullying: I pledge to SPEAK UP when I see bullying; to REACH OUT to others who are bullied; and to BE A FRIEND whenever I see bullying
Students and teachers sign the Unity Day banner .
Students will apply their leaf to the 2019-20 Unity Tree.
6th graders who have been leaders of kindness, acceptance and inclusion will assist the student body with the activity.
Week of October 28th
Morning Meeting Peace Area Introduction
Please go to the Parent Resources tab and see "Peace Area - Conflict Resolution" for what your child/children will be using at school. This is a great resource for your home to use and to role play with your child so that they feel more confident in being assertive when they have a conflict with a friend or classmate.
Jess Malone MEd
I am here to help students, families and teachers meet academic, personal, social/emotional and career competence. The role of a School Counselor may look different, depending on the school, but most counselors wear several hats.
Some of my responsibilities include:
Individual Short Term and Small Group Counseling
Teacher Collaboration and Support
Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Collaboration with local mental health providers
Parent Support & Resources
Section 504 Eligibility and Planning/Case Management for 504 Plans
But, my most important job at our school is to advocate for our Vida Charter School students. That means I am always looking for ways to help them gain access to what they need to be healthy, happy kids! I may be busy, but when there's a student in crisis, I'll be there to help them through it.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. If I do not have the answer, I will help find the answer and/or resource to meet your need.
jessicamalone@vidacharterschool.com
120 East Broadway
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717.334.3643
Fax: 717.334.9806