September 2022 School Counselor Newsletter
Dear St. John Families,
Welcome back to school! It’s been such a delight reconnecting with everyone and getting to know families new to our school. I’m so excited to get my Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) groups running! SEL groups are a great opportunity for students new to our school to make connections and friendships with peers in their classes. Read on to learn more about SEL groups and other ways I’ll be working with students this year:
SEL Groups (K-5th Grade): Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) groups are a key way I support students who need some additional social or emotional support. Groups are formed with 4-5 same-grade peers and meet for 30 minutes a week during the school day for 10 consecutive weeks. If you believe your child would benefit from some additional support and would like them to be considered for a group, please fill out this online form. The deadline to refer your child for the upcoming round of groups is Friday, September 16th.
Mental Health Awareness Elective (Middle School): New this year to our school are electives! I’m so excited to get to work with middle schoolers in this smaller group setting. In the “Mental Health Awareness” elective, students will learn about mental health and spread awareness about mental health conditions affecting children and teens. We will also explore strategies to promote mental health and gather resources to educate and share with our community. Ask your middle schooler about what electives they’re excited to try! There are so many cool ones!
1-on-1 Counseling (All students): I’m available to work with students as requested on a goal-oriented, short-term basis. Please email me to arrange this service.
If I can do anything at all to support you or your child as we start the new school year, please feel free to contact me at cshaw@st-johnschool.org. I would be so happy to help you in whatever way I can.
Let’s make it a great year!
Ms. Shaw
September Resources
- Want to hear more about how your child’s school day went beyond “fine”? Check out these creative questions to ask that should elicit some really fun conversation!
- September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among children aged 10-14. With this sobering statistic in mind, I want to share two important resources with our community. First is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They have great information and resources that every family should have easily accessible. Second, is the new nationwide suicide and crisis lifeline. Anyone can call or text “988” to be connected to the lifeline. It’s free and available 24/7.