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COUNSELING DEPARTMENT COUNSELING DEPARTMENT INFO I have several things to share from the Guidance Department at Perry this month: Small group meetings- I will continue to work with groups of third graders in my office to focus on making a “career portfolio” as outlined by the PA Career and Education Work Standards. This will happen during their lunch periods. Classroom push-in lessons in Kindergarten for May will continue to focus on the basic social skill of problem-solving. In grades 1 through 4, we will close out the year with role-played scenarios where the students are expected to use their conflict resolution skills they have learned. Through these role-plays, students will demonstrate that they know how to solve social problems effectively. In grade 5, we will c focus on making the transition to middle school, including organization, and making a career portfolio. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: This program continues daily with four basic anti-bullying rules: 1.) We will not bully others. 2.) We will help those who are bullied. 3.) We will include students who are left out. 4.) If we see someone getting bullied we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home. Theme weeks related to the program are built into each month. The theme week for the month of May will take place May 12th-16th. Classrooms will work together to create a new game where all students will be included. This game may be played in gym class or on field day. Recess Class-Also part of the Olweus Program, Recess Class is an intervention done by Mr. Bashline every day 2 and 4 at 1:15 in the gym. Recess Class teaches students the appropriate ways to play on the playground and in the gym. Students learn about personal space, taking turns, and to take a timeout when heated. This program will run until the end of the year and by that time, every kindergarten and first grade student will have went through it. Older students are currently referred based on behavior. Peer Mediation-These students were trained in January and are called upon to resolve certain issues when they arise amongst their peers. Approximately 3 mediations occur per week. Each month, the mediators are rewarded with a “special lunch/review session” with Mr. Bashline. If your child reports an issue with another student, please encourage them to talk to Mr. Bashline about taking the issue to peer mediation. Awards Ceremony-There will be an awards ceremony at the end of the school year to honor those students who’ve had perfect attendance and honor roll status all year. We will also honor additional achievements such as “Most Improved”, “biggest helper”, etc. FEATURED TOPIC OF THE MONTH: CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN FAMILIES Conflict is a naturally occurring phenomenon between two or more human beings. When it happens within families it can be extremely stressful. I would like to provide some tips on how to deal with this issue when it arises. First, realize that conflict is bound to happen at some point. Then: Remember, you are the child’s parent and you are the adult. If your child is throwing temper tantrums, do not throw one back at them. Try to stay as calm as possible. Talk to your child about what it is that they want. Conflict resolution is about finding a solution to the problem both parties can agree upon. When talking with your children, make sure they feel listened to. Physically get down on their level to make eye contact with them. Let them tell their story/feelings and do not interrupt them. Respect their opinion even though you may disagree. Do not criticize them they are wrong. After your children are done speaking, name what you see as the problem to them. Be sure to focus on the problem specifically and not them as individuals. For example, do not tell them they are lazy. Instead, use a phrase such as “sometimes you do not do what I ask”. Again, it is very important here to show respect to your children. Remember, you will get as much respect as you give. Together, you and your child can identify solutions to whatever the problem is. Have them identify one or two solutions so they feel like they are part of the problem-solving process. This is also a good time to promote forethought in your children or the ability to plan ahead. For each solution, ask your child what they think the consequences of using that solution might be. Ask yourself the important question of, “will we both get what we need”? If you have additional concerns, please call me at Perry (874-6485). Trent Bashline, M.Ed., School Counselor INFO I have several things to share from the Guidance Department at Perry this month: Small group meetings- I will continue to work with groups of third graders in my office to focus on making a “career portfolio” as outlined by the PA Career and Education Work Standards. This will happen during their lunch periods. Classroom push-in lessons in Kindergarten for May will continue to focus on the basic social skill of problem-solving. In grades 1 through 4, we will close out the year with role-played scenarios where the students are expected to use their conflict resolution skills they have learned. Through these role-plays, students will demonstrate that they know how to solve social problems effectively. In grade 5, we will c focus on making the transition to middle school, including organization, and making a career portfolio. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: This program continues daily with four basic anti-bullying rules: 1.) We will not bully others. 2.) We will help those who are bullied. 3.) We will include students who are left out. 4.) If we see someone getting bullied we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home. Theme weeks related to the program are built into each month. The theme week for the month of May will take place May 12th-16th. Classrooms will work together to create a new game where all students will be included. This game may be played in gym class or on field day. Recess Class-Also part of the Olweus Program, Recess Class is an intervention done by Mr. Bashline every day 2 and 4 at 1:15 in the gym. Recess Class teaches students the appropriate ways to play on the playground and in the gym. Students learn about personal space, taking turns, and to take a timeout when heated. This program will run until the end of the year and by that time, every kindergarten and first grade student will have went through it. Older students are currently referred based on behavior. Peer Mediation-These students were trained in January and are called upon to resolve certain issues when they arise amongst their peers. Approximately 3 mediations occur per week. Each month, the mediators are rewarded with a “special lunch/review session” with Mr. Bashline. If your child reports an issue with another student, please encourage them to talk to Mr. Bashline about taking the issue to peer mediation. Awards Ceremony-There will be an awards ceremony at the end of the school year to honor those students who’ve had perfect attendance and honor roll status all year. We will also honor additional achievements such as “Most Improved”, “biggest helper”, etc. FEATURED TOPIC OF THE MONTH: CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN FAMILIES Conflict is a naturally occurring phenomenon between two or more human beings. When it happens within families it can be extremely stressful. I would like to provide some tips on how to deal with this issue when it arises. First, realize that conflict is bound to happen at some point. Then: Remember, you are the child’s parent and you are the adult. If your child is throwing temper tantrums, do not throw one back at them. Try to stay as calm as possible. Talk to your child about what it is that they want. Conflict resolution is about finding a solution to the problem both parties can agree upon. When talking with your children, make sure they feel listened to. Physically get down on their level to make eye contact with them. Let them tell their story/feelings and do not interrupt them. Respect their opinion even though you may disagree. Do not criticize them they are wrong. After your children are done speaking, name what you see as the problem to them. Be sure to focus on the problem specifically and not them as individuals. For example, do not tell them they are lazy. Instead, use a phrase such as “sometimes you do not do what I ask”. Again, it is very important here to show respect to your children. Remember, you will get as much respect as you give. Together, you and your child can identify solutions to whatever the problem is. Have them identify one or two solutions so they feel like they are part of the problem-solving process. This is also a good time to promote forethought in your children or the ability to plan ahead. For each solution, ask your child what they think the consequences of using that solution might be. Ask yourself the important question of, “will we both get what we need”? If you have additional concerns, please call me at Perry (874-6485). Trent Bashline, M.Ed., School Counselor

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