It's hard to believe that the first half of the school year has flown by
already! I want all the 6th grade parents to know how much I am enjoying
getting to know your kids. I can already tell what a great group they are, so
many strengths and so much creativity! I'm lucky to get to work with them
over the next few years.
I do not have any specific classroom guidance lessons planned for 6th grade
until the spring. However, I have been providing anti-bullying, cyberbullying
and drug refusal skills lessons for zone teachers. The students will continue
to receive No Place for Hate lessons on bullying and tolerance through zone,
as well as some career cruising and preparation for high school and beyond.
Students will also begin Project Alert in the next couple of weeks, which is
a middle school research-based curriculum on drug and alcohol awareness and
prevention.
Group counseling is another part of the responsive services piece of what I
do as a school counselor. Students have had an opportunity to let me know if
they are interested in being in a counseling group. I am currently working on
interviewing group members and forming groups to start before winter break.
There will also be groups starting in the spring as well.
I am also working on pairing 8th grade ranger leader mentors with interested
6th grade students. Sixth graders may let me know if they want an 8th
grade "buddy" or can be recommended to have a mentor by a teacher, former
elementary school, or parent.
As a reminder, students may access us by picking up a "request to see the
counselor slip" from just inside the office. Place requests in your grade
level counselor's box outside our office door. We typically have a student
aide every period who can assist you. Parents, our doors are always open.
However, between new students registering, classroom guidance lessons,
individual and group counseling, as well as various trainings, team meetings,
etc. we are not always available for a drop in visit. Please call or email
for an appointment, that way we can give you our undivided attention!
Please contact your student's teacher first with any concerns regarding a
class. Administrative approval must be obtained for class changes at this
point in the school year.
We highly recommend checking out Love & Logic for parents! (Especially
parents of teenagers!) We use Love & Logic with our own children and with
many of the students at Deerpark. Love & Logic provides some easy one-liners
and simple guidelines on how to help our kids learn to think for themselves
and avoid power struggles when giving consequences. They have a whole series
of great books and humerous audio books to listen to in the car.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact with any questions or
concerns. Take care!
Laura Cathcart