Patti Clifford,LCPC School Counselor |
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Welcome to our School Counseling website. I hope you find the following information helpful throughout the school year. Click on the titles below to learn more about each topic.
2010-2011 Events
"Save The Date" For Upcoming Events
October 14, 2010
BOYS Night Out 6-8:30pm
October 17-22
National Character Counts Week
February 24, 2011
Girls Night Out 6-8:30
May 12, 2011 6-8:30pm
Annual Paws/Pause For Fun
School and Family Night
Developmental Assets
The Positive Values category of the Developmental Asset Framework is our focus for 2010-2011
Oct - Responsibility
Nov - Motivation
Dec - Self-Control
Jan - Respect
Feb - Honesty
Mar - Kindness/Compassion
Apr - Integrity
May - Trust
June - Self-Esteem
For more information about the Developmental Assets click here
Bullying Information
HCPSS Policy 1060 - Bullying, Cyberbullying, Intimidation or Harrassment (available on HCPSS Website)
The PIC criteria is what differentiates bullying from other forms of teasing or fighting. Use this criteria to determine whether a situation is bullying or normal peer conflict.
P - Purpose
Bullying is carried out with the intent to harm and inflict emotional or physical pain.
I - Imbalance of Power
Bullies instill fear and use power and control to intimidate their victims. This power imbalance includes size difference, age, social status, and intelligence.
C - Continues
Bullying acts are repeated and happen over time, they are not one-time events.
Bullying Strategies
Parenting Strategies |
Student Strategy |
Neighborhood Issues - If problems persist in the neighborhood, you should consult with local law enforcement officials.
Cyber Bullying - When handling cyber-bullying parents should: monitor your child's computer usage, save threatening messages, meet with the school, if immediate physical harm call 911.
Warning Signs - Be aware of warning signs that could indicate bullying: feeling ill in the morning, not wanting to go to school, not wanting to ride the bus, refusal to talk about the day at school, unexplained marks or bruises, drop in school performance, social isolation/withdrawal; change in friendships, coming home from school with torn clothes or destroyed property, unexplained crying, especially before going to sleep/nightmares, lack of confidence, changes in behavior towards friends and siblings-becoming more violent and becoming a bully.
Teach Assertiveness NOT Aggression Do not encourage your child to be aggressive or to strike back. Chances are that it is not his or her nature to do so. Rather, teach your child to be assertive. A bully often is looking for an indication that his or her threats or intimidation are working. Tears or passive acceptance only reinforces the bully's behavior. A child who does not respond as the bully desires is not likely to be chosen as a victim. For example, children can be taught to respond to aggression with humor and assertions rather than acquiescence.
Ask Don't Assume Everything is OK Don't assume everything is fine unless you hear otherwise. Ask your child how things are going, how he or she gets treated in school, who his or her friends are, etc. Pay attention to your child's mood and behavior. |
Gender Differences -Boys tend to engage in direct bullying, primarily with physical or verbal attacks. Girls tend to engage in more indirect bullying, which can include gossiping, exclusion, and starting rumors.
Bullying vs. Harassment Both cause harm. Bullying involves repeated negative conduct and an imbalance of power. Harassment is when a student perceives or actually experiences discomfort with identity issues in regard to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other identifying characteristics,
and whose ability to participate in or benefit from the school's educational programs or activities is adversely affected.
The 3 R's Recognize - bullying situations. Identify the criteria of bullying. Refuse - the bullying using strategies such as STAR. This can also include withholding support or participation in a hurtful event, choose not to encourage a bully with laughter or words, get help from adults, support a victim in private, distract the bully from their victim, offer support to the victim in the presence of the bully, or confront the bully. Report - the bullying to adults/school staff.
Tattling vs. Reporting • Tattling is when a student is trying to get someone in trouble. • Reporting is when a student tries to keep someone safe.
SEAL S - Stop E - Explain A - Affirm L - Lock
STAR - Use the STAR strategy when confronted with a bully. S - Stick together T - Tell the Bully to Stop A - Alert an Adult at school & home R - Respect others and be friendly |
New Resources
Bullying Resource for Parents
Bullying Resource for Parents & Kids
Homework Help
IMPORTANT HOMEWORK SKILLS
1. Record assignments in a notebook that is used only for homework.
2. Designates a "Homework DROP SPOT" with your parents so they can review your completed homework with you. Then, make sure to put it in your backpack once it has been checked so it will be ready for you in the morning.
3. Designate a consistent time to do homework every day (schedule).
4. Do homework in the same place every day. Choose a place that is quiet, comfortable, clear or clutter, and well lit.
5. Gather all necessary tools (pencil, paper, eraser, books, dictionary, thesaurus, etc.) before starting homework by creating a "Homework Survival Kit".
6. Work neatly! Organize your work on the page. First impressions are important!
7. Do the harder part (least favorite) of your homework first when you are not tired.
8. Use a timer to judge when to take breaks.
9. Review strategies to use when you don't understand the work:
* take a break
* call a friend
* ask an adult
*do only the part you understand
10. Use manipulatives, when possible, to help solve for the unknown.
ADDitio
Parent Resources
Click on the links below for further information.
*Resources for Families (New Resource from Search Institute)
Topics Include
Peer Pressure, Connecting to Community, Bullying and Violence, Family Communication
Discipline, Technology and Media, Health and Nutrition, Kids and Money, Underage Alcohol Use,
School Success, Underage Tobacco Use
* Everyday parenting ideas for a positive approach to parenting.
* Click here to enjoy an inspirational video clip!
Kids Place
Nickelodon Online Safety
Netsmartz Online Safety
A Book and a Hug
May is Mental Health Month
Awareness day raises awareness of effective programs for childrenís mental health needs; demonstrates how childrenís mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery and resilience, and shows how children with mental health needs thrive in their communities. Awareness day will specifically focus on increasing basic awareness of the importance positive mental health has on a childís healthy development.
For fact sheets with information to help families better cope with stress and enhance well-being, click on http://www.nmha.org/go/may to download.
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