Counselor’s Corner, September 2024

Dear St. John Families,

Welcome back to school! It’s been wonderful 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 St. John to make connections and friendships with peers in their grade. Read on to learn more about SEL groups and the ways I’m available to work with students this year:

  • SEL Groups (K-5th Grade): SEL groups are a key support I offer for students in K-5th grade. Groups focus on a variety of SEL skills, including emotional regulation and coping skills, friendship and social skills, and executive functioning skills related to academic success. Groups are formed with 4-6 same-grade peers and meet weekly for 30 minutes during the school day for 10 weeks. Please fill out this online form by Friday, September 13 if you would like your child to participate in a group. Groups will begin the week of September 23.
  • 1-on-1 Counseling (All students): I’m available to work with students as requested on a goal-oriented, short-term basis. To arrange this service, families may email me, or fill out the I Would Like to See My Counselor online self-referral form.

If I can do anything to support you or your child as we start the new school year, please feel free to contact me at cshaw@st-johnschool.org. It’s my honor to help you in whatever way I can!

Let’s make it a great year!

Ms. Shaw

September Resources

  • One of my top back-to-school tips is creating family routines. Routines don’t have to be elaborate or complex but having a consistent structure each day creates predictability which helps kids feel safe and calm. This is a great article with some tips for setting up strong family routines.
  • Want to hear more about how your child’s school day was beyond “fine”? Check out these creative questions that should spark 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 nationwide 24/7 suicide and crisis lifeline. Anyone can call or text “988” to be connected to the lifeline.