Counselor’s Corner, December 2024

Dear St. John Families,

As we head into the second trimester of the year, I’m excited to begin my second round of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) groups!

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 Monday, January 13, if you would like your child to participate in a group. Groups will begin the week of January 20.

It is such a joy to be your child’s school counselor! If you have any concerns about our child’s social or emotional well-being, feel free to email me at cshaw@st-johnschool.org. I’m available to speak with families throughout the week. And students are always welcome to fill out the I Would Like to See My Counselor online self-referral form, or pop by my office if they ever need anything.

Warmest wishes,

Ms. Shaw

December Resources

  • Check out these simple family conversation starters from Character Strong! These are great for sparking meaningful discussions with your family. Try them out during dinner, on a walk or drive, or on a relaxing winter break day.
  • Teaching kids how to navigate conflict is a valuable life skill that will serve them throughout their lives. This two-page handout offers practical advice for parents and caregivers on how to support children in resolving conflicts. It also includes five effective conflict resolution strategies to teach your child.
  • Last month, Delaney Ruston, director of the Screenagers film series, gave an insightful talk on raising kids in today’s digital world. If you missed it, the Parent Association has compiled helpful information and resources from the talk, including a link to watch it. I also encourage families to explore this helpful resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics: The 5 C’s for Media Use. This guide provides age-appropriate recommendations for managing technology use with children from birth through high school.