Counselor’s Corner, November 2025

Dear Families,

Happy November! This will be my final Counselor Corner Newsletter for a little while, as I’ll be beginning my maternity leave on November 26. I’ll be returning to St. John as the full-time school counselor in September 2026 – and I already look forward to reconnecting with our wonderful students and community then!

In the meantime, we are very fortunate to have Mrs. Shannon Manley serving as my long-term substitute for the remainder of the school year. Mrs. Manley holds a master’s degree in counseling and already knows many of our students well. She will lead the winter and spring sessions of our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Groups and provide short-term counseling support. I feel so grateful that someone so capable and caring will be stepping in while I’m away. Please keep an eye out for SEL Group sign-ups with Mrs. Manley in upcoming editions of Newsviews, as usual.

I’m so excited to welcome my second son soon, and I want to thank you all for your ongoing support and partnership. If there’s anything I can do for your student or family before I begin leave, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,
Ms. Shaw

November Resources

  • Cultivating Gratitude: Check out this wonderful list of 20 Ideas to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude in Your Children. It also includes a 21-Day Family Gratitude Challenge to try as a family this month!
  • Navigating Conflict: As students have settled into the school year, it’s not uncommon for some conflicts to arise. This two-page handout offers helpful guidance for parents and caregivers on how to empower children to resolve interpersonal challenges and includes five practical conflict-resolution strategies to teach your child.
  • Mental Health Resource: Care Solace is a free and confidential care coordination service available to all St. John families. It helps connect families quickly with mental health and counseling services that best meet their needs. To access Care Solace, call 888-515-0595 or visit their website. You’re also welcome to contact me directly and I can submit a referral on your behalf.