Classrooms →Guidance Counselor-Ms. Jennifer Jones
By Dr. Jennifer Jones
It has been great to see and hear so many students and staff using the “Stop and Think” social skills language. The “Stop and Think” steps are:
1. “I need to Stop and Think.”
2. “I am going to make a good choice.”
3. “What are my choices?”
4. “Just do it.”
5. “Good job!”
April Social Skill: “Taking Care of Others”
The school-wide social skill for April has been “Taking Care of Others.” This skill was intended to help students know when it is important to go to an adult to get help. By learning the skill steps and role playing scenarios, students are be better able to determine when an adult is needed for a serious issue including emergencies. In this way, students can decide whether or not they can handle certain situations on their own or if adults are really needed. The skill steps are:
1. Ask yourself if anyone is hurt, bleeding, in danger, sick, or being bullied.
2. If yes, quickly and quietly tell an adult, then go back to what you are supposed to be doing.
3. If no, then go back to what you are supposed to be doing.
Counseling Groups: Just Starting
I have been meeting with groups at many grade levels to distribute permission slips to students referred by staff or parents for students to participate in counseling groups. I have begun meeting already with some grade-level counseling groups depending on which groups have returned permission slips. Each group includes approximately 8-12 students. For each grade level, the counseling group will meet for 30 minutes each week for about 8 sessions. The focus will depend on the needs of the group, but may include building confidence and self-esteem, concentration skills, and solving problems with friends along with other social skills. Please contact me by no later than April 30th, if you are interested in your child participating in this group.
I appreciate all you do at home to support your students. Please contact me any time if you have questions or feedback about how I can help you and your students. email: Jennifer_Ann_Jones@mcpsmd.org
Parent Resources
Positive Behavorial Interventions and Supports (PBIS) slideshow