PROBLEM-SOLVING LESSONS:

In guidance class this week we are learning about solving problems. We all face problems. Problems are anything that make you feel bad.

         The specific topics for the next several weeks are:

1.   Fair Ways to Play: Whenever we are using materials or toys, we can share, take turns or offer to trade. We can say, “Can I please have a turn with that?” or “May I share that with you?”

2.   Inviting Others to Join-In: If we notice someone is left out of play, the right thing to do is to invite them to play. Playing with others is a way to get to know them better.

3.   Handling Name-Calling: If someone calls you a name, you can ignore the person, or speak assertively, “I don’t like being called mean names. I want you to stop.” If the person doesn’t stop, then go tell a teacher.

At school we teach these topics to help students solve problems in safe and respectful ways. We also help students learn to make and keep friends.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ann O’Hearn, School Counselor

GREEN MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION CAMP

"Teaching Youth about Vermont's Natural Resources"

Two Locations 2020: Buck Lake, Woodbury, VT;  Kehoe, Lake Bomoseen, Castelton, VT
Child must be age 12 - 14 for Basic Camp Sessions, and 12 - 16 for Advanced Camp. Cost = $250 for full week of overnight camp. Camp spots are limited, for best chances of being able to attend,  apply by April 1.
CAMP Runs from June 21 - August 14 in one-week sessions at both locations. Camps are for either boys or girls.

For questions about Green Mountain Conservation Camp registration, call 802-828-1460.

A Summer Camp Opportunity for Girls

A SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS:
EMPOWER YOUR SUMMER -  REGISTER FOR CAMP
www.Rosiesgirls.vermont

Rosie’s Girls is a trades and career exploration program for middle school girls and gender nonconforming youth. At Rosie’s Girls, participants are exposed to a career field that is non-traditional for women through hands-on learning in a supportive environment. In addition to trades and technical learning, Rosie’s Girls includes a social and emotional curriculum known as “Power Skills.” Rosie’s Girls staff is highly trained in creating a space that is both physically and emotionally safe and empowering for all, and which encourages participants to lift each other up in trying new things and taking risks. Enroll your child in Rosie’s Girls® today!
2020 ROSIE’S GIRLS CAMP GUIDE VERMONT WORKS FOR WOMEN ROSIE’S GIRLS

CENTRAL VT CAMPS Schedule: M-F 8:30am - 4:00 pm
WELD July 20-24 • Central VT Career Center, Barre
ROSIE’S GIRLS EXPLORE July 27-31 • Central VT Career Center, Barre

NORTHWEST VT CAMPS Schedule: M-F 8:30am - 4:00 pm
ROSIE’S GIRLS WELD June 29-July 3 • Burlington Technical Center
ROSIE’S GIRLS BUILD July 6-10 • Center for Technology, Essex
ROSIE’S GIRLS BUILD August 10-14 • Northwest Tech Center, St. Albans
ROSIE’S GIRLS SAIL In partnership with Community Sailing Center August 17-21 • Burlington (Registration through the CSC)

Counselor’s Corner

 “Anger Management”

In Guidance Class, the younger grades are learning a song called “The Volcano Song”. It says if someone makes you angry, walk away. It also says take a deep breath, count to five, until you feel all good inside.

Through a variety of methods students learn how to recognize when they feel angry, for example, by noticing the are tight in their muscles or making fists. Then they learn to calm down their anger.

We teach many methods to calm down. Some examples of ideas to try are: listen to music, exercise, draw, breath slowly, count, etc..

Students learn it is okay to feel angry, but not okay to hurt anyone with our words or actions.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ann O’Hearn, School Counselor

 Counselor’s Corner

“Managing Our Feelings”

In Guidance Classes, we are currently learning how to manage our feelings (through the Second Step program). The point is to notice how you feel throughout the day. At any one time, are you feeling happy, nervous, tired, angry, excited, confused??

         If you notice you feel uncomfortable, try to figure out how you are feeling. Try to name the feeling. Say it out loud or in your head. For example, “I feel nervous.”

         Next, do something to calm down so you can feel better. Three things we learn and practice in class are do a belly breath, count, or say some positive self-talk to yourself like “I can do this!” or “It’s okay”.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ann O’Hearn

Summer seems so far away, but once again it is time to think of sunny weather, long days and the LISTEN Summer Camp Scholarships. We can help your children receive a free week of summer camp through LISTEN Community Services if your child receives free or reduced school lunch! Campers need to be age 6-14 years old. Camps include, but are not limited to, Ava Art Gallery, the Montshire Museum, CCBA, Open Acres in Fairlee, VINS and many more!

To Apply:

1.  Step 1: Contact Ann O'Hearn, School Counselor, to be added to the referral list: aohearn@rivendellschool.org, or by phone 802-333-9755, 802-333-4668. Call now! Space is limited in this program.

DEADLINE:  February 14!!

2. Step 2: You are not guaranteed a scholarship until you Call LISTEN Community Services at 1-603-448-4553 any time after February 14^th to set up an appointment to select a camp.

Any questions? Contact Ann O'Hearn, School Counselor, at either RISD elementary school.

Second Step

Managing Emotions - Stop and Name Your Feeling

This January, we start learning all about managing strong emotions in all the elementary grades during Guidance Class. Children learn that we feel feelings in our bodies! When we are upset or worries, we may feel a tummy ache; when we are really angry, we may feel tense in our muscles and our hearts may beat faster/breathe faster; when we are anxious, we may feel sweaty. 

In addition to our bodies, our brains undergo a change too. Students learn that when we feel strong emotions, our brain "flips it's lid", and the thinking-part of our brain (frontal cortex) "goes offline". We learn a hand motion to show this transformation. 

Second Step provides music videos to teach students what to do when they have a strong emotion called the Calm-It-Down dance. The main thing to do when we recognize we feel uncomfortable is to stop and name your feeling, for example, "I feel angry!" (fill in the blank). The act of naming your feeling, either out loud or in your head, starts to get your thinking brain back online, and helps you regain control of your strong emotion and feel more in control.