Kinder students participated in Guidance Lessons this week. We will be using the Second Step program throughout this first semester during our lessons every other week. I will be sharing information with you on what your student learned and how you can connect their learning at home. 

So what is second Step? Straight from their website, Second Step is a program that is rooted in social-emotional learning that helps transform schools into supportive, successful learning environments uniquely equipped to encourage children to thrive. Second Step's holistic approach helps create a more empathetic society by providing education professionals, families, and the larger community with tools to enable them to take an active role in the social emotional growth and safety of today's children.

Learning to Listen

Listening Rules

Lesson Concepts

Following listening rules helps everyone learn. 
We are in control of our brains. 

Why This Lesson Matters

Being able to listen is a fundamental skill that helps children focus and pay attention. This lesson helps students understand how to be a good listener and how being a good listener affects their learning in the classroom. It can be very hard for a Kinder student to wait their turn or to control their bodies by waiting. By reinforcing their behavior with specific feedback or by practicing the skills, we allow them to learn more about how to control their bodies. 

Using the Skills

• Have students use the listening rules at home when you are talking and in turn, do the same for them. 
• Play Simon Says or My Turn, Your Turn. This helps them control their bodies and listen to what you are saying

Home Connect

Follow the directions on this page to connect your student's learning from school to home. 

Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I'Mpossible. 
Mrs. Hagg
Cherry Elementary School Counselor
ahagg@baycityisd.org

It is always fun to see our parents and grandparents come visit our students for lunch. Please ensure that if you are coming to eat with your student, you bring your ID with you so that we are able to allow you access to our cafeteria. If someone other than the parent or guardian is coming to eat with the student, that person MUST be listed on the student's sign out/emergency card. This ensures the safety of that particular student and the other students in our cafeteria. Thank you for understanding!

Cherry Elementary Counseling Program Information

I wanted to take a minute of your time to share with you about the Cherry Elementary Counseling Program. I've had a chance to visit with each class to meet them and to help explain what my role is on the campus. I wanted to take some time to do the same for you.

Guidance Lessons

Students will participate in Guidance Lessons every other week. The teachers and I have a schedule set up where I meet with the grade level on a specific day. This year at Cherry, we will be following the Second Step Curriculum. As we begin to dig into the curriculum, you will see "Home Link" papers begin to come home. Please spend some time with your student participating in these activities to help bridge gaps between school and home. 

During guidance lessons, we will focus on 4 main topics: 

• Skills for learning
• Empathy
• Emotion Management
• Problem Solving. 

Group Sessions

I will meet with particular groups of students based on needs that arise. We will meet during the student's lunch times in what I will call "Lunch Bunches". The teachers and I will work together to determine a need for these sessions and I will send home information with your student. 

Individual Counseling

As needs arise, I will meet with particular students individually. If you feel your student would benefit from this time with me, please contact me or fill our a referral form found on our Cherry webpage. 

Academic Counseling

The school counselor is available to talk with students about the importance of education. Topics could include motivation, study skills, testing taking tips, and anxiety about testing. 

Personal Counseling

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range or personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional or mental health issues, or substance abuse. A student who wishes to meet with the school counselor should contact them.

Student/Parent Advocate

I am here to advocate for you and your student. If there is something that you need help deciding how to handle, a frustration, concern, or something great that you want to share, please don't hesitate to contact me or stop in to visit. I happy to help in any way that you see fit. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me at (979)401-1300 or email me at ahagg@baycityisd.org. I am looking forward to spending more time with your students and helping you as needed.