Counseling Newsletter- Welcome Back!

Posted Date: 08/23/24 (02:30 PM)

Counseling Newsletter

Welcome families!

About Me

I hope you all had a great first week back! I could not be more thrilled to be your new school counselor and join the Old Mill family.

In order for you to learn more about me I thought I would share a little about myself. I was born and raised in Santa Rosa before attending University of California, Santa Barbara and eventually earned my masters in School Counseling at Sonoma State. I currently reside in Petaluma and spend my free time out at the coast, hiking with friends, or working in my garden!

In this monthly newsletter I will share some of the social/emotional tools the students have been working on, education on relevant topics, and any other social/emotional related news or resources!

Toolbox

Toolbox is a research-based social-emotional learning curriculum. It teaches critical social competencies necessary for academic and life success such as: resiliency, self-management, and responsible decision-making skills.

Every month Old Mill highlights one or two tools from Toolbox. Each tool has an icon, hand gesture and tagline that goes along with it.

This month the students will focus on the breathing tool and quiet/safe place tool.

Learn more about Toolbox here!

Breathing Tool

Icon - Tape Measure

Hand gesture - Mimic pulling a tape measure in and out. Pull fingers apart and breathe in, then breathe out and bring fingers back together.

Tagline - I calm myself and check-in.

Head phones representing the quiet and safe place tool

Quite/Safe Place Tool

Icon - We use earmuffs to represent this tool. Earmuffs help us shut out distractions around us and concentrate.

Hand gesture - Cross your hands over your heart, tilt your head downward, and close your eyes. Remember your quiet/safe place…anytime.

Tagline - I remember my quiet safe place.

Breathing tool at home activity

Quiet place tool home activity

Separation Anxiety Tips

Times of transition can be really rough. Here are some tips on how you can make transitioning back to school easier on you and your child or children.

Create a routine

A consistent routine can help children feel secure and ease the transition from your presence to your absence. Even if your child has a staggered school schedule, you can try to establish a routine on days when they're not in school.

Communicate with others

Let your child's teacher or other caregivers know about their separation anxiety and what you're doing to help. This way, they can provide consistent support.

Make goodbyes quick and positive

Try as best as you can to remain calm and positive when saying goodbye. Smile, tell your child you will see them soon and do not prolong leaving. Maintaining this routine will help your little one get used to drop offs and will reassure them that you will always come back.

Desk with keyboard, eye glasses, and note pad

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Nova Bonnett

School Counselor

Old Mill School

nbonnett@mvschools.org