Counseling Corner

HAPPY SUMMER!

2010-06-03T11:25:00.001-04:00

Forgiveness

2010-04-21T11:15:00.003-04:00

Why is forgiveness an important virtue? Who needs forgiveness and why?
This month students will dicuss the concept that we all make mistakes and need forgiveness from time to time. Forgiveness can help change our attitudes and feelings. The possibility for making something right or better will be highlighted.

SAFETY

2010-04-02T10:12:00.003-04:00

April is "safety" month in The Lower School. What are some of the things we do to keep ourselves from harm? Our safety theme will explore:

bike safety
pool/water safety
stranger awareness
personal boundaries
telephone and internet safety
fire prevention
following rules
pet safety
road safety

Be Safe!
Catriona

"Taking" Responsibility for Our Words and Actions

2010-03-27T12:27:00.004-04:00

Older students examined the roles they have when interacting with friends. They discussed how each person is responsible for what he/she says and the actions taken. This is especially important when a conflict arises between friends. We also talked about helping others and witnessing unkind behavior. Is it OK to be a bystander when a student sees a friend being teased? I am so proud of our students' willingness to share and examine personal responsibilities regarding friends.

Responsibility

2010-03-11T10:06:00.005-05:00

What is responsibility? What are some responsibilities for our students? Here are some responses.

make my bed
feed my dog, Lila
don't over feed the fish...it could die
recycle
take the trash to the street
be careful what I say
take care of my baby brother
put my toys away
use good manners

Children feel pride when they keep their promises to friends and family members. Trust is built and relationships are strengthened when we are responsible. I continue to be amazed at our students' thoughtful discussions and insight!
Have a wonderful spring break!

RESPECT BANNER

2010-02-23T15:52:00.004-05:00

7's enjoyed cutting out magazine pictures that reminded them of respect. They had a great time sharing what they respected including an athlete's hard work, nature, and plumbing tools. We discussed how important it is to respect others' opinions, interests, and ideas EVEN if they are not our own...enjoy!

REVERENCE

2010-01-28T11:18:00.004-05:00

Our character trait in February will focus on "respect."

. Taking care of personal responsibilities
. Using manners
. Golden rule
. Understands and follows school rules
. Appreciates the value of all living things
. Appreciates the beauty of the earth
. Learns and respects all cultures and beliefs

Your family may enjoy reading: The Keeping Quilt, Legend of the Indian Paintbrush, The Whale's Song, Every Living Thing, or The Wise Old Woman.

Enjoy opportunities to share your beliefs on what respect means to you.

Best,
Catriona

What's in a slogan?

2010-01-09T19:43:00.004-05:00

Where's the beef?
We bring good things to life
Crack, snapple, pop!
Better ingredients, better pizza
Mmmm, mmm, good
Have it your way

Can you recognize the products for these slogans? The 8th age classes are having fun exploring slogans! Each student is creating their own slogan for "honesty." Some of the slogans are:

Calvert kids are honest!
Got honesty?
Where's the honesty?
Time flies by when you're honest!
Tell the truth!

Honesty

2010-01-05T11:50:00.002-05:00

Welcome back everyone! Happy New Year! Our character theme for January is honesty. Look for great opportunities to share examples of honesty this month! Students will explore thoughts and feelings associated with being honest. Is it OK to lie sometimes? What can happen if I'm dishonest? How do others treat me when I tell the truth? These are some good questions worth thinking about! Look for parent activities to follow.

Best,
Catriona

How To Be a Good Citizen?

2009-12-01T17:39:00.007-05:00

What does it mean to be a good citizen? How can I make a difference? I'm only six...I'm only ten. Enjoy viewing the pictures with your child. I hope you have a great discussion on how everyone can make positive changes in our communities, schools, neighborhoods, and places of worship!

Amazing Grace

2009-11-24T10:31:00.003-05:00

The younger classes read Amazing Grace in Character. The story describes the main character's challenges in pursing her dreams. Amazing Grace teaches children that passion and perseverance are more powerful than other people's perceptions. Enjoy the video. Fondly, Catriona Schmidt

Assertiveness Training

2009-11-24T10:06:00.001-05:00

The 8's and 9's learned about different approaches to interacting with friends. We reviewed the disadvantages of being aggressive and passive. Role playing was of course a bit hit! Ultimately, students explored how to stand up for themselves without being mean or feeling afraid. It's important for children to be heard by their peers. Helping them find their voices to express their thoughts and feelings is invaluable. We explored why sometimes it's easier to act passively...no conflict, avoid arguments, keep things calm...The discussion among the students was insightful. We will continue practicing assertiveness training in the upcoming months. Ask your child the differences among being assertive, passive,and aggressive. (One student even brought up passive/aggressive...very mature thinking!)

Reading Biographies

2009-11-16T08:11:00.013-05:00

Enjoy!

Patience? What's That?

2009-11-03T07:48:00.005-05:00

Our monthly theme for November is patience and self-control. Waiting for recess, waiting to be called on in class, and waiting in line for lunch can really take a lot of patience for a child. The Lower School will focus on skills needed for self-control at the various age levels. The 6th age class listened to a story entitled, It's Hard to be Five. The story shares how important is it to be in control of ourselves and the effects our behavior has on those around us.

It's Not Fair!

2009-10-13T11:33:00.002-04:00

What is fairness?

That is what we will be discussing this month!

Is it fair that my sister gets to stay up late?
Is it fair that my friend has a DSi and I don't?
Is it fair that my dad works long hours?
Is it fair that I wasn't picked for the team?

"Fairness means treating other people the way you want to be treated. It means trying to give everyone rights and chances like those you have. When you're fair, you do your best to share, take turns, and treat each person with respect."

Enjoy talking with your child/ren this month about fairness.

Best,
Catriona

Character Activities

2009-09-15T11:15:00.003-04:00

Character Education at Calvert

2009-09-15T10:24:00.003-04:00

Welcome back to school!

I'm excited to share that our school theme for the year is character education! Each month, students and faculty will focus on a specific value, including caring, responsibility, fairness, and cooperation. I will be visiting classrooms to engage students in character activities and literature. Classroom teachers will also be highlighting these same values throughout the year. I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Fondly,

Catriona

Positive Thinking Skills

2009-03-30T12:17:00.012-04:00

The 6th age classes met Thotso, "your brain maker." Thotso is a brain that teaches children positive thinking skills, using cognitive behavior therapy components. Ask your child some thoughts that make him/her feel good and those that make him/her feel not so good. Through the use of Thotso and his stories, students learn how their thinking affects their feelings. We had a lot of fun decorating Thotso with "smiling thots" and "booboo thots." As a class we are becoming thot bosses! Next week we will explore "bandage thots."

"STRANGER DANGER"

2009-03-03T15:43:00.006-05:00

Over the next few weeks, I will be educating classes, Pilot through 10th age, about strangers and safety. It is an important issue to explore. Through literature and discussion, students will learn what to do if they are approached by a stranger or asked to go with someone they don't know. The information will be presented in an age appropriate manner, meeting the needs of specific grades. The intent of providing "stranger danger" information is not to scare, but to educate and prevent harm to the children. If you have questions, please let me know. Thanks!

Catriona

Bereavement in Children

2009-02-18T08:54:00.003-05:00

Calvert School has suffered a tremendous loss with the death of Mrs. Stacey Danko, mother of Molly and Bridget Danko. The fifth and eighth grade classes are especially impacted although the Calvert Community including parents, faculty, and students is grieving. Below is a site that may help guide a discussion with your child and address difficult questions regarding bereavement. I hope that you find it useful and comforting. If you have any concerns, please contact me. Terri Merwin is our Middle School counselor and is available for student and parent support as well. My ext. is 157.

Fondly,

Catriona Schmidt

Diversity

2009-02-11T14:17:00.002-05:00

Our 6th age students enjoyed learning about the special qualities in all of us! After reading, The Skin I'm In, by Pat Thomas, we had a discussion about respect and acceptance. They drew great pictures of what made them feel different from other children. I loved seeing the many illustrations, celebrating freckles, missing teeth, and shoe tying! Feel free to continue discussions about how we are similar, different, and unique!

HOLIDAY

2008-12-17T15:17:00.003-05:00

Dear families,

I hope that you have a wonderful winter vacation! Your children work very hard and deserve a relaxing and restful break. Enjoy one another and be safe! I look forward to seeing everyone in 2009!!!!!!

Fondly,
Catriona

Fears and Worries

2008-10-06T11:48:00.003-04:00

Eventually all children experience some kind of worry or fear. It could be a fear of the water, monsters in the closet, or thunderstorms. It's important to validate your child's feelings by listening and understanding. Some resources that may be helpful are listed under fears and worries. Most fears subside with time and with the reassurance of safety. If you think your child is suffering from extreme anxiety, talk with your pediatrician.

2008-09-09T12:22:00.001-04:00

FRIENDS

2008-09-09T12:13:00.018-04:00

Our Lower School theme this year is "FRIENDSHIP!" The students have had fun exploring characteristics of a good friend and thinking about ways to improve their friendship skills. Several classes have enjoyed reading and discussing friendship books. Shown below are some of the titles read last week! Please encourage conversations at home about being a good friend.

Your friend,

Catriona

The First Day of School

2008-09-02T10:47:00.002-04:00

Happy first Day of school! Parents will be happy to know that there were more tears from the adults than the children. Everyone seems to be experiencing a smooth transition! Just a reminder that I am available to you and your family throughout the school year. I look forward to seeing familiar faces and learning new ones. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Fondly,

Catriona Schmidt
Lower School Counselor
Calvert School