List of Important Dates for Austin ISD Academy and Magnet School Application Process

What is a sincere apology?

We have all been there.  Someone hurts our feelings and simply says, "Sorry" however,  you can tell they don't mean it.  Maybe you were the ones who said, "sorry" and didn't mean it.  Students have been practicing their problem solving skills using Keslo's Choices.  One of Kelso's Choices is to apologize.  When I asked the students if anyone had ever apologized to them but they could tell that the other person didn't mean it, hands flew up!  Below are a few ways students knew that the other person didn't mean it:

1. He said it in a rude tone.
2. She rolled her eyes
3. My mom made her
4. He wouldn't look me in the eye
5. She sounded annoyed
6. She said sorry and did it again
7. He shouted it at me

Together we read the book, Sorry! by Trudy Ludwig.  This was a great book suggested by a fellow counselor in AISD (Thank you Ms. Kolander).  This story is about a boy named Jack who becomes friends with another boy named Charlie who believes that an insincere apology can right all of his wrongs.  However, after the boys ruin a classmate's science fair project, Charlie learns that "I'm Sorry" doesn't always "cut it".  The science teacher teaches the boys that a sincere apology includes actions as well as words.

During counselor lessons, students practiced the proper way to say an apology so our friends, peers, teachers, parents, and sibilings, know we mean it.  Using various scenarios that have happened in class, students used the following apology format:

I'm sorry I ___________________.  I feel _______________.  I will __________________.

*Lesson from That's My Story Too! Lessons and Activities for 52 Counselor Recommended Children's Books and Spectacular Guidance Lessons for Kids

Austin ISD Magnet School Information

How does your family problem solve?

Thanksgiving Assistance

Christmas Assistance Program Registration

Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween right around the corner, this is a great time to talk with your child about "Stranger Danger" and being safe.  Below are some Halloween Safety tips from the Child Quest International blog.  CQI focuses on abduction prevention, missing and exploited children, and resources to help protect kids of all ages.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Parent Workshops

FREE Upcoming Parent Workshops

How to respond to your Anxious Child by Ann Marie Albano and Leslie Pepper

 

We Are Girls Conference 2013Saturday, November 9th.

Austin High School, Austin, Texas
Doors open at 8am, program begins at 9am

GENaustin’s We Are Girls Conference is a statewide annual event that helps girls explore the issues of bullying, body image and being a girl. Skill-building workshops and dynamic presentations are offered on topics including creating healthy relationships, building financial and media literacy, enhancing parent-daughter relationships and increasing positive body image, health, and wellness. Designed especially for girls in grades 5-12 and the adults who care about them, We Are Girls connects individuals with questions to the experts who have the answers. For more information or sign up for this event, please visit GenAustin.

Meet Kelso, the Problem Solving Frog!

Conflict or disagreement is normal and often happens when children get together.  However, hurtful words, gestures, or physical attacks are unacceptable ways to deal with conflict and disagreement at school.  Our goal is to teach students several positive ways to deal with these difficult situations.  To do this, we are asking students who have "small" problems to try at least two of the following ideas:

• Go to another game or activity
• Share and take turns
• Respectfully talk it over and listen to each (Use the Peace Walk)
• Walk away from the problem
• Ignore the problem behavior
• Tell the person to stop the problem behavior
• Apologize
• Make a deal or compromise
• Wait and cool off

 This process can be done before asking for adult help.  When a request for adult help is made, it will include the two ideas tried: "Mrs. Jone, Tad is teasing me about my glasses.  I tried ignoring him, and I've told him nicely to stop.  He is still calling me names."  The adult will then get involved and help solve the problem.  Of course, the adult will immediately handle any serious or "big" problems that cause a child to feel threatened or frightened.

By using this plan, we believe that our students will develop effective problem-solving skills that they can use again and again.  It will help them to deal with conflict in a positive manner and to make appropriate decisions.  Know what to do will help students reduce the stress and number of conflicts they have at school and in their neighborhood.

This week, I will begin discussing with students in Kindergarten-2nd grade, the difference between a small problem and a big problem.  The students will preview Kelso's 9 Choices and meet Kelso himself!  I encourage you to become familiar with this program and use the chart above at home.  By working together, we can develop a healthy life skill for young people to use at home and at school.  I will also be sending home a paper copy of Kelso's Choices Wheel with students after each lesson.

If you have any questions or would like more information on how to help your child solve conflicts on his/her own, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Austin Child and Guidance Center

The Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) is once again offering low-cost groups for children and parents starting in September.    ACGC will have a new group in Spanish for parents with children who have ADHD or behavior problems. We are in need of more families and these groups start in less than 4 weeks! Parents and children from previous groups have provided very positive feedback about their group experiences here. Groups are provided on a low-cost sliding-fee scale.  They run for eight consecutive weeks from 6-7:30PM.  The chart on the left provides more information about start times and days for groups. The Social Skills/Making Friends Group is helpful for younger children (ages 6-9) who have difficulty in social situations or with making friends.  Some topics include helping children learn how their body language impacts interactions with others, how to change their communication to improve their connections with others, and how observation of other people can help their relations with them. The Conflict Resolution Skills/Anger Management Group provides a variety of skills for children ages 9-12 years old.  These include: identifying triggers to anger, taking responsibility for mistakes, learning positive coping skills, exploring difficult feelings, and making good choices through problem-solving.  This is a good group for children who anger easily, have trouble with peer relationships because of anger, or struggle with impulsiveness. The ADHD Parenting Group is a group for parents to attend who have children ages 5-12 years old who have ADHD or behavioral problems.  This group will teach members how to improve parenting skills for children's behavioral problems.  It will raise parents' knowledge about causes of defiant behavior.  Lastly, concepts will help improve family life through positive attention, consequences, rule-setting, and appropriate discipline.  Free childcare is provided for parents who attend this group Please call the center at 512-451-2242 for more information or to register  for group.  A brief screening for group gives parents an opportunity to ask questions about the group and see if it is a good fit for their family.

How can I make an appointment with Mrs. Wessels

Throughout the school year, students often have issues that come up that they would like to talk with me about.  To ensure that I meet with each student in a timely manner, I use counselor request form the student will fill out and place in my box outside my office.  This allows me to know when the student submitted the request as well as how urgent the problem might be.  Thanks to the Savy Counselor, I will be using a form that helps students visualize how big is the problem.  Parents may also use this form to make appointments with me as well as email and calling directly.

 

How to Choose a Rock

Small Rock

Choose a small rock for issues you feel are minor

Medium Rock

Choose a medium rock if the issue isn't major, but you really would like to get it resolved soon.

(Friendship concerns, family concerns)

Large Rock

Choose large rock if the issue is URGENT! This includes a death in the family (including a pet), major family changes (divorce/separation), bullying, strong mad or sad feelings.

Welcome back Eagles!

Welcome to the Barton Hills Elementary Counseling Blog.  My name is Sheila Wessels, and I am the counselor for this wonderful BHE community.  I am very excited to work with you and your family this year.  If at any time, you need to speak to me, please email or call.  I am here for you!

Some information about myself, I have lived in Austin most of my life.  My husband and our two daughters live in the North Austin area. We also have a very "talkative" dog named Gerdie.  Our family loves playing outside, having dance parties, cooking, and watching football together.  Prior to working with Austin ISD, I taught 3rd grade in Leander.  After receiving my Masters in Education at Texas State, I began as a school counselor at Menchaca Elementary in south AISD and then moved to Barton Hills 4 years ago.

What is a school counselor you might ask?
A school counselor works with all students to develop their academic, career, personal, and social abilities.   I meet these needs through classroom based counseling or guidance classes, small group counseling, and/or individual counseling.

Classroom Based Counseling
I meet with every class every other week.  That is about 200 students a week!  I consult with teachers and grade levels about their specific need they would like for me to focus on for each guidance lesson or unit.  The most common areas I focus on are conflict and resolution, managing emotions, stress, friendship, career readiness, bullying, and supporting our Social Emotional Learning Curriculum (SEL).

Individual Counseling
Students can request to see me by filling out a note and placing the note in my mailbox outside my office.  I visit with students during recess or lunch time depending on the amount of time a student requires. I typically will not contact a parent unless I see the student 2-3 times.  If a student requires more visits, I will be happy to suggest referrals to an outside counselor.  Parents and teachers can also request for their child/student to visit with me.

Small Group Counseling
I run many groups that meet about a variety of topics throughout the year such as New to BHE, Friendship, Divorce, and Leadership.  If I find that there are several students struggling with a common problem, I can create a group to work with them together.  I find that it helps to students to know they are not alone!  Parents and teachers can also suggest groups they may find beneficial. If your child is part of a group, I will send a letter home explaining the group as well as asking for your permission.

I am also here for parents and teachers on a consulting basis.  Please contact me with any concerns.  I want to make sure your child has a wonderful experience at Barton Hills Elementary! 

Please check here frequently to see what's happening in the counseling world at BHE! 

Middle School 101: Workshop for Parents New to Middle School

Are you...
...wondering how middle school works?
...worried about how your child is going to manage changing classes, more teachers, and more responsibility?
...wondering about the academic expectations and how middle school classrooms operate?
...wanting some tips on how to communicate with teachers and staff?
...worried about your child's safety and being bullied?
...wanting some information on adolescent development?
...needing some tips on internet and cell phone safety?
...wondering how involved you should be during middle school?
...wondering about your child’s friendships?
...worried that you won’t feel connected to the school and won’t know what is going on?

If you are feeling nervous about middle school and how it "works", this workshop will provide you with an opportunity to get your questions answered, your fears allayed, and provide you with a toolbox of tips and information to help with a smooth transition from elementary to middle school.

This workshop will be led by O. Henry Middle School counselor Amy Humphries, M. Ed. Amy is a National Board Certified School Counselor has been working as a school counselor at O. Henry Middle School for the last 13 years.  She has extensive experience with helping parents and students transition from elementary to middle school.

What:               Middle School 101 workshop
Audience:           Parents of children who are new to middle school in the Austin area
When:                 Saturday, May 18, 2013
Time:                  9am - 12pm
Where:                O. Henry Middle School Library
                            2610 West 10th Street, Austin, TX  78703
Fee:                     $35 per person  (make checks payable to Amy Humphries)

Registration Deadline is Thursday, May 16^th.   This workshop is for parents/caregivers (not students).  Please contact Amy Humphries at amy.humphries@austinisd.org with any questions.

Mail registration form and payment to:

Amy Humphries

c/o O. Henry Middle School

2610 W. 10^th Street

Austin, TX 78703 

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Participant First and Last Name:    ________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________ Email address:  _____________________________________________

School your child will attend in 2013-14: _____________________    Child’s grade in 2013-14 _______________

3rd grade learns to UYN!

What is UYN you ask?  UYN is "Using Your NetSmartz".  NetSmartz is an online program that teaches students, parents, and educators how to be safer online and in the real world.

NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children^® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.

NetSmartz Goals:
    Educate children on how to recognize potential Internet risks
    Engage children and adults in a two-way conversation about on- and offline risks
    Empower children to help prevent themselves from being exploited and to report victimization to a trusted adult.

Students learned the NetSmartz Rules of Internet Safety:
1.  I will tell my trusted adult if anything makes me feel sad, scared, or confused.
2.  I will ask my trusted adult before sharing information like my name, address, and phone number.
3.  I won't meet face-to-face with anyone from the internet.
4.  I will always use good netiquette and not be rude or mean online.

Student learned the NetSmartz Rules of Real-World Safety:
1.  I will always check first with my parent, guardian, or other trusted adult before going anywhere, helping anyone, accpeting anything, or getting into a car.
2.  I will take a friend with me when going places or playing outside.
3.  I will tell people "NO" if they try to touch or hurt me.  It's OK for me to stand up for myself.
4.  I will tell my trusted adult if anything makes me feel sad, scared, or confused.

Check out Clicky and his friends and KNOW THE RULES!

Sunshine Camp

Sunshine Camp has provided a fun-filled experience for children of greater Austin since 1928. It is conducted by the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) and it is free to those children ages 7 through 11 who are selected.
The campers stay overnight at the camp located at Zilker Park. Camp uniforms, soap, towels, bedding (except pillows), etc. are all provided.

Campers need only bring tennis shoes,
bathing suits, underclothes, a pillow, and grooming aids.

The camp program, under the supervision of experienced counselors, includes swimming at nearby Barton Springs, handicrafts, nature study, hikes, games, singing, and storytelling which give the children a well-rounded summer camp. The children are also served three nourishing meals a day.
The Sunshine Camp is committed to assuring that our program is made available to all persons and provided to all eligible individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, political belief or religion.
2013 CAMP SESSION DATES:
Session 1    June 10 - June 16
Session 2    June 20 - June 26
Session 3    July 8 - July 14
Session 4    July 18 - July 24
Session 5    July 29 – August 4
Session 6    August 8 - August 14
PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO APPLICATIONS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, APRIL 1st, 2013 However, we will continue to accept applications throughout the summer.

 http://www.sunshinecamps.org/zilkerpark

AISD Parent Survey

As the District continues to strive for excellence in preparing our students for academic success, we encourage parents to offer feedback on the 2012-2013 school year by completing the AISD Parent Survey.  Your opinions are important and will be taken into consideration as we strive to serve our students better.  This week, you will receive a survey about our school.  As an alternative, the survey also will be available on the districts website: www.austinisd.org  Please note that your responses to the survey items are completely anonymous.  Once available, the results of our survey will be distributed to campus principals, district administrators, as well as the Board of Trustees.  Our community can also view the results when the reports are posted to the AISD website this spring.  If you have any questions or concerns about the survey, you may contact the AISD Department of Research and Evaluation at 512-441-1724.  Thank you for taking time to help us understand our strengths and opportunities for improvement.