435-279-2651
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
JUSTIN BISHOP
Century Elementary School Counselor
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Welcome to Mr. Bishop's counseling website! This is my third year as a counselor here at Century Elementary, and I am so pleased to be returning. I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful community. I look forward to working with you and your child this year, and I will make every effort to see that your child receives as much personal assistance as possible.
Stay in the Know
Stay in the Know
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
News of the Coronavirus COVID-19 is everywhere, from the front page of all the papers to the playground at school. Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Here is some advice from the experts at the Child Mind Institute.
If you are struggling to get your student to want to come school, this article may help you.
ANXIETY AND MINDFULNESS
With the shutdown and the fear of the Coronavirus, I have seen a spike in anxiety in many students as well as parents. This is why I have dedicated an entire section to addressing anxiety while teaching my students and their parents about the power of mindfulness.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a state of nonjudgmental awareness of what's happening in the present moment, including the awareness of one's own thoughts, feelings, and senses.
The two main components of mindfulness are awareness and acceptance.
Awareness: During a state of awareness, you notice your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations as they happen.
Acceptance: The thoughts, feelings, and sensations that you notice should be observed in a nonjudgmental manner. For example, if you notice a feeling of nervousness, simply state to yourself: "I notice that I am feeling nervous". There's no need to further judge or change the feeling.
BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS
Reduced symptoms of Improved memory, focus, and Improved ability to adapt
depression and anxiety mental processing speed to stressful situations
Greater satisfaction Reduced rumination (repetitively Improved ability to
within relationships going over a thought or problem) manage emotions
Mindfulness Exercises for Children
Mindfulness is a state of nonjudgmental awareness of what's happening in the present moment, including the awareness of one's own thoughts, feelings, and senses. Here are some mindfulness exercises you can practice at home.
What Does an Elementary Counselor Do?
The American School Counselor Association states that "Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management, and social skills, who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success."
A Comprehensive Approach
All Box Elder School District, elementary school counselors will be using research-based curriculum to teach these important skills. Second Step and Kelso's Choice are the district-approved programs that elementary counselors will be implementing.
What Services Are Provided
Small-Group Counseling:
A variety of small groups are offered to students who may benefit from spending some extra time developing academic, social, or emotional skills along with their peers, and to students who are coping with similar life situations. Groups can have anywhere from 3-7 members and will meet during school hours for several weeks. If your student participates in group counseling I will contact you prior to obtain your permission.
Individual Counseling:
Some students can benefit from one-on-one counseling regarding academic, social, or emotional challenges. One on one counseling is short-term (2 weeks or less). If students need more one-on-one counseling that extends beyond the district-mandated 2-week limit, I will reach out to you, to discuss other outside counseling options or you can refer to the community resources below.
REFERRALS
There are three ways a student can access services from the counselor:
Self-referral is when the student fills out a referral form on the counselor's door for a follow up at a later time. Usually the same day.
Teachers and staff may refer a student to the counselor when there is a possible concern.
Parents/Guardians may also refer their students to the counselor for services. It takes a village sometimes and I am here to help in any way possible.
WHAT IS THE SECOND STEP PROGRAM?
We want your child to be as successful as possible at school. Success in school is not just about reading and math. It is also about knowing how to learn and how to get along with others. Go to secondstep.org to find out more.
We will be using the Second Step program at Century Elementary to teach these critical skills in the following areas:
Skills for Learning: students will gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork.
Empathy: Students will learn to identify and understand their own and others' feelings. Students will also learn how to take another's perspective and how to show compassion.
Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger.
Problem Solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.
