Concord Counseling Updates

Pressure can come from within a person or from outside a person.  Our third, fourth and fifth grade students have been working to understand that there are many ways to deal with different kinds of pressure and how to feel good about your decisions at the end of the day. Peer Pressure : walk or run away say "No" use humor change the subject share a promise share a personal story give reason or educate remind others of your family rules Self Pressure : stop and think go to your quiet place talk to a trusted adult take a deep breath listen to music tighen muscles one at a time (arm, leg, shoulders) and then take a deep breath positive self talk practice a skill/goal Kindergarten, first and second grade students continue to practice "I" statements to try and make them their own. When we return from our Christmas Break, we will begin studying bully-like behavior and ways to deal with it effectively. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

Heroin use in the St. Louis area is a problem of epidemic proportions. Parents, educators, students, community members of all ages need to be alert and informed regarding this trend that is surrounding the youth in our community. Please, take just one evening to learn more about this invasive trend -- it could make the difference to someone in your life. Article from STLTODAY, Oct. 2011 Rising tide of heroin use brings tragedy TOWN HALL MEETING ON HEROIN USE in the ST. LOUIS AREA* Wednesday, Nov. 9 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lindbergh High School Auditorium 5000 S. Lindbergh Blvd. *This program is sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, St. Louis Chapter (NCADA), the St. Louis County Police Department, St. Louis County Children's Services. For more information, visit www.not-even-once.com The STEP UP! program (formally known as the Lindbergh Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition) asks you to help us spread...

At Concord Elementary we are trying to develop the skill of identifying what makes an individual mad or bugs you to the point of reaction through the guidance curriculum.  The common reactions we often see in people include:  showing anger, holding anger inside, and dumping anger on others.  The goal is for our students to know what makes them mad and know how they usually react , so they can do something positive to handle the emotion and situation.  Throughout the guidance curriculm, kindergarten through fifth grade, we continue to encourage many healthy ways to manage anger and other emotions.  Some of these strategies include: Stop and Think - put space between you and "what" is making you mad.  Count to ten Take a deep breath Walk away Positive self talk I Statements Quiet time to think and relax Practice the skill of frustration Exercise or play

During the month of September our kindergarten through fifth grade students learned and reviewed good listening skills, I statements, and general I Care Rules. Listening skills we are practicing include:    * Squaring up to the person before listening - usually arm's length apart    * Give eye contact and your ears for listening     *Respond to the speaker by:         ^ using head movement         ^ mirror feeling being expressed on your face         ^ give short comments about the information you have just heard.   I Statement - Use your words! Say the person's name to gain their attention State the situation - "I like it when..."  "I don't like it when..." State how you feel Offer a Solution to the situation.      example of an I Statement:  "Mom, I like our special time toget...

Fall into a Healthier Life with a ’ s Trail! Enjoy the fall foliage with a bike ride on the Grant’s Trail! Learn about bicycle safety, trail etiquette, and have your helmet fitted correctly by Crestwood and Sunset Hills Police. Have a healthy snack. Learn about Sunset Hills new Recreation Center and all the activities they have to offer. Parents must be present. Hope to see you there! October 8, 2011 from 8-12:00 pm Meet us at Crestwood Elementary 1020 South Sappington Road Sponsored by the Crestwood/Sunset Hills Rotary Club Tour de Grant

Concord Families, please help us fill the shelves of the St. Louis Area Foodbank Sept. 26-30.  Lindbergh Schools and the Lindbergh Retired Educators are asking each student and staff member throughout the district to donate one nonperishable food item.  Did you know that 39% of the more than 57,000 people served by the St. Louis Area Foodbank are children?  Together, we can help feed our neighbors and provide more than 6,000 food items.  Our collection point at Concord is the lobby.  Let's show our Concord Flyer spirit and support this wonderful drive! Canned items may be brought in starting on Monday, Sept. 26th. 

Well, we are back and rolling.  I hope you and your children are feeling a bit more settled into the new school year and the routine that comes with it.  I am happy to say we have already started counseling classes with the students.  I have a rotating weekly schedule called A, B and C Week. This semester, I have an intern working with me.  Her name is Sarah Hartz and she is a graduate from Truman State University.  She is happy to be with us and is already serving our school well. Mrs. Ronzio and I share a class space this year.  We are located in room 4, just past the media room and library.  If you would like to visit with me regarding your child at Concord, I can be contacted by phone or email.