Counselor's Corner

Being Safe At School

We've been doing a lot of talking about school safety lately.  In our classes this month we will be talking about bullying and namecalling.  Statistics tell us that this happens to 3 out of every 4 kids at school.   When it does, it makes the person feel sad, angry, left-out, and many other bad feelings.  We've always done a lot at J. H. House to prevent bullying, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.  When you see it happening, or if it happens to you, there are several things you can do.  You can tell the person who is bullying or name calling to stop.  You can tell them how it makes you feel and you can get help from an adult.  It is never OK to bully and it is never OK to let it happen.  If you see someone being bullied, get help from an adult right away.  It takes a lot of courage to stand up against someone who is making others feel bad, but if you are courageous and get help, then you are helping another.  And that's what J. H. House is all about  ~ being kind to others!!

Have you ever had a problem with bullying?  How did you handle it?  Did you feel like you got the help you needed?  Rockdale County has a new program called Tell Me, I'm Here to Help!  It is designed to help kids know that they can tell anyone at school about anything they do not feel safe with.  We have a sign right out front and we have all received book marks to remind us that we can always get help.

Thanksgiving

Next week we will have a holiday all week long.  We will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  I've been thinking of some of the things I'm really thankful for and one of the things I feel most thankful for is being here at J. H. House.  I feel so lucky to be part of a school that is made up of some of the smartest, nicest kids in the entire world!  J. H. House is special.  Have you ever noticed how polite and kind everyone is?  There is a special magic about our school.  People notice it when they walk in the door.  Visitors have told me: "Your students are so nice!  Your halls are so quiet!"  I really  feel proud to be here!

I'm also thankful for my friends and family.  I'm glad we are together a lot because when we are, we have a lot of fun!

What are some of the things you are thankful for?

Red Ribbon Week

This week we are seeing a lot of red at J. H. House ~ Red Ribbons, that is!  We are celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a time set aside for students and teachers to pledge to keep their bodies free from drugs that can hurt them.  We all know how dangerous drugs can be and we are learning ways to say "NO!"  Sometimes it is hard to say "NO" because it may be your best friend or someone you really admire who is trying to get you to do something that is not safe.  What we are learning is that if someone is your true friend, they wouldn't want you to do something that could hurt you. 

Another problem is that you may think nothing bad can ever happen to you, even if it happens to others.  Something to remember is schools and parents would not spend so much time telling you all about the bad things that can happen with drugs if it wasn't true.  There are too many other things that we need to do.  You can bet that anything the school takes time for is VERY IMPORTANT!  Just look at all the adults who smoke and wish they had never started!  They did not believe they would get hooked, but they did.

Remember the 3 rules to use with something that is not safe:  Say "NO!"   Get Away.  Tell a Grownup.  Do these three things and you will always be safe!

Its Testing Time Again!

Next week our 3rd and 5th grade students will be participating in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS).  This is a test where we get to see just how well we do in Reading, Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, compared with other 3rd and 5th graders in the Nation.  I know we are really going to wow the world because some of the most dedicated and hard-working students in the Nation, are right here at J. H. House!

The following week, the 2nd and 5th graders will be taking the Cognitive Abilities Test (Cogat).  This is a test that measures our ability (or, like I like to think of it ~ our brain power!!)  Here again, since we have the smartest kids in the Universe, we are going to knock their socks off!! 

So that we can really show the world how smart we are, here are a few tips to follow to ensure that we do the very best that we can do:

1. Be sure to get a good night's sleep.  Go to bed by 8:30 or 9:00 (at the very latest!) every night.
2. Get a good breakfast.  You should be doing this every day!  Cars can't run without gas and you won't have enough energy to think without food.
3. The morning of the test, tell yourself you are going to do your very best job.
4. Listen and follow directions well.
5. Read all questions and answers thoroughly before answering.
6. If you get nervous, just take 3 deep breaths.  It will clear your head and give you a burst of oxygen energy.
7. Don't get worried if you get stuck.  Just do your best and move on.
8. Enjoy the testing experience.  Afterall, it's a time to let them see just how smart you really are!

Getting Along With Others

Dear Boys & Girls,

Before long September will be here and it will be time for me to come to your classes!  I can't wait.  One of the first things we will be talking about is getting along with our friends.  Before I come to your class, there are a few things I want you to think about.  Think about who are your friends.  Why do you enjoy being around them?  How do people who are fun to be with act?  What kind of person do you enjoy?

• Do you like to be with people who are bossy and always insist on their own way?  You know the kind of person I mean ~ the one who says, "I'm going home if we can't do it my way!"

                                                                    OR

Would you rather be around someone who listens to your ideas, too.

• Do you enjoy being around someone who uses bad language?

                                                                      OR

Do you prefer someone who has enough respect for you that they wouldn't dare say bad things around you?

Think about all the things you like about the people you have chosen to be your friends.  They probably like the same things you do, but at the same time, they are most likely someone who respects you and makes you feel good about yourself.  We're going to be talking about making and keeping friends in September.  Be sure to do some thinking about this and I know we will have some great discussions!

See you soon!

Your friend,

Mrs. Halloran

A Brand New Year

My dear students,

As I watched each one of you come through those doors last Monday, I was so overwhelmed at three things.  I want to tell you about each one of those things because I think you just need to know.

1.  The first thing that amazed me was how much you had grown in just 8 short weeks!  You are all so much taller!  You must have been eating your vegetables!!  I was amazed at how grown-up you seem.

2.  The second thing that made me swell with pride was how polite you were to each other.  You were glad to see old friends; and, you were excited to make new ones.  You were kind to the little ones, gently helping them to find their classrooms with your arms around them.  You said, "Good morning, Mrs. Halloran!" to me, and that made me feel so special.  There is something about J. H. House manners that stays with you your whole life and makes you a better person.  I was so glad to see it filling our halls!

3.  The third and most special thing I noticed about you was the light in your eyes.  You were excited to be here.  You were looking forward to another year, a new teacher, new friends, and so much to learn!  You were excited and I loved seeing you like that.  Always keep that special quality.  Always look for new things, and always be excited about learning. 

I look forward to coming to your classes and being with you.  That is my most favorite part of my job.  I wish it was the only part of my job! We will begin  our guidance classes the first week in September and I can't wait!!  I will be looking for your kind, excited faces.  Enjoy your year!  See you soon!

Love,

Mrs. Halloran