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From the Counselor's Desk

At the September 2011 PTA meeting, Mrs. Jeandell shared with us some of the ways she helps our children in her role at Downes. These are a few of the programs she has planned for the new school year:

• Exploration Respect program - new for 4th graders
• Seasonal Respect program - 5th graders
• Working with various local volunteer clubs (like the Kiwanis Club) - 4th and 5th graders
• Mix It Up Day - tolerance teaching
• Career exploration - 4th & 5th grades - includes outside speakers discussing their careers, curriculum on job applications, resumes, holds various contests; looking for volunteers to come in and discuss their careers!!
• Ronald McDonald aluminum can tabs collection - will have a speaker come in to discuss why we collect them (helps raise money for the Ronald McDonald house at A.I. Dupont)
• Save your holiday cards and give them to Ms. Jeandell - she will forward them to the St. Jude's Ranch for Children. The children at the ranch will makes new cards out of the old ones and sell them to raise money for St. Jude's
• Flag program

She also sees individuals and groups of children for whatever type of need they have - anger management, grief, etc. She needs parent approval before holding discussions with children. Parents can request information from her on a variety of topics. Children can leave her notes in her mailbox. Please contact Ms. Jeandell if you have any questions or would like additional information!

At our kids' disposal we have self-help books and magazine articles that give us plenty of ideas on how to relieve stress and work through problems. Sometimes problems are greater than what any book or magazine article can solve. There are times when we need to speak with a professional. I have listed some agencies who have certified therapists ready to help you work through any problem that may arise in your life. Please take advantage of the many services which are available.

Delaware Guidance: (302) 652-3948
Children and Families First: (302) 658-5177
Pike Creek Psychological Center: (302) 738-6859
University of Delaware Psychological Services: (302) 831-2717
Rockford Center: (302) 996-5480 (free 24-hour assessment and referral service)

Resources for Parents: printable forms & links

• Christina School District - Reporting Bullying Behavior
• ABC Observation Form (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence)
• Tic Severity Form
• Parenting Tips for Better Sleep for Children
• Guidelines for Dealing with an ANGRY Child
• 20 Ways to Foster Values in Children
• Discipline for Young Children
• Too Much Violence on TV? What Can You Do?
• The ABC's of Parenting
• Helping Your Child Become Better Organized
• Helping Your Preteen Face the Challenges of Junior High
• Back-to-School Parent Survival Guide
• The Transition to Middle School
• How Educators Can Help Parents Work with Their Children on Homework

Resources for Teachers: printable forms & links

• ABC Observation Form (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence)
• Guidelines for Dealing with an ANGRY Child
• 20 Ways to Foster Values in Children
• Behavior Form
• Behavior Report
• Primary Student Behavior Self-Analysis
• Behavior Management Checklist for Teachers
• Good Behavior Charts
• Acts of Kindness Award
• Certificate of Appreciation
• Certificate of Outstanding Performance
• Double Diamond Award
• Hooray Certificates
• Special Achievement Award
• Proficiency Notice
• Good News Report
• Teacher's Behavior Management Checklist
• Incident Report Form
• Telephone Log
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Five Important Questions
• Parent Conference Considerations
• Conference Documentation Log
• Conference Thank You Form
• How Educators Can Help Parents Work with Their Children on Homework

I also have pamphlets in my office on a wide range of topics that you may find helpful for your families needs.

1. About Foster Parenting
2. About Your Child's Emotional Health
3. Child Development (from 6 to 9 years old)
4. Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention
5. Handling Family Conflict
6. Loving Discipline for Children (ages 1 to 5)
7. Managing Your Stress
8. Parenting a Challenging Child
9. Parenting-Raising Your Children Well
10. Raising Your Child to Be Drug Free
11. Raising Your Grandchild
12. Resolving Family Conflict
13. Stress Management
14. Teach Your Child About Diversity
15. TV and Your Child
16. What's a Family
17. What it Means to be a Father
18. Your Winning Attitude at Work

John R. Downes Elementary School • 220 Casho Mill Road • Newark, DE 19711 • Tel. (302) 454-2133