School News

My name is Traci Jones and I am the counselor at Harleton Elementary.  We are so excited for this school year and can't wait to see the students.  There are several papers parents need to be looking for during the first few weeks of school. Lots of paperwork will be sent home with lots of information and you may be tempted to skim it sign it and return it.  Please pay close attention to these items:

1. Dresscode
2. Lunch prices
3. Acceptable Use policy.  (Your child can not get on a computer at school if this paper is not signed and returned.)
4. Student Information sheet

Also school dismissal times have changed.  Elementary will not be released until 3:30.  We are looking forward to the school year and please feel free to call the office if you have any questions.

Summer Tips

I hope your summer has been relaxing so far.  The fall school year may seem to be far off but it will be here before you know it.  Here are a few tips you can use to make sure your child is ready:

1.  Keep reading....Encourage your child to read by reading to them every day.  I can remember as a kid my dad would read us a chapter each night of Old Yeller and Savage Sam. 

2.  If your child has not started Kindergarten, make sure you have them lie down quietly for 45 minutes so they will be used to resting in the middle of the day.

3.   If your child is going into first grade, gradually phase out the rest time so they will be accustomed to going strong all day.

4.  If you have an older elementary student, set aside time each day for him or her to research a topic they are interested in using a computer.   On my next post I will add some sites that may interest them.

Thanks for looking at my blog and have a great summer! 

Attention Fifth Graders!

Be ready for my guidence lesson on Friday! We will be reviewing for the end of the unit test as well as learning two new skills. Here are some of the questions I will be asking:
1. What is Kaizen?
2. Define optimism.
3. Name your Kool Tune.
4. The strategy saying: Don't doubt your ______, doubt your ______. If what you're doing isn't working, _________ ___________ ____________.
5. Name two ways to calm yourself down when you are feeling stressed.

 The two new skills we will be learning are seven keys to mastery and encouraging things to say and do. Remember to have your goal sheets out and ready because I will have a treat for those that do again this week.

Welcome!

Welcome to the elementary counselor's blog. I will post upcoming important dates as well as tips for parents so check back often. You may be wondering exactly what does a school counselor do? A school counselor is an educator who:

• serves all students
• advocates for the student at school
• works with teachers and parents to provide helpful suggestions and support for children's needs
• provides classroom guidence for every class
• helps in identifying academic and social/emotional needs of children
• provides parents with resources and information

Upcoming important dates:

April 4th: 5th Grade Math TAKS test

April 5th: 5th Grade Reading TAKS test