Classroom News

Welcome to a new school year. I know this year is going to be the best yet! My name is Joanne Carradin, and I am happy to be the school counselor here at PES. The School Counseling Program at Perryville Elementary School offers individual counseling, classroom guidance classes, small group counseling, and school-wide programs. Students can be referred to the school counselor by parents, teachers and other staff, and outside agencies. Students can also self refer by just dropping by the counseling office or leaving a note in the mailbox outside my room. You are welcome to contact to the school to schedule an appointment with the counselor at 410-996-6020 or email, jrcarradin@ccps.org.

As the counselor of PES, my hope is to provide students with a safe learning environment in which to practice their skills, explore their feelings, attitudes, and hopes. Please keep in mind that meeting with the school counselor does not replace outside counseling services. As a school counselor, I offer support, not therapy. However, if you feel your child would benefit from therapy, please call me if you need help locating outside agencies.

Parents, Please note that counseling groups, also known as “lunch bunches”, will be starting soon, and going on throughout the school year. These groups are on a needs basis and participation in a group is not guaranteed.

Changing Families: This group is for students whose family structure is in a state of change due to separation, divorce, or remarriage. Students will gain support from other students dealing with the same issues, and learn how to manage their feelings they may have due to change.

Cool Pandas: Everyone gets angry….It’s how you respond to your feelings that makes the difference. Students will learn to recognize their feelings, what may trigger their anger and how to feel angry less often. Students will learn how to deal with anger in ways that leads to solutions, rather than creating problems.

Coping Pandas: This group is for students who have experienced the death and/or serious illness of a loved one within the past few years and whose grief may be interfering with his or her life.

Friendship Circle: This group is geared towards students who may have concerns about making and keeping friends. Students will learn to appreciate what they have to offer friends and be supported while learning skills necessary for getting to know others in a positive way.

School Success: This group is for students that need additional skills for classroom learning. Being successful in school and building a solid academic foundation is important to future success. Students will learn about the skills of listening, focusing, being organized, time management, studying, test taking, and maintaining a positive attitude.

October

In the last week of October PES takes time to recognize National Red Ribbon Week. This week is an opportunity for students to learn about drugs and tobacco, and talk about being drug free now and always. PES marks Red Ribbon week, by doing spirit days, prize give aways, and age appropriate guidance lessons focusing on the message of the week. Please feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns.

I received many forms from parents with interest in lunch groups. Some of our groups began last week, and I can tell the students and myself are going to have fun while learning from each other. If you missed the opportunity to return a permission form, a new round of groups will be beginning following the Thanksgiving break.

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and warm October!

November

During the month of November, it is nice to focus on giving to others. We have much to be thankful for and it is important to show thanks by helping others around our community. Perryville Elementary will be holding a canned food drive for our local food banks. Please bring in any canned or boxed good during the week of November 14-18. Donations can be brought to the main lobby. Perryville Elementary School will also be participating in Cecil County's 25th Annual Kids' Coats Campaign. This coat drive is co-sponsored by The Elkton Kiwanis Club. Beginning Monday, November 7th through November 30th, we are asking families to bring in any new or gently used coat to donate to this wonderful cause. Donations can be brought to the main lobby. Also, if your family is in need of coats, hats, gloves, or scarves, please contact Joanne Carradin for assistance. This Wishing all a safe, and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

December

Our food and coat drive for the month of November has ended. As always, Perryville families never cease to amaze me with all of their support. We received many items that will help our local community. If anyone needs a coat, school supplies, or food this holiday season please contact me at 410-996-6020. January begins the Personal Safety unit for students in Pre-K through 5. Please be on the lookout in the next few weeks for more information. Have a very merry holiday season and a great end to 2011!

January

In the month of January the students and I spend time in guidance discussing personal safety. Personal Safety means keeping ourselves safe from strangers, keeping our bodies safe, and staying safe on the internet. This is a very important unit in guidance, as the skills taught are vital to the student's safety in and outside of school. In order to be sure that your student doesn't miss any part of this unit, please be sure that your child is here and on time to school.

The new year also starts a new cycle of counseling groups, also known as "lunch bunches". I will be sending interest forms home this month. If you would like your child to participate in a "lunch bunch" please return the form to school.

Here's to a great start to 2012!!!

February

I hope everyone is enjoying this very mild winter we are experiencing. I am ready to enjoy some beautiful, fluffy snow! Please bring your child to school everyday with a coat, and the appropriate clothing for the winter season. Students do go outside for directed play, and without a coat, may not be allowed to participate. If your child is in need of a winter coat, please contact me, as I have plenty that I have collected over the years.

In February guidance, we will be focusing on being the best students we can be! Topics such as, responsibility, organization, and study skills will be taught.

I am hoping to begin two new lunch counseling groups open to students in all grade levels. The groups will be "Living With Worry & Anxiety" and "Living With ADHD". If you feel that your child would benefit from participating in one of these groups, please contact me at 410-996-6020 or email at jrcarradin@ccps.org.