Your school counselors are excited to offer several groups this school year! Should your child participate in a group, you will receive weekly updates on the activity and topic covered in group, as well as extra resources that can assist you in following up with your student at home.  We will offer several groups this year, so please continue to check the BBES Newsletter for the latest offered. Questions can be directed to Lynsay Gillis at Lynsay_Gillis@hcpss.org or MC Weaver at Mary_Weaver@hcpss.org. Phone: 410-880-5920.

 

FALL 2018 GROUPS

Zen Den:  Open to ALL GRADES, BEFORE SCHOOL (8:00-8:25)!  (4 weeks Monday/Wednesday; October 8-October 31)

This small group aims to promote mindfulness and start your child’s school day in a peaceful, relaxing environment.  Current research suggests that mindfulness practices help students block out distractions (Kerr, et. al, 2011) and improve memory skills (Zeidan, Johnson, Diamond, David, & Goolkasian, 2010). On an individual level, mindfulness can increase positive emotions, while reducing stress (Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011).  Your student will learn techniques to help cultivate calm, reduce stress, and help your child thrive while self-regulating emotions. Please note because this group is held prior to the start of the school day, transportation will need to be provided. Space is limited.  If you would like for your student to be considered Zen Den, please fill out the linked FORM by October 3rd.

Worry Warriors: Open to FOURTH GRADERS, DURING LUNCH (1:20-1:50). (8 weeks, Tuesdays) Starting in October.

This small group will focus on strategies for managing stress and anxiety, including: deep breathing, reframing negative thoughts, and coping skills. Worry Warriors will learn about the purpose of stress and maintaining a healthy balance. Students will explore causes of stress and identify strategies. This group will be co-facilitated with a school counseling practicum student from Johns Hopkins University, Ms. Anne Scully. All parents/guardians will be asked to complete a permission form from JHU. If you would like for your student to be considered for Worry Warriors, please fill out the linked FORM by October 3rd. Space is limited to 5 participants.

MindUp:  Open to THIRD GRADERS, DURING LUNCH (12:20-12:50). (8 weeks, Tuesdays) Starting in October.

This small group will use the research-based curriculum MindUp (The Hawn Foundation, 2011). Participants will learn about the brain, strategies to improve focus, self-regulation, and resilience. Topics will include mindfulness techniques and strategies for developing positive mindset in school and life. This group will be co-facilitated with a school counseling practicum student from Johns Hopkins University, Ms. Anne Scully. All parents/guardians will be asked to complete a permission form from JHU. If you would like for your student to be considered for MindUp, please fill out the linked FORM by October 3rd. Space is limited to 5 participants.

Change Makers:  FIFTH GRADE Girls’ Empowerment Group, DURING LUNCH (12:50-1:20).(November- December; 8-weeks)

In this small group, participants will focus on strengthening self-esteem and self-perception, creating a positive self-image, and becoming positive female leaders in their communities.  Specific group topics will focus on developing a growth mindset and identifying feelings, handling conflict, identifying support systems and positive role models, handling peer pressure, and using social media appropriately and safely.  If you would like for your student to be considered for Change Makers, please fill out the linked FORM by October 3rd.  Space is limited.  Keep an eye out for our boys’ equivalent in the spring!