Guidance Updates – December 2009

As the first Trimester comes to a close and we move into the second, our Guidance classes are really on a roll!    All the classes are doing an excellent job of remembering our class time expectations for behaving respectfully, responsibly and safely.   This is helping us to use our class time effectively and learn a lot.   A lot of classes are getting ready to finish up their Guidance work on drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness within the next class period, so below I will list the upcoming topics for each grade.

Kindergarten – social skills and friendships skills

1^st Grade 2 – social skills and friendship skills

2^nd Grade – social skills and friendship skills

3^rd Grade – Iowa Learning about Life Curriculum – respect for people with physical disabilities

4^th Grade – Iowa Learning about Life Curriculum – respect for people with learning or mental disabilities

5^th Grade – Building positive relationships with peers – anti-bullying

6^th Grade – Building positive relationships with parents, teachers and other adults

7^th Grade – Human growth and development

8^th Grade – Human growth and development

The 7^th graders have spent some time playing the role of “counselor” during class, by answering some sample student letters expressing issues with tests.   Below is one of their responses.    We hope you find their advice helpful!!!

Dear Counselor:   Every time I get ready to study, or am right in the middle of studying, I get interrupted by some member of my family playing the TV real loud, or screaming and fighting and stuff like that.  And no matter where I go in the house, I can still hear the TV and fighting and stuff.  I am afraid I am going to fail if this keeps on happening.   What should I do?     Dear Student,   When you study you could ask your family members to keep it down.  Also, if you live near a friend you could go to their house and study with them.  You could also tell your family to stop arguing.  Also if your teacher allows it, you could have extra study time before the test.   Sincerely, Alex D., Beth, Caleb, and Conner

I hope you and your families have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Mrs. Rodine

Guidance Counselor

jrodine@dowling.pvt.k12.ia.us