The Quarterly Connection | Spring 2021 Edition

The Tri-Valley Counseling and Guidance Department’s newsletter offers helpful information, advice and resources.

DO SOMETHING TODAY THAT YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU FOR

Our actions and decisions today will shape the way we will be living in the future.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are some tips and tricks for parents that will benefit their children’s mental health!

• Take Care of Yourself
  Children look to you as a model, so make sure you are taking the time and rest you deserve.
• Be Consistent
  Children need predictability and structure.
• Develop Self-Esteem
  Model positive self-talk, encourage independence and provide realistic praise.
• Watch for Red Flags
  A change in mood that lasts more than two weeks could signal a problem.
• Play Together
  On the back of this flyer are numerous activities you can do with the family!

Important Dates

• March 7-13: School Social Worker Appreciation Week
• March 20: First Day of Spring
• March 29: April 5: Spring Break
• April 22: Earth Day
• First Week of May: National Teacher Appreciation Week

Family Engagement Activities

It seems every day is a National Day, whether it is National Pancake Day or National Go for a Walk Day. Here are some fun National Days that could make for fun family activities! Of course you do not have to do these activities on specific days, but try for that month!

March 12 | National Plant a Flower Day

The sunshine and warmer weather of Spring are enough to lift people’s moods, but no one can resist the beauty of flowers: their colors and scents can put a smile on anyone’s face. Raise your spirits by planting some flowers today!

April 3 | National Find a Rainbow Day

Find yourself a rainbow or use the garden hose or a prism to make one yourself. Families, students, and classrooms–create a rainbow and put it up on a window for other people to find a rainbow!”

April 23 | National Picnic Day

Pack up a cooler or basket with a few of your favorite items. Visit a favorite park or recreation area. Lay the blanket out in the sun or shade and enjoy the day with a meal under the sky. If the weather does not cooperate, have a picnic in your home on the living room floor.

May 8 | National Mini-Golf Day

Watch out for the water hazards and the windmill! Meet your friends at your local miniature golf course and have a fun-filled day.

May 24 | National Scavenger Hunt Day

Either you or your kids can create a scavenger hunt for around the house or town! There are many pre-made scavenger hunts online as well!

We’re Here for You

The TVCSD psychologists, social workers and school counselors are here to help. Here’s how to reach them:

School Psychologists

• Stacy Swornik, ES
  845-985-2296, ext. 5513
• Michael March, SS
  845-985-2296, ext. 5535
• Margaret Ali, ES/SS
  845-985-2296, ext. 5538

Social Workers

• RoseAnn O’Connor, LCSW, ES
  845-985-2296, ext. 5541
• Jennifer Diehl, LCSW SS
  845-985-2296, ext. 5520

School Counselors

• Nicole Temple ES
  845-985-2296, ext. 5518
• Nicole Bishop
  845-985-2296, ext. 5507
• Mckenna Alonge
  845-985-2296, ext. 5506