Counselor’s Corner

From Julie Jobak, School Counselor:

This page contains information about our Social-Emotional programs, curriculum and resources.  

Our students at Arroyo will have access to learning and practicing a variety of social-emotional tools that will help foster a positive and caring school climate. The School Counselor, Teachers, and Administrators are working together to guide learners through several complementary programs: Sown to Grow, Second Step, Digital Passport and Restorative Practices.

• Sown to Grow
• Second Step
• Digital Passport
• Restorative Practices

Sown to Grow

Sown to Grow is a program that allows students to check-in emotionally, set goals, and consistently reflect on their progress.  School staff can see students who are struggling, provide support, and measure growth.  

Teachers will introduce weekly topics that allow students to grow in their social-emotional awareness and students will have an opportunity to to reflect on the impact of these lessons.  Students also use Sown to Grow to set academic and personal goals and reflect on their progress each trimester.  

Second Step
Second Step is a wonderful program to help students with social and emotional growth; specifically focusing on Empathy, Safety, Emotion Management, and Problem Solving. Research is showing that students with strong social-emotional skills are much more successful throughout life.

Learn more about how to support your child with strong social and emotional growth at secondstep.org.

These are Activation Keys to access more resources for each grade level:

Fourth Grade: SSP4 FAMI LY74
Fifth Grade: SSP5 FAMI LY75  

Home Links are available for you to learn and practice these skills with your child.

DIGITAL PASSPORT

As part of our yearlong safety and citizenship lessons at Arroyo, our students complete digital citizenship lessons from Common Sense Media and each earned their “digital passport.”

Common Sense Media is non-profit organization dedicated to safety education for kids and families. The mobile app and website are popular research tools for families used for selecting TV shows, movies and games suitable for young children.

At Arroyo, Students will complete five-lessons to earn their “Digital Passport.” They will played games on the computer designed to teach safety concepts, such as how and when it is appropriate to share information online. At the end of the unit, students will receive a badge that signifies that they have learned the core concepts of digital safety, respect, and community.

Here are some helpful resources to reference when you talk at home with your child about the various safety responsibilities of being online:

• Common Sense Media – Website with resources, ratings, FAQs, etc.
• Common Sense Media Connecting Families
• Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship – Discuss these with your children
• Family Online Safety Institute
• Top 10 Social Networks & Apps Your Kids Use
• Stop Cyberbullying Parent Resources
• 10 Tips for Digital Citizens’ Parents
• Nine Ways to Set Limits on Screentime
• Technology Addiction: Concern, Controversy, and Finding Balance – from Common Sense Media

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

The School Counselor and teachers will aim to build stronger relationships within their classroom and across the school by incorporating this community-building structure. Students and staff will regularly gather in circles to check-in, learn, and discuss, so that there is a foundation of active listening, open communication, and trust.