Happy New Year!  

     I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas break and a wonderful beginning for 2016.  As we make our New Year's resolutions, it is a perfect time to remember the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that are being emphasized in this Jubilee Year of Mercy!  The season of advent was an exceptional way to kick off the year and we can renew our promises with our New Year's resolutions!  In the monthly guidance lessons, we will be applying the works of mercy into our Guidelines for Success.  

     At the K-3 Campus, we will focus on "Imitate Christ in All Things."  The various stories I will be reading will demonstrate at least one work of mercy if not more.  I hope to encourage the students to apply what they are learning in class to their everyday lives.

    At the 4-6 Campus, the 4th and 5th grades are reviewing "Respect Others and Yourself."  As I have said before, this is a difficult concept for students to define in their own words.  I look forward to teaching about respect through the works of mercy!  The 6th grade will be wrapping up the bullying curriculum.  I plan to incorporate the works of mercy in these classes as well.  After many attempts to find a working link to a perfect article about respect and failing to do so, I am resorting to the old fashioned way and typing the article I found in the Wall Street Journal, posted on December 17, 2015:

                                                     Parenting in the Age of Awfulness 

        Children are immersed in a culture that stokes disrespect.  Here's how to install some civility. 

                                                               by Leonard Sax

     Kyle was absorbed in a video game on his cell phone, so I asked his mom, "How long has Kyle had a stomach ache?"  Mom said, "I'm thinking it's been about two days."  Then Kyle replied, "Shut up mom.  You don't know what you're talking about."  And he gave a snorty laugh, without looking up from his video game.  Kyle is 10 years old.

     I have been a physician for 29 years.  This sort of language and behavior from a 10-year-old was very rare in the 1980s and the 1990s.  It would have been unusual a decade ago.  It is common today.  America's children are immersed in a culture of disrespect: for parents, teachers and one another.  They learn it from television, even on the Disney Channel, where parents are portrayed as clueless, out-of-touch or absent.  They learn it from celebrities or the Internet.  They learn it from social media.  They teach it to one another.  They wear t-shirts emblazoned with slogans like "I'm not shy.  I just don't like you."

     The challenge of raising children in America today is different from 30 or 50 years ago.  Back then, popular culture supported the authority of parents, whether it was the "Andy Griffith Show" in the 1960s or "Family Ties" in the 1980s.  Kids are not born knowing how to be respectful.  They have to be taught.  

     Multiple lines of evidence, including cohort studies such as the National Longitudinal Study of Youth, now demonstrates that disrespectful children are more likely to grow up anxious and depressed, three times more likely to be overweight, more likely to be fragile, less healthy and less creative, compared with respectful children.

     But don't give up hope.  Just as I see children like Kyle in my office, I also see children who are courteous, respectful, happy and confident.  Same race, ethnicity and household income.  But the parents are different, and they parent differently.

     For the past seven years, I've been talking with parents and their children, trying to understand why some children are respectful even though most of their peers are not.  The difference is in the parents.

     Here's some of what those parents have taught me: Require respectful behaviors at all times.  It's OK to disagree.  It's never OK to be disrespectful.  Prioritize the family.  The family meal at home is more important than piling on after-school extracurricular activities.  Instead of boosting self-esteem, teach humility.  Fight the cultural imperative to be "awesome."

     Moreover, no screens when you are with your child.  Put your cellphone away.  No electronic devices at the dinner table.  Teach the art of face-to-face conversation.  No devices in a public setting, such as the doctor's office.  Govern your children's use of social media, television and any device with a screen.

     If your going to make a change, don't be subtle.  New Year's Day is a good time as any to sit down with your children and explain that there are going to be some changes in how we talk, in how we behave, in how we treat one another.  It is possible to create a culture of respect in the home while living in the U.S. today.  It isn't easy, but it can be done.

     -Dr. Sax is a practicing physician in West Chester, P.A., and the author of "The Collapse of Parenting," out this month from Basic Books.

That article could not have come at a better time!  I'm as guilty as the next parent in doing some of these faux pas (playing on my phone in front of my kids-guilty)!  But it is never too late and it is a great time to make some changes!
     I am also including some resources about the Jubilee Year of Mercy.  Through this website, you can also sign up to receive monthly updates. http://info.americancatholic.org/year-of-mercy?portalId=465210&hsFormKey=b5c60689874480804a2fae470e80acbe&submissionGuid=0ee7f7b3-2aa3-45b0-9603-d0af999abe66#module_144909626408712921 
 Matthew Kelly's website ( http://dynamiccatholic.com/  ) could be another resource.  Matthew Kelly offered a wonderful program during advent, in which he sent out daily emails that reflected not only on advent but the works of mercy as well.  I am hoping that he will have another program for the upcoming Lenten season.  These websites offer explanation and encouragement for me, which I then pass on to the kids.  

    Here's to the new year-2016!  Have a wonderful month!

            Oh Come, Emmanuel!

     On December 8th, the Catholic Church begins the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.  We should focus on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, during this time. What better a time to begin focusing on what we can do for others, than the season of Advent?  As we prepare for the coming of Jesus and contemplate all that our Father has done for us, let us serve others.  The children at the K-3 and 4-6 Campuses will be learning more about how they can serve others.  This may be something as small as smiling at someone to making care packages for the homeless. 

    What are the children doing this month?  At the 4-6 Campus, the kids are asked to make donations for care packages being made by each grade level.  The children at the K-3 Campus will be making donations to the Glenmary Sisters.  So how can the works of mercy be incorporated into what they are doing?  Obviously, giving these donations is an example of clothing the naked or feeding the hungry, but what are the kids really doing? Many are bringing in the items that we, the parents have bought.  I am sure there are some children who use their own money to buy what they donate.  That is wonderful!  And if our children don't have the funds to buy anything-then what?  I am as guilty as the next parent of buying something at the store so my children can participate. Here is a suggestion (that I am going to try), have your children do extra chores to earn the money to buy what they want to donate.  This is just one of the many possibilities for teaching them the works of mercy! 

     The teachers are reading The Sparkle Box, by Jill Hardie, to the children at the K-3 Campus.  It is a wonderful story about a family that prepares a gift for the Baby Jesus, by serving others such as making a donation to a homeless man and donating clothes to a shelter.  On Christmas morning, the family opens a "sparkle box," which contains a written account of their good deeds. 

     In guidance class, I will be reading The First Christmas Tree: A Legend From Long Ago by Helen Haidle.  The trees have been told that the king will be born soon and begin to prepare gifts for him.  One small tree is told that he is not big enough to visit the king so he cares for many animals left behind.  

     Both stories focus on the "giving" part of Christmas, which works well with the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.  I hope that by teaching the children to focus on giving to others, they can truly enjoy the Christmas season, when we are given the best Christmas present we will ever receive!

     Of course I have some extra articles for you to read during the many hours of down time (in December-ha!).  My favorite go-to parenting blog, "We Are That Family," posted a new article, titled "10 Things Our Kids Don't Need For Christmas." Click here to read http://wearethatfamily.com/blog/.  If you are looking for a daily devotional for the advent season, try http://dynamiccatholic.com/.  Click on the "Best Advent Ever" signup button.  You will receive daily videos and devotions focusing on advent.  

      As always, I welcome any feedback or suggestions.  You can leave a message in the comment section or you can email me at kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org.  I hope you all have a blessed and peaceful Advent and Christmas season!

10 Things Our Kids Don’t Need This Christmas

10 Things Our Kids Don’t Need This Christmas

10 Things Our Kids Don’t Need This Christmas

          

       As we welcome November and the many blessings it holds, guidance classes are diving into responsibility and respect.  I love teaching these character traits to the students.  In searching for a guidance program, when I was first hired in 2012, I looked at a variety of programs.  From pillars to habits, I have come to the conclusion that our Guidelines for Success are the best traits or habits to teach!  The kids may think I'm crazy because I sometimes get so enthusiastic when teaching, however I really do feel that they can become successful Catholics by following them.  So I will continue to teach these guidelines with excitement!
     The students at the 4-6 Campus will focus on having responsible actions.  There are so many facets to this concept.  A person can be responsible for the well being of another person.  Or the responsibility may focus on something more concrete, such as homework.  And there is responsibility for a person's own behavior.  Teaching kids to be responsible for their actions is so difficult but beneficial.  In searching for parenting advice on this subject, I came across an article on Dr. James Dobson's website, Focus on the Family.  This article has some practical tips for teaching children how to be responsible for their behavior: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schoolage-children/curbing-the-blame-game-and-getting-rid-of-excuses. The 4th grade students will continue making their guidance books while the 5th grade students will be doing a fun activity while learning about responsible behaviors.  The 6th grade students began the anti bullying curriculum titled "Hero in You" last month.  They will have their second lesson in November. 
     The K-3 Campus is focusing on showing respect.  In teaching this trait, I have observed that students can give excellent examples of respect but struggle to define respect.  From a biblical viewpoint, I try to explain that we are made in the image of God and because of this we are all valuable.  Kids can relate to something being valuable.  "What is your most prized possession?"  When asked this question, kids can think of that special item that they cherish.  They are able to understand that some things are valuable because of how much money it may have cost or because it came from someone who has since died.  You can almost see some light bulbs come on when we talk about treating someone with respect because they are valuable because they are made in the likeness of God!  Here is an article I found on teaching respect to our children http://club31women.com/2015/03/3-good-reasons-i-wont-let-our-kids-disrespect-me/.  K-3 parents be on the look out for pictures, from the guidance classes, to be uploaded to the Seesaw app.  It's another new technology endeavor that I am trying!
     I wish everyone a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the (estimated) 700 blessings gracing our hallways.  As always, please feel free to comment or email me at kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org.

     The beginning of the month is always a whirlwind of activity for me.  New guidance lessons begin!  Both the K-3 and 4-6 Campuses get new bulletin boards depicting the "Guideline For Success" for that month.  Much thought goes into the bulletin boards and lessons.  I hope that an image, story or worksheet sticks in the kids' heads so that one day, when a particular concept is brought to their minds, they think, "I remember learning something about that."  Or they may think, "I know what that is and I know what to do!"
     As I teach the monthly guidance lessons, a particular phrase always comes to mind: "It takes a village to raise a child."  In today's society, the traditional family is changing.  Some changes are for the good and others are not.  Something that I have noticed is the fact that very rarely does a child just have a mom, dad, brother or sister and that's it!  There is usually a grandmother, grand father, aunt, uncle or someone that lends a hand and helps.  That is a special blessing!  I remember many important lessons about life that were taught by my grandparents.  The reason I bring this to mind is because the many teachers and staff that are in your child's/children's lives want to be there to help as well.  The faculty at these two schools want to be a part of that "village!"  In fact, they view this as part of their responsibility (K-3's guideline for this month) and hope to form a cooperative team (4-6's guideline for this month) with you!  When we take on these responsibilities together, the boundaries have no end.  I hope that the guidance lessons support what you are teaching at home and vice versa!    Often when I am working with classes, a student will say, "My mom says the same thing!"  or "I hear that at home, a lot!"  These comments let my know that I am on the right track.  The older I get, the more I realize that parenting is hard work and teaching is hard work!  We are all in this together.  So here are some articles that are for you!  I love this one by Kristen Welch where she talks about her experience and thoughts about parenting: http://wearethatfamily.com/2015/09/parenting-is-hard-especially-when-youre-doing-it-right/.
     The K-3 Campus guidance lessons will focus on "Having Responsible Actions."  I am big on responsibility!  I love teaching the kids about how they are becoming responsible people.  They have responsibilities at school, home and even in the church!  Here is at article from Focus On the Family that hits the responsibility nail on the head! http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schoolage-children/homework-and-responsibility  I mean it is spot on!  I half to laugh at myself when I read it.  I need to "crack the book" more myself and my children, especially my 16 year old would very much agree!  4-6 parents, even though this is not your guideline for the month, I encourage you to read ahead!
    The 4-6 Campus will begin guidance lessons this month.  MAP testing is finished (breathe a collective sigh) and I will be in the classrooms!  Fourth and fifth grades will focus on "Cooperate With Everyone."  Fourth grade will begin making their guidance books, and fifth grade will be doing more hands on activities.  The sixth grade classes will focus on a new bullying program that I am excited to begin teaching.  This curriculum is titled, Hero In You.  Each lesson begins with a Bible verse and it breaks down the entire bullying scenario to help students understand what bullying is and what they can do about it!  The focus is on the courage to stand up for what is right.  In this world today, this is a vital concept to learn.  Often when I talk with a student, they can tell me exactly what should be done in areas of conflict.  It's the "doing it" part that is such a struggle for them.  They are submersed in a world were they want to be liked and going against the grain is frowned upon.  So you can imagine how difficult it could be for a 10-13 year old to go against what everyone is doing, even though they know it should be done.  It takes courage and that is a focus in this program!
     I hope everyone has a great month of October!  Please feel free to contact me at kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org or leave a comment, if you feel comfortable doing so!

It's September Already?!
     We are quickly moving into September!  If you are like me, you're thinking, "Where is this year going?"  Hopefully all the students are getting settled into a routine, at school and at home.  The beginning of the school year can be a big adjustment for even the most seasoned veteran.  For those parents of younger school children, don't be alarmed if you still see tears or some hesitation.  With the Labor Day weekend coming up, students are sometimes thrown off with just the one day off.  Getting a daily routine in place is essential for students and for us as parents.  I encourage parents to utilize the drop-off line, with these types of situations.  This may not seem to make sense, but so often I see a student entering the building in tears, with Mom or Dad in tow.  Most frequently, the student quits crying and becomes engaged with the activities in the classroom before the parents have had time to make it to their car!  By utilizing the drop-off line, you can encourage you child to take charge of their day.  It is showing them that you trust them to make to their room and get their day started.  Also, it can be a lot easier on you in the long run. For some parents, their child is the opposite of the tearful one.  They can't wait to get out and be on their way!  And for the much older ones, being seen with mom in the drop off line is just down right embarrassing!  This is painful as well.  We work so hard to encourage our children to be independent and then when the time comes, we are taken aback.  "Where did that come from?  I want to be there for them and I want them to WANT me with them."

     As usual, I have found some good articles to check out if you are feeling this way.  Here is a good one: www.eden-ky.com/2015/06/training-wheels/.  Here is a good read for ways to encourage kids beginning the new school year-www.wearethatfamily.com/?s=back+to+school.  And finally this a good prayer for every parent with children in school: www.wearethatfamily.com/2014/08/a-back-to-school-prayer-for-my-children/.
   
 So what are we doing in guidance class this month?

For K-3 students, we are beginning to cover our fist Guideline for Success: Cooperate with everyone.  The students are also beginning with MAP testing, which you will learn more about during parent teacher conferences.
For 4-6 students , we are waiting until October to begin the guidance program, due to MAP testing.  Because of the grade level, they will be taking a few more tests, which will require more time.  I llok forward to beginning guidance lesson with them in October!

 

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful summer because everyone here, at the K-3 and 4-6 Campuses, is charged and ready for an exciting school year!  This is my fourth year as guidance counselor and I am stretching my wings.  My technological wings, that is.  I so enjoyed writing the newsletter for last school year.  I am always digging for inspirational and helpful articles pertaining to school and parenting.  However, I found that the written page did not provide enough space to include everything that I wanted to share.  So I am trying something new by creating my own blog!  My hope is to be able to give monthly updates pertaining to the guidance lessons as well as including links to the many articles that I discover.  You never know, I might be able to include a few pictures here and there!   So hang in there with me as I take this new step into the blogging world!