CHRISTMAS TIPS FOR PARENTS

Christmas Tips:

Christmas can be fun and exciting, but also stressful both for parents and children.  Expectations can be high and the emphasis on having the ‘perfect family Christmas’ can highlight difficulties, especially if someone in the family is feeling depressed, anxious or having behaviour problems.

Read on for our tips on keeping calm this Christmas…

1. Planning

• Plan ahead so older children can have time with friends as well as family, to prevent everyone getting on top of each other and winding each other up.
• Set holiday boundaries around xbox, computer, games, phones etc at the start of the holidays, so everyone knows what they are allowed to do.
• Agree ahead of time what jobs you will need help with, so it’s not a horrible surprise if you ask your child to help with clearing up, but they want to be playing on their new phone.
• If you are in a one-parent or step-family, make a list of who needs to see who and agree it in advance so people don’t feel let down. If contact isn’t possible for whatever reason, set a time to ring or skype.
• You might want to consider getting together with other families if you are a single parent, to share both the fun and the work.
• If your children have homework to do over the holidays, agree at the beginning of the holiday when this is going to be done, to avoid arguments later.
• Write things on the calendar so everyone knows what is happening when.

2. Presents

• Be honest about presents, so expectations are not too high and children don’t get disappointed.
• If your children ask for something really expensive and you can’t afford it, be honest and tell them that, and say it doesn’t mean you love them any less.
  

 3. Emotions and Behaviour

• Getting outside, even if the weather is rubbish, is good for everyone’s mood and helps avoid ‘cabin fever’.
• Although it’s fun when routines go out of the window for a bit, if your child is constantly sleep-deprived this will affect their moods and behaviour, so encourage them to have a few early nights now and then.
• Even the closest families can be annoying. It can help to make a decision early on to pick your battles wisely, and let some minor irritations go.
• Remember, you don’t have to keep everyone happy all the time. If the going gets tough, see if you can escape for just a bit and let someone else take responsibility.
• If your child suffers from anxiety and doesn’t react well to change, prepare them well in advance and explain to them all the things that will be different – for example not having to go to school, decorating the house and eating special food, and seeing friends or relatives.
• If your child is anxious and likes routine, you can set up a Christmas holiday routine with agreed bedtimes etc to make them feel more comfortable. Then on particular days (for example Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve), you can say that things will be different for that day.
• Plan ahead with your child about their feelings and how to manage if they are feeling down. For example, if they find sitting around with relatives stressful, agree a time scale such as being downstairs for half an hour, and then have an excuse they can use to leave the room, such as wrapping presents for friends.
• If your child has behavioural problems, discuss with them beforehand what behaviour they need to try hard with, and offer them a reward for doing their best. Tell them what will happen if they can’t keep their side of the bargain, and follow through calmly.
• If your child has mental health problems and other family members don’t know, plan ahead with your child how to handle this – they might want you to mention it in advance but for no-one to talk about it on the day.
• If your child is on medication, make sure you have enough to get through the holiday period and support them to take it as being out of the normal routine can make it harder to remember.
• If your child has regular mental health or therapy appointments, there will probably be a gap in these over Christmas. Make sure you and your child know the date of the next one and your child can write things down or ‘save’ them to talk about then, if that helps.
• If your child has had mental health crises in the past, or you are worried that this will be a difficult time for them, make sure you ask your GP or mental health team for the number of who you should call in a crisis.
• If you need support, remember there are lots of online forums such as Mumsnet where you can let off steam. Samaritans and Family Lives also have helplines you can contact.

Shared from http://www.youngminds.org.uk/

What Students Need to Know for SAT Test Day

What Students Need to Know for Test Day Must Bring Their Admission Ticket (sign in to print ticket) Acceptable photo ID Two No. 2 pencils An approved calculator Can Bring A watch without an audible alarm A drink and/or snack for the break Do Not Bring Tablets, computers, cameras, or most other electronic devices Highlighters, pens, colored pencils Books or papers Be sure to review our phone and electronic device policy. Get the test day checklist for more details. Timing They should arrive at the test center by 7:45 a.m. The SAT® with Essay ends between 12:50 and 1:20 p.m. The SAT without Essay ends between noon and 12:30 p.m. SAT Subject Tests™ end around 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or 12:30 p.m., depending on whether they are taking one, two, or three tests. Canceling or Changing Their Test Date If they are sick or unable to attend the SAT this Saturday, they should contact Customer Service to discuss their options. Additional Info Test center closings International policies

HELPING CHILDREN SAY GOODBYE TO TEACHERS AND FRIENDS

Saying goodbye is a lifelong process. Throughout our lives we say goodbye to people, things, and routines. As the school year comes to a close, children will be saying farewell to teachers, friends, and a daily routine they have come to expect. Even young children in child care may experience goodbyes as classmates go away on vacation or they transition to another classroom.

With a little planning, saying goodbye to teachers and friends and moving from one class to another, or from school to summer, can be fun and exciting.

• Emotions are OK but be encouraging. Our children's reactions may take many forms, often happy and sad all at the same time. Children may react to change with excitement and enthusiasm, or crying, sulking and even using aggression. Talk to your child about the positive things. Too much talk about how hard it is to say goodbye can sometimes make our children more upset. While we should never ignore our children's feelings, it's also important to be encouraging.
• Create a classroom scrapbook. Pictures of teachers and friends are great sources of enjoyment for children. Younger children may only be able to remember experiences with the aid of photographs. Using a class photo, have your child write or dictate one thing about each child in their class - descriptions can range from silly behaviors to special talents.
• Make a video or audio recording. Record your child talking about their school, their teachers, a favorite project, or their friends. Children love to see and hear themselves and it will be a nice reminder of their favorite memories from time spent in the classroom or school.
• Write a friendship note to classmates. Have your child write or dictate a note to classroom friends. Include your mailing address and offer to become summer pen pals. Your child will love to receive letters throughout the summer.
• Use painting, drawing, and storytelling to record special memories. Artwork and storytelling are excellent ways for children to express their feelings. Have your child draw a picture. You can write what he tells you about his story. You can suggest a theme, like your child's favorite field trip, activity, book or toy at school.

What to Do at Home

After saying goodbye, help your child establish a new routine, stay connected to old friends if possible, and prepare for the following class or school year. Here are some ideas:

• Have a summer routine. Whether they attend summer camp or spend the summer at home, children of all ages find comfort and security in simple routines. Though summer rules may be more relaxed, it’s helpful to establish some about snacking, the use of electronics, spending money, etc.
• Arrange ways for your child to see friends. Many children worry that they may lose their friends if they don't see them. It's harder to coordinate times to get together once summer has started. Schedule and plan a few play dates before school is out. Collect addresses and phone numbers of friends.
• Find out as much as possible about next year. If your child is moving to a new grade in the same school, find out who the teachers are. Some schools don't give class assignments until the end of summer. Most schools provide a supply list for the next year and many have a "move up" day or simple orientation about the next grade before school is out.
• Plan some fun family events. Sports camps and fancy vacations aren't the only way to have family fun. Ask your child for suggestions about what she would like to do. Go for walks, check-out a local park, or find a good ice cream stand.

Letting go of the security of the familiar, embracing a new opportunity, and exploring the unknown take courage. Helping our children adapt to new situations can ease our minds while giving our children meaningful keepsakes and fun summer experiences.

Shared from http://www.brighthorizons.com/

Week of Oct. 24-28

COUNSELING NEWS:

Visit/Activity	Date	Time	Place	Participants
Effective Communication/Friendship Talk	October 24, 2016 ( Monday)	8:00 a.m.	Ms. Karen’s Room	4th graders
Good Manners/Friendship Talk	October 26, 2016 ( Wednesday)	2:10 p.m.	Ms. Valencia’s Rm	1st graders
Snow College  ( Utah)	October 27, 2016 ( Thursday)	11:45 a.m.	Conference Room	Juniors/Seniors

Snow College ( Upcoming visit on Oct. 27, 2016)

Weeks of October 3-7 and Oct. 10-14

COUNSELING NEWS:

Visit/Activity	Date	Time	Place	Participants
Calvin College ( Michigan)	October 10, 2016 ( Monday)	1:15 p.m.	Conference Room	Juniors/Seniors
Career Aptitude Test	October 11, 2016 ( Tuesday)	9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.	UNITEC	Juniors
Universidad de Navarra ( Spain)	October 12, 2016 ( Wednesday)	11:45 a.m.	Conference Room	Juniors/Seniors
Suffolk University ( Boston)	October 12, 2016 ( Wednesday)	2:10 p.m.	Conference Room	Juniors/Seniors
Mount Mercy University ( Iowa)	October 14, 2016 ( Friday)	11:45 a.m.	Conference Room	Juniors/Seniors
Effective Communication for Good Friendships Talk	October 13, 2016 ( Thursday)	8:00 a.m.	Mr. Andrew’s Room	3rd graders
		10:55 a.m.	Ms. Elena’s Room	2nd graders
PSAT pre-administration session	October 18, 2016 ( Tuesday)	8:00 a.m.	Ms. Jazmin’s room	10th graders
PSAT exam	October 19, 2016 ( Wednesday)	8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.	Room 7 Secondary Building	10th graders

Week of Sep. 26- 30

COUNSELING NEWS:

Visit/Activity	Date	Time	Place	Participants
Good Manners & Friendship Talk	September 27, 2016 ( Tuesday)	11:20 a.m.	PK-A room	PK-A class
Family: School of Duties and Rights Presentation	September 28, 2016 ( Wednesday)	12:00 p.m.	Conference room	All Parents
Good Manners & Friendship Talk	September 29, 2016  ( Thursday)	10:10 a.m.	Kinder room	Kinder class
University of New Brunswick ( Canada)	September 29, 2016 ( Thursday)	11:45 a.m.	Conference Room	Juniors/Seniors
Good Manners & Friendship Talk	September 30, 2016 ( Friday)	10:00 a.m.	PK-B room	PK- B class
PSAT pre-administration session	October 18, 2016 ( Tuesday)	8:00 a.m.	Ms. Jazmin’s room	10th graders
PSAT exam	October 19, 2016 ( Wednesday)	8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.	Room 7 Secondary Building	10th graders

ACT Exam Information

Last week, information about the ACT exam was provided to the Junior and Senior students. Both the SAT and ACT are accepted and equally valued by all four-year universities in the United States. The packet provides detailed information on what the ACT consists of, dates, and the differences between it and the SAT. We encourage parents to discuss this information with their child to decide what the best testing option for them is.

Presentation to Parents:

 We cordially invite all DS school parents to attend a presentation that will be given by the Lic. Manuel Morales on the topic “Family: School of Duties and Rights”. This presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 28, at 12:00 p.m., in the Conference Room. The school will be providing some refreshments. We hope you will be able to attend!