May
CAREER EXPLORATION
Every year school counselors teach grades K-5 the six career paths. Students learn to identify the six career paths (linked on my website below) and make connections between the skills required of workers and their personal interests related to various careers. These lessons build a foundation for continued career exploration in middle school and high school. Now is a great time to have some fun family career conversations!
PARENT RESOURCES
*Conscious Discipline Tip of the Month*
Conscious Discipline is a proven, comprehensive approach that empowers adults with skills that create a safe, connected, problem-solving environment.
Practicing the Skill of Consequences
Conscious Discipline Family Discussions Questions:
Provided children are safe, allowing them to experience a natural consequence is the most powerful motivator.
Discuss what a natural consequence be for each of the following situations:
(You will have to create a free account to view.)
Every year school counselors teach grades K-5 the six career paths. Students learn to identify the six career paths (linked on my website below) and make connections between the skills required of workers and their personal interests related to various careers. These lessons build a foundation for continued career exploration in middle school and high school. Now is a great time to have some fun family career conversations!
- What interests do you have? What strengths do you have?
- What career path best matches your interests and strengths?
- What jobs do you think might exist in the future, even though they don’t exist yet?
- What jobs exist now that did not exist when mom or dad were little?
PARENT RESOURCES
*Conscious Discipline Tip of the Month*
Conscious Discipline is a proven, comprehensive approach that empowers adults with skills that create a safe, connected, problem-solving environment.
Practicing the Skill of Consequences
Conscious Discipline Family Discussions Questions:
Provided children are safe, allowing them to experience a natural consequence is the most powerful motivator.
Discuss what a natural consequence be for each of the following situations:
- You wear sandals to school on a rainy day.
- You choose to play video games instead of studying for your social studies test.
- You leave your project at home that is due to your teacher on that day.
- You yell a rude comment at a sibling while they are taking time to play a game with you.
- Want to learn more about how to use consequences effectively?
(You will have to create a free account to view.)
April
Kindergarten - 4th Grade
Last week during our counselor lessons we continued our discussion from a previous lesson about accepting differences. This lesson specifically focused on differences in personality, interests and likes and dislikes. We discussed how we can be different and still be friends. We also talked about how we don’t have to be friends with everyone, but we can always choose to be friendly and how others' differences can teach us something new. The students practiced ways to have empathy and show compassion to others.
5th Grade
The week before spring break we finished up our Riding the Waves lessons. In your student's counselor lessons we discussed how to recognize other people’s feelings by observing and listening.
Practicing the Skill of Empathy
Conscious Discipline Family Discussions Questions:
Empathy means understanding what another person feels, and having insight into his or her thoughts and actions.
How can you show others empathy?
What makes this difficult?
Pretend you notice that your family member is feeling angry. What can you say and do?
Pretend you notice that your family member is feeling sad. What can you say and do?
How To Teach Kids Empathy
Here are six ways to teach empathy to your children, whether they are toddlers, preschool aged, or school aged.
By Samantha Rodman, PhD
Clinical psychologist, author, founder of DrPsychMom.com
People often ask how to cultivate empathy in their children. Instead of only understanding their own point of view, parents want their children to learn how to share, take others' perspectives, and how to value other people's opinions just as they value their own. Although this skill can be tough when kids are very young, it is never too early to focus on empathy in the home and outside of it.
Click here to read more
Last week during our counselor lessons we continued our discussion from a previous lesson about accepting differences. This lesson specifically focused on differences in personality, interests and likes and dislikes. We discussed how we can be different and still be friends. We also talked about how we don’t have to be friends with everyone, but we can always choose to be friendly and how others' differences can teach us something new. The students practiced ways to have empathy and show compassion to others.
5th Grade
The week before spring break we finished up our Riding the Waves lessons. In your student's counselor lessons we discussed how to recognize other people’s feelings by observing and listening.
- Sometimes our friends tell us exactly what they are feeling but not always. So we practiced making reflective statements like: “You look ____________ .“ “You seem _________.” We call these Non-Nosey Questions.
- We also learned some Follow-Up Questions that they could ask their friend like: “Do you want to tell me what is going on?” or “I’m your friend; can I help you?”
- We discussed when it is appropriate to involve an adult.
- We identified when your student might be worried about a friend and who they might turn to for help.
- We practiced what your student might say to a friend they are worried about.
- Ask your student what trusted adults they might go to in your family, at school, in your neighborhood, and in your community.
Practicing the Skill of Empathy
Conscious Discipline Family Discussions Questions:
Empathy means understanding what another person feels, and having insight into his or her thoughts and actions.
How can you show others empathy?
What makes this difficult?
Pretend you notice that your family member is feeling angry. What can you say and do?
Pretend you notice that your family member is feeling sad. What can you say and do?
How To Teach Kids Empathy
Here are six ways to teach empathy to your children, whether they are toddlers, preschool aged, or school aged.
By Samantha Rodman, PhD
Clinical psychologist, author, founder of DrPsychMom.com
People often ask how to cultivate empathy in their children. Instead of only understanding their own point of view, parents want their children to learn how to share, take others' perspectives, and how to value other people's opinions just as they value their own. Although this skill can be tough when kids are very young, it is never too early to focus on empathy in the home and outside of it.
Click here to read more
March
Kindergarten - 4th Grade
Students will learn about the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. Lessons will include activities that help students learn and practice how to identify positive self-talk as well as how to apply strategies needed to maintain a growth mindset.
5th Grade
We will be learning about the following during our Riding the Waves lesson:
Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset Video
*This resource is courtesy of Big Life Journal. Please click below for the link to the full article*
Top 10 Growth Mindset Resources for parents
1. Read the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. Chapter 7 discusses growth mindset in kids.
2. One page Parent’s Guide to a Growth Mindset
3. Online course: Growth Mindset for Parents – this is a short and free online course with 10 lessons. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
4. Growth Mindset Ted Talk – by Carol Dweck (10 minutes)
5. Weekly Growth Mindset Printables
6. Edutopia’s List of Growth Mindset Resources
7. The Big Life Journal – this is a growth mindset journal for kids (ages 7-10).
9. Growth Mindset videos for children – videos by Class Dojo
10. How to Develop a Growth Mindset in Kids - Video
Students will learn about the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. Lessons will include activities that help students learn and practice how to identify positive self-talk as well as how to apply strategies needed to maintain a growth mindset.
5th Grade
We will be learning about the following during our Riding the Waves lesson:
- The health benefits of laughing. That laughing can be a stress reliever—a way of helping oneself feel better.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation as a way to handle stress. We will discuss how progressive muscle relaxation can help you relax your body and mind when you are feeling stressed or uptight.
- Talking can be a way of handling their intense feelings. The students will identify traits that make someone a good person to talk to. We will review when it is important to talk to a trusted adult versus a friend and how to start an important conversation.
Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset Video
*This resource is courtesy of Big Life Journal. Please click below for the link to the full article*
Top 10 Growth Mindset Resources for parents
1. Read the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. Chapter 7 discusses growth mindset in kids.
2. One page Parent’s Guide to a Growth Mindset
3. Online course: Growth Mindset for Parents – this is a short and free online course with 10 lessons. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
4. Growth Mindset Ted Talk – by Carol Dweck (10 minutes)
5. Weekly Growth Mindset Printables
6. Edutopia’s List of Growth Mindset Resources
7. The Big Life Journal – this is a growth mindset journal for kids (ages 7-10).
9. Growth Mindset videos for children – videos by Class Dojo
10. How to Develop a Growth Mindset in Kids - Video
February
Kindergarten - 4th Grade
Students will learn about characteristics that make a healthy friendship and how to respectfully and peacefully resolve conflicts.
5th Grade
Students will be learning about values and positive ways to solve problems. They will understand the importance of using their values to determine the difference between unhealthy and healthy friendships. We will talk about the importance of being in control of our emotions as the first step to solving problems. We will focus on interpersonal problems, or conflicts between people. We will practice 3 positive ways to handle interpersonal problems: 1) Moving on 2) Talking 3) Making a Choice. Talk to your child about a simple interpersonal problem - real or imaginary - and ask your child to show you how they might solve it by using one of the three strategies.
Students will learn about characteristics that make a healthy friendship and how to respectfully and peacefully resolve conflicts.
5th Grade
Students will be learning about values and positive ways to solve problems. They will understand the importance of using their values to determine the difference between unhealthy and healthy friendships. We will talk about the importance of being in control of our emotions as the first step to solving problems. We will focus on interpersonal problems, or conflicts between people. We will practice 3 positive ways to handle interpersonal problems: 1) Moving on 2) Talking 3) Making a Choice. Talk to your child about a simple interpersonal problem - real or imaginary - and ask your child to show you how they might solve it by using one of the three strategies.
January
The students will be learning about bullying, mean moments and conflicts.
What Is Bullying?
Not every mean thing that happens to us is bullying. We are working to change our vocabulary to really explain what is happening, so we know the best way to help.
Bullying is very specific and meets 4 criteria:
- Unequal balance of power - The target feels as though they cannot stop it and needs help
- Physical, Emotional, Social or Cyber hurting - It can be one of these hurtful behaviors over and over or a mix of several of them
- Repeatedly hurtful - When someone is bullying they are hurtful over and over
- Intentional
Conflict
- No one is having fun
- There is a possible solution
- Equal balance of power - both people or groups are arguing back and forth
Students will be learning about conflict resolution and problem solving. Lessons will include activities that help students learn how to be assertive by using I-statements. With these lessons, students will able to practice using their “Big Voice” to tell others “I don’t like it when, please” and “I feel, when, I would like.” Students will also learn how to use the Conscious Discipline “Time Machine” to go through the steps of conflict resolution. Click here for a video explaining the “Time Machine.”
https://consciousdiscipline.com/videos/conflict-resolution-time-machine/
Mean Moment
- Usually a reaction to a strong feeling
- Someone is physical, emotional, or socially hurt
- Isolated (one time) event
What Can I Do??
In counseling lessons we are talking about what to do if we see bullying or someone having a mean moment. We learn to be an UPSTANDER instead of just being a bystander.
UPSTANDERS have some choices when it comes to stopping bullying.
They can:
- Report - Get an adult and ask for help
- Support - We can take the target away from the bullying or ask them what you can do to help. Even doing something as small as standing with the target can make the unkind person think twice before being hurtful.
- Stand Up - The final choice is to stand up to the unkind person by telling them that it is not okay to treat people that way.
The focus of Riding the Waves lessons is on identifying sources of stress and learning healthy ways of coping. During our Riding the Waves lesson, the students will learn:
- how to use belly breathing and imagination techniques as ways to calm down
- about the skill of journaling as a way of handling intense feelings.
Additional Resources for Parents
Conscious Discipline is a proven, comprehensive approach that empowers adults with skills that create a safe, connected, problem-solving environment.
How to Respond and to Help Your Child Respond When Another Child is Being Mean to Them
Bully Prevention Video Series
Tips on How to Coach Your Child Through Their Emotions
Problem Solving
Teach the stoplight:
a. Red light = take 3 deep breaths
b. Yellow light = evaluate the problem
c. Green light = choose a strategy
*This resource is courtesy of PBSKids.org. Please click below for the link to the full article*
5 Strategies to Help Kids Resolve Conflicts
Model empathy. Listen and show empathy to help kids feel heard and understood.
Practice talking about feelings. Teach your child to use “I feel” statements.
“I feel sad when you leave me out at recess. Can you please include me next time?”
“I feel frustrated when you don’t give me a chance to talk. Please wait your turn to talk.”
Practice brainstorming solutions. Kids become better problem solvers when they figure out solutions on their own. Have them write out what happened from start to finish from their point of view and help them brainstorm different solutions to the problem.Create a jar of problem solving sticks. When brainstorming problem solving solutions with your child, write them on popsicle sticks and store them in a jar for later use.
This short video explains our choices and is a good video to watch with the kids to help them to visualize the choices of being an UPSTANDER!
Be an Upstander!
Stopbullying.gov‘s mission is to provide information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.
December
The students have been learning to respect and celebrate the differences in people. Lessons focused on helping students identify what makes them unique and special and identifying similarities and differences between themselves and others. Students practiced skills of compassion, empathy and respecting diverse groups. The students also learned the difference between tolerance and intolerance. In addition, we discussed the different classifications of intolerance and what prejudice, discrimination, racism, bullying, and harassment mean.
November
Personal Safety (November): The students will learn ways to keep themselves safe. Lessons will focus on personal safety around people they know, kind of know and don’t know. Students will learn the difference between comfortable and uncomfortable touch, what privacy means, how to say “NO!” in an assertive/ big voice, who their trusted adults are and how to get help from an adult if needed.
Committee for Children Hot Chocolate Talk - provides families with research-based tools to help start the difficult, yet critically important conversation about child sexual abuse prevention.
For the conversation guide, click here.
Some additional books that could be helpful to read with your kiddo:
Committee for Children Hot Chocolate Talk - provides families with research-based tools to help start the difficult, yet critically important conversation about child sexual abuse prevention.
For the conversation guide, click here.
Some additional books that could be helpful to read with your kiddo:
October
One of my favorite parts of being a school counselor is getting to teach the students my counselor lessons throughout the year.
Kindergarten - 5th grade
Introduction to the Counselor (September)
The students learned about the role of the school counselor, exceptions to confidentiality, and how/why/when to make a referral to the school counselor. We also reviewed safe and respectful ways to solve a problem, specifically the power of an I-Message: “I don’t like it when… or I feel…” We also discussed feelings and reviewed possible coping skills.
Kindergarten - 4th grade
Our Feelings (October)
Students will learn that all feelings are okay. Some are comfortable & some are uncomfortable; feelings give us information and we get to choose how we handle the feelings. We will identify triggers and the physical clues in their bodies that follow that inform them when they start to have a big feeling. Students will learn how important it is to name the feeling, breathe, use positive self talk and how to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings.
Our Brain (October)
Students will learn the important role our brain plays in self regulation. Students will be taught the following parts of the brain:
5th grade - Riding the Waves lessons
The focus of Riding the Waves lessons is on identifying sources of stress and learning healthy ways of coping. During the first few lessons, student will learn:
PARENT RESOURCES
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE TIPS
Conscious Discipline is a proven, comprehensive approach that empowers adults with skills that create a safe, connected, problem-solving environment.
Do you struggle with tattling in your home? Then this article is for you! Powerful quote from the article: "The adult must have an assertive voice to teach the assertive voice to children. You can’t teach what you don’t know." Read more here: http://bit.ly/2MjEAza
Click here to view a short video of Dr. Dan Siegel explaining the hand model of the brain which is also what we teach to our students during this lesson.
49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child
Good video for kids explaining why we lose control of emotions sometimes: click here
Kindergarten - 5th grade
Introduction to the Counselor (September)
The students learned about the role of the school counselor, exceptions to confidentiality, and how/why/when to make a referral to the school counselor. We also reviewed safe and respectful ways to solve a problem, specifically the power of an I-Message: “I don’t like it when… or I feel…” We also discussed feelings and reviewed possible coping skills.
Kindergarten - 4th grade
Our Feelings (October)
Students will learn that all feelings are okay. Some are comfortable & some are uncomfortable; feelings give us information and we get to choose how we handle the feelings. We will identify triggers and the physical clues in their bodies that follow that inform them when they start to have a big feeling. Students will learn how important it is to name the feeling, breathe, use positive self talk and how to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings.
Our Brain (October)
Students will learn the important role our brain plays in self regulation. Students will be taught the following parts of the brain:
- Amygdala = feelings alarm
- Brain Stem = survival state
- Limbic System = emotional state
- Prefrontal Cortex = executive state/boss of the brain
5th grade - Riding the Waves lessons
The focus of Riding the Waves lessons is on identifying sources of stress and learning healthy ways of coping. During the first few lessons, student will learn:
- how dealing with emotions is like Riding the Waves.
- about the fact that getting older and going into middle school can make life complicated!
- the difference between positive and negative emotions and that sometimes our emotions go up and down, back and forth—just like surfing or Riding the Waves!
- instead of making bad choices in reaction to negative emotions, we practiced some better ways to handle those responses.
- about stress and peer pressure.
- depression is a medical illness that is diagnosed by a physician. It is also an emotion that can influence some of the things we do in our lives.
- clues that may make us think that someone could be depressed.
- there are lots of ways to show someone you care if you think they might be feeling depressed.
- who their trusted adults are in their community that they could talk to if they are concerned about a friend, or concerned about themself.
PARENT RESOURCES
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE TIPS
Conscious Discipline is a proven, comprehensive approach that empowers adults with skills that create a safe, connected, problem-solving environment.
- Interactive website with Conscious Discipline implementation
- Parenting with Conscious Discipline
- Tools for Your Parenting Toolbox from Conscious Discipline
- Setting up a Safe Place in your home
- How Do You Feel Chart
Do you struggle with tattling in your home? Then this article is for you! Powerful quote from the article: "The adult must have an assertive voice to teach the assertive voice to children. You can’t teach what you don’t know." Read more here: http://bit.ly/2MjEAza
Click here to view a short video of Dr. Dan Siegel explaining the hand model of the brain which is also what we teach to our students during this lesson.
49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child
Good video for kids explaining why we lose control of emotions sometimes: click here
August
Dear RE Parents,
I hope you and your families have had a nice summer. I can’t wait to see all the students soon. Below are a few resources you may find helpful as we get ready for school.
In need of school supplies?
Ray-Pec Cares and Community Bank will again be providing school supply assistance for families in need. This program is for Ray-Pec Families that are enrolled in school and in need of school supply assistance. Please fill this out for EACH student (PreK-8th grade) in your household that needs supplies. School supplies will be delivered to the school by the first day of school. Supplies will be provided on a first to sign-up, first-served basis. We will try our best to get everything on the list. Fill out this form by Sunday, August 6th: https://forms.gle/pH9GDHg45QLXfLuM9
In need of food over the weekends?
Caring About Nutrition (CAN)
Through the Raymore-Peculiar Public Schools Foundation (a 501(c)3 organization), the C.A.N. program is designed to assist students with nutritional needs while they are away from school over weekends. Qualifying students receive a weekly Friday child-friendly food package. This program is currently operating on donations of food, money, and time from volunteers. If you would like your child to receive food from the CAN program please be on the lookout for future emails that will include the form to fill out to request assistance.
In need of clothes?
The Panther Closet is open various times throughout the school year. They have clothing in sizes 3T through adults. It is located in the lower level of Raymore Elementary School. Please follow the Panther Closet Facebook page for ongoing information and updates. Times the closet will be open will be posted on the Facebook page and in the school district's weekly RP Update newsletter. To make an appointment due to a conflict with already scheduled open times, please email one of the following: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
The Panther Closet is a program of Ray-Pec Cares and the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation.
Free and reduced lunch
Breakfast and lunch meals for all students are available for purchase during the 2023-2024 school year. Your student(s) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Even if you think you might not qualify, the district encourages you to complete the free and reduced lunch application. Did you know that completing the application does more than qualify you for free meals at school? It provides funding to our schools, provides students and families with discounts and reduced fees, and qualifies students for scholarships and financial aid. You can complete the application online at: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Tips for Transitioning Back to School
Going back to school can cause a wide range of emotions for kids. Some are excited and cannot wait to see who will be in their class, while others are anxious about being in a new classroom. Whichever the case, transitions can be difficult for all children. Here are a few tips that may make the transition easier!
Making the Transition from POOL to SCHOOL
PBS Parents - You are Brave & Kind: Helping Your Child Get Ready for the First Day of School
Various Tips from Conscious Discipline
Various Tips from Love and Logic
Sleep Tips
Help your kids do their best by helping them get the right amount of sleep. A lack of sleep can leave kids feeling cranky, clumsy, forgetful, sluggish, or even hyperactive. Follow these simple tips to help your kids get a good night's sleep.
These tips are meant to help ease stress that may come with the first day of school. Most of all, whether it is the first day of school or the last, remind your child that you are there to listen to his or her feelings and concerns. Also remind them there is a school filled with caring adults who are super excited to meet him or her and make it the best year ever!
I hope you and your families have had a nice summer. I can’t wait to see all the students soon. Below are a few resources you may find helpful as we get ready for school.
In need of school supplies?
Ray-Pec Cares and Community Bank will again be providing school supply assistance for families in need. This program is for Ray-Pec Families that are enrolled in school and in need of school supply assistance. Please fill this out for EACH student (PreK-8th grade) in your household that needs supplies. School supplies will be delivered to the school by the first day of school. Supplies will be provided on a first to sign-up, first-served basis. We will try our best to get everything on the list. Fill out this form by Sunday, August 6th: https://forms.gle/pH9GDHg45QLXfLuM9
In need of food over the weekends?
Caring About Nutrition (CAN)
Through the Raymore-Peculiar Public Schools Foundation (a 501(c)3 organization), the C.A.N. program is designed to assist students with nutritional needs while they are away from school over weekends. Qualifying students receive a weekly Friday child-friendly food package. This program is currently operating on donations of food, money, and time from volunteers. If you would like your child to receive food from the CAN program please be on the lookout for future emails that will include the form to fill out to request assistance.
In need of clothes?
The Panther Closet is open various times throughout the school year. They have clothing in sizes 3T through adults. It is located in the lower level of Raymore Elementary School. Please follow the Panther Closet Facebook page for ongoing information and updates. Times the closet will be open will be posted on the Facebook page and in the school district's weekly RP Update newsletter. To make an appointment due to a conflict with already scheduled open times, please email one of the following: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
The Panther Closet is a program of Ray-Pec Cares and the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation.
Free and reduced lunch
Breakfast and lunch meals for all students are available for purchase during the 2023-2024 school year. Your student(s) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Even if you think you might not qualify, the district encourages you to complete the free and reduced lunch application. Did you know that completing the application does more than qualify you for free meals at school? It provides funding to our schools, provides students and families with discounts and reduced fees, and qualifies students for scholarships and financial aid. You can complete the application online at: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Tips for Transitioning Back to School
Going back to school can cause a wide range of emotions for kids. Some are excited and cannot wait to see who will be in their class, while others are anxious about being in a new classroom. Whichever the case, transitions can be difficult for all children. Here are a few tips that may make the transition easier!
Making the Transition from POOL to SCHOOL
- Remind your child that everyone feels a little nervous about the first day.
- Emphasize the positive things about going back to school (seeing old friends, meeting new classmates, getting to know your teacher).
- Encourage your child to smile and say hello to kids they know and new ones that they do not. Making new friends can be fun!
- Transition your child into a consistent school-night routine 1-2 weeks before school starts.
- Establish a reasonable bedtime so that they will be well rested and ready to learn in the morning (see below for more sleep tips).
- Eat a healthy breakfast- kids are more alert and do better in school if they eat a good breakfast every day.
- Have your child organize and set out what he or she needs for school the night before.
- Establish an after school plan with your child.
- Review bus, walking, biking, traffic, and stranger safety.
PBS Parents - You are Brave & Kind: Helping Your Child Get Ready for the First Day of School
Various Tips from Conscious Discipline
Various Tips from Love and Logic
Sleep Tips
Help your kids do their best by helping them get the right amount of sleep. A lack of sleep can leave kids feeling cranky, clumsy, forgetful, sluggish, or even hyperactive. Follow these simple tips to help your kids get a good night's sleep.
- Allow time for plenty of exercise during the daytime – at least one hour of physical activity a day
- Encourage kids to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, especially after 2 p.m.
- Turn off television, video games, cell phones and other screens at least 1-2 hours before bedtime
- Helps them feel prepared for the next day
- Helps their tissues, muscles and bones grow
- Helps keep their immune systems healthy (which helps to fight illness)
- Allows their brains to sort and store information
- Makes it easier for them to think, focus, remember and solve problems
- Restores their energy to be active during the day
- 3-5 year olds need 11-13 hours of sleep
- 5-12 year olds need 10-11 hours of sleep
- 13-17 year olds need 9-10 hours of sleep
These tips are meant to help ease stress that may come with the first day of school. Most of all, whether it is the first day of school or the last, remind your child that you are there to listen to his or her feelings and concerns. Also remind them there is a school filled with caring adults who are super excited to meet him or her and make it the best year ever!