School Counseling Newsletter (4th Ed.): Gender & Self-Esteem

Exploring Gender Roles & Improving Self-Esteem

As a means of facilitating positive development and social-emotional learning among the students at my school, I created the first Student Wellness Newsletter. Over the course of last year, I was able to publish 4 newsletters-- each one covering factors relating to our emotional and physical self. Following the first release, I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback, and more importantly, by the amount of students who wanted to get involved. It became a platform for students to express their thoughts and share their experiences, ultimately generating constructive conversation and better awareness of some sensitive issues. The newsletter was so successful that a club was organized for students to continue publishing "The Chill" for years to come. Here is the 4th ed. of "The Chill". To check out other editions of "The Chill" click here!

Student Wellness Newsletter-- The Chill (4th Ed.): Gender and Self-Esteem from Alexandra Rupp

School Counseling Newsletter (3rd Ed.): Relationships

Exploring Healthy Relationships, identifying Abuse, and building better Communication Skills

The third edition of The Chill is my favorite edition! I started to get the hang of organizing the information I wanted to include and my digital design skills have really improved. This edition focuses on relationships-- we explore ways to build healthy relationships, how to identify abusive behaviors, and real-life stories from student survivors of domestic abuse. LoveIsRespect is an incredible resource for additional information on relationships. This organization is devoted to educating and empowering young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. Check it out!

The chill #3 healthy relationships from Alexandra Rupp

Privilege: Some ideas and Activities to do with Students

A trending topic of discussion in todays social realm is an important one: Privilege. Privilege is defined as a sociological concept that some individuals and/or goups have a right, immunity, benefit, or advantage relative to others. Privilege is unlearned access to social power based on membership in a dominant social group. Privilege is a concept that many argue to define. Many people have a harder time accepting the fact that they have certain advantages or social privileges. Besides the controversy, privilege is a fact, and it exists in our world today. When I first started to learn and understand the concept of privilege and began accept the privileges I have as a white person, I initially carried a sense of guilt with me--but, this was selfish of me. I shouldn't feel guilty of how my privilege marginalizes others. Instead, I should use my privilege as an opportunity to learn and be responsible so that we may work towards a more just and inclusive world. As school counselors, teaching students to be aware of their social privileges is a responsibility towards these efforts. Teaching Tolerance is a great website with tons of educational resources to use in your classroom or counseling program. Here are so awesome videos with ideas and activities that can be used with students in learning privilege!

Check out this edition of The Chill for additional resources on diversity and privilege! 

School Counseling Newsletter (2nd Ed.): Identity & Cultural Diversity

What is Identity?: Acknowledging Our Similarities and Celebrating Our Differences! 

This 2nd edition of the chill explores our cultural identity and diversity. It dives into the lives of young black males during a time of the Ferguson shootings. This edition of the newsletter is awesome! It provides essential information to support social emotional learning. I really enjoyed working with students to share their voice and experiences. I hope you enjoy!

Counseling App: Middle School Confidential Series

I am constantly searching for new tools and ideas to utilize in counseling. I recently came across a new app called Middle School Confidential. This app corresponds with the full-graphic series for ages 11-14, on essential life skills. Each book focuses on a common stumbling block on the road to high school and beyond. And in each one, readers follow the adventures of a group of 7th graders who are just trying to navigate through the ever-changing drama taking place in their friendships, their families, and of course, at good old Milldale Middle School.

The series includes 3 different books: Book 1: Be Confident in Who you Are, Book 2: Real Friends vs. the Other Kind, Book 3: What's Up with my Family. You can purchase the Books, but I loved having the app. It is so interactive and looks like a live comic book. The best part is the FREE Leader's Guide to help you guide students through discussions and tons of activities to do with each chapter in all three books. You can tailor the lessons to better fit the student you are working with. This resource is amazing and I used it with all my students during my internship. Check out all the formats and tools for Middle School Confidential!!

The Counseling Room: 6 Items every School Counselor should have!

Being new to the school counseling world, I have spent an incredible amount of time on Pinterest browsing for items to have in my office and have pinned hundreds of ideas for activities, games, furniture and decor. I was determined to create a room that kids would enjoy and feel comfortable in. Here is a list of a few items that my students and I loved!!

 1. Kinetic Sand Box

This stuff is amazing! It is therapeutic, fun, and most of all-- CLEAN. The best alternative to using an actual sandbox. Kinetic sand is also a great Play Therapy tool! This was definitely one of the hot items in the counseling room. 

2. Bean Bag Chair

Colorful, comfortable, and so much more fun than sitting in a chair. My students always chose to sit on the bean bag during our sessions. It was a cozy place to them to relax, blow off steam, etc. 

                                                    

 4. Instant Mini Photo Camera

Kids love taking pictures, especially selfies. This has come in handy for assignment calling for a picture of the student. The camera prints mini photos right away. Perfect for group activities or when you just want to capture a moment! 

5. Cool Art

A must have in every counseling room. It covers those blank cell walls, adding tons of ambiance. It also can provide inspiration and creativity! 

Water Kettle and Tea

I love having an electric tea kettle to make tea or coffee during the school day. I keep a stash of Caffeine-free Tea and honey for my students as well. The water heats super fast and automatically shuts off when the water is hot and ready!

School Counseling Newsletter (1st Ed.): The Chill

Wellness Newsletter for Adolescent Students

One of the things I took away from my internship as a school counselor is that there is just not enough hours in a day! The assumed goal to is tend to all students in need of support-- but with over 500 students and just two counselors, this was clearly a challenge. In an effort to reach every student and promote social emotional learning, I created a Wellness Newsletter. "The Chill" is the school's first publication for students. Every three to four months, through the school year, a new issue was released-- covering topics such as stress, relationships, gender, culture diversity, etc.

After the first issue was published, I was overwhelmed with the amount of positive feedback and participation from the students, teachers, and faculty. The Chill quickly became an outlet for discussion and expression. It initiated conversation about sensitive subjects and provided an opportunity to share traumatic stories, ultimately building stronger connections and support within the school community. 

So, here it is! The first edition of The Chill! Stay tuned next week for the 2nd issue focusing on Culture and Diversity!

The chill #1 final (1) from Alexandra Rupp