Guidance Counselor's Corner
A message from your guidance counselor.
Ms. Malcolm,
Guidance Counselor
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Greetings and welcome to P.S. 201. We are committed to a strong educational program that promotes academic and personal growth for all of our students. Each student will become productive, responsible, confident individuals with strong academic foundation and the ability to make intelligent choices. Our goal is to cultivate a sense of pride in all of our students, our school and community. Every staff member, parent, and other members of the community share this philosophy. We have implemented a variety of programs and frameworks that will help your child be the best they can be while attending our school.
Sincerely,
Ms. Malcolm
Guidance Counselor
Useful DOE Links
Here at P.S. 201, we are striving to have our students become advocate for themselves. One of the coping strategies they are being taught is Positive Affirmations. Practicing positive affirmations are a powerful way to support social-emotional learning with your child. This coping strategy is effective in helping individuals navigate through uncertainty, manage tough emotions, and persevere through challenges. When used on a regular basis, it can help build confidence, reduce stress, and promote a sense of happiness overall. The next time you or your child need a boost of confidence or assurance, give these solutions a try.
Coping Strategies to Support You and Your Students’ Social-Emotional Wellbeing
When you and your child could use a pick-me-up, try one of these strategies.
1. If your child(ren) are dealing with anxiety…
Try a quick breathing exercise for a calming effect.
2. If your child(ren) are feeling helpless…
Discuss the positive things they can do to make a difference in their community or in their lives.
3. If your child(ren) can’t identify their feelings…
Have your child(ren) establish a journaling routine. Give them a daily prompt and ask them to write about how they feel. Some prompts for processing tough emotions could be:
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The feelings I’ve experiencing a lot lately are…
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The next time I experience a negative emotion, I’m going to…
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Some ways I could acknowledge negative emotions without judgment are…
4. If your child(ren) are struggling with something…
Encourage a positive learning mindset with a daily class affirmation. Consider coming up with an affirmation together, or use one of these as a starting point:
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I believe in myself.
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I can do hard things.
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I am proud of the progress I’ve made.
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Mistakes are a chance to learn.
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Struggling makes me stronger.
5. If you as a parent/guardian are having a rough day…
Recite a positive affirmation to yourself to help you re-center, feel confident, and stay calm. Here are a few affirmations you might try:
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I’m making a difference.
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I am becoming a better parent/guardian every day.
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My job matters!
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I treat myself and my child(ren) with kindness and respect.
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I believe in my child(ren).
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I am a competent and capable parent/guardian.
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I am creating a better tomorrow for my child(ren).
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I’m thankful to have a challenging and fulfilling job.
Guidance Programs
Sanford Harmony
Imagine a classroom where students are empowered to connect, communicate, collaborate, embrace diversity, and resolve conflict. Welcome to Sanford Harmony—a social-emotional program that builds strong classroom relationships and supportive learning communities.
The goal of Harmony is to integrate the evidenced-based strategies of Meet Up and Buddy Up and grade level lessons and activities into classroom schedules — and promote the development of today’s students into respectful, compassionate, and caring adults for the future.
Kids At Hope
Kids at Hope is not another program; it is first and foremost a belief system, supported by a cultural strategy and then enhanced by programs. Kids at Hope’s vision is that every child is afforded the belief, guidance and encouragement that creates a sense of hope and optimism, supported by a course of action needed to experience success at life’s four major destinations: Home & Family; Education & Career; Community & Service; and Hobbies & Recreation. Kids at Hope inspires, empowers and transforms schools, organizations serving youth and entire communities to create an environment and culture where all children experience success, NO EXCEPTIONS!