Files & Forms Archive

Monday, December 1, 2014

Update from Kelsey Faber



  Update from Kelsey Faber

Hello Manzanita Families!

I have so enjoyed getting to know many of your children thus far in the school year either through new student groups, classroom guidance lessons, or individual meetings. There are still some faces I have yet to meet, and look forward to interacting with more students through upcoming guidance lessons in additional classrooms as we tread into the New Year!

Now that many of our first trimester activities are wrapping up, there are finally some (a few, tiny!) free moments to begin planning our Changing Families groups.  Students and families have found these groups extremely beneficial in processing divorce and separation, and I truly do love running
them. Last year I was privileged enough as an intern to co-run these groups with Mrs. Fletcher. We found that late January/early February was an opportune time to begin meeting, as that way the rush of the holidays and break is over. It becomes disruptive to the process if students get into the rhythm of meeting weekly and then span long breaks without a session. Beginning group after break just gives us a wider window of time to really dive into our time together. The trick in planning for these groups is in finding a time with teachers where participating students are able to meet together with me as a grade without missing any major instruction time.  I know many of you are anxious for these to get started, as am I.  These groups most definitely WILL still be happening, and I will contact parents for permission/input before meeting with any students.

The holidays are upon us once again, and I am thrilled to kick off our family holiday drive. Manzanita classrooms have the opportunity to sign up to adopt a local family to help support this holiday season. Participating classrooms will be paired with a family and can team up together to cover various aspects of the wish list (down to the wrapping paper!).  It’s a fun way for our students to work together to give to an anonymous family in need.



I also hope to have a more thorough website up and running in the near future with resources for parents, so keep an eye out!

In the meantime, if you feel your student is struggling emotionally/socially or in need of an adult at school to talk to, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Have a healthy and happy holiday season!!