The 3 types of counseling that I will be available to do with all students at Bushland Elementary are the following:

Classroom Guidance
Small Group Counseling
Individual Counseling

You can contact me at stephanie.braddock@bushlandisd.org or 806-359-5410 ext. 229
I will help you in any way that I can.

This fall we are having our annual canned food drive. Students can bring canned goods to help the ones who need it most. Each grade level has a barrel to collect can goods. Our goal is for our students to be drug free so that they can make wise choices and help others in need. We appreciate your continued support. We are also collecting socks and underwear to help our families in need that participate in our annual Christmas Project. We are also collecting items to donate to the Humane Society. Our theme is "It's Doggone bad to do drugs." They need food, collars, leashes, toys, blue Dawn dish soap and blankets.

I am also the district Homeless Liasion which means that I help students enroll and succeed in school if they are a qualified student that in in a transitioning situation like the following:

A student that is living with another family due to loss of housing.
A student that is living in a campground such as an RV.
A student that is living in a shelter for the homeless.
A student that is living in a tent or abandoned building or places not deemed fit for permanent sleeping arrangements.

Is your child being pestered, picked on or hurt emotionally by another student?
Bullying can occur when students hurt one another over and over again. It is important that students learn some skills in dealing with bullies such as ignoring them, walking away, staying close to an adult, staying in groups and being able to use "I statements" with other students and adults. Using an "I statement" is easy to do. Students will say to the other student that is bothering them "I feel____ when______because______. I need/want________________." It is very empowering for anyone to face their fears in a positive way.
Another resource for you to look at is kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/bullies.html

Becoming homeless can happen to anyone. Every student in our district must have their guardian fill out a home residency questionaire. Please view our questionaire to see if your child is considered homeless at this time. There are many services that your child may qualify for such as the following:
*Transportation to and from school.
*Free breakfast and lunch.
*School supplies.
*Clothing.
*Referrals for mental, health or other related services.
*Emergency assistance.
*Other services are provided as well. Please contact me with what your family needs.
More information can be found at www.utdanacenter.org/theo

A great resource is at www.americanhospice.com
Click under children tab.

“If a child is old enough to laugh, a child is old enough to grieve.”
TLC

Here are things you can watch for and strategies you can implement to help the child/children through their grief process.

Possible Reactions:
 withdrawal
 aggressiveness
 anxiety
 guilt
 fear
 regression
 symptoms of bodily distress

Suggested Strategies:

☺ Exercise patience and understanding; you may have to repeat yourself
☺ Hear with your ears, your eyes, and your heart
☺ Let them know it’s okay to cry, be sad or angry, and even smile
☺ Share your feelings with the children
☺ Shorten and simplify required work
☺ Be available and really listen
☺ Encourage children to express their grief openly
☺ Acknowledge the reality that grief hurts--do not attempt to rescue the child (or the class, or yourself) from that pain
☺ Provide a quiet, private place where a student may go whenever he or she feels a need to be alone
☺ Explore feelings about death, loss, and grief through books while fostering discussions as a classroom family
☺ If possible, meet with a few of the bereaved student’s friends to help them cope and explore how to be supportive
☺ Temper your expectations with kindness and understanding, but continue to expect the student to function
☺ Avoid clichés—“Don’t feel bad”, “Be strong”, “Keep busy”, “Time heals all wounds” etc.


Create an atmosphere of open acceptance that invites questions and fosters confidence that you are concerned.