WHES Student Supports September Newsletter
Dear Parents and/or Guardians,
We are writing to introduce our student support team here at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School. On our team consists of
- Nassar Shams, Restorative Justice Coordinator
- Aly Brennan, School Adjustment Counselor and 504 Coordinator for grades K-2
- Candice Manzi, School Adjustment Counselor and 504 Coordinator for grades 3-5
- Heather Perry, City Connects Coordinator
As the student support team, we are here to support students socially, emotionally and with any other needs or challenges. We provide mediations, check ins, and small lunch bunches. The purpose of these groups are to create supportive and positive social experiences for all students.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Aly Brennan SAC Grades K, 1, and 2 | abrennan@salemk12.org
Candice Manzi SAC Grades 3, 4, 5 | cmanzi@salemk12.org
Heather Perry City Connects Coordinator | hperry@salemk12.org
Nasser Shams Restorative Justice Coordinator | nshams@salemk12.org
City Connects and You!!!!
The City Connects Coordinator is part of the Student Support team acting as part school Social Worker, part School Counselor, part Family Worker & part Resource worker
A City Connects Coordinator meets with each classroom teacher and other school staff to review every student in a school every year to address each child’s strengths and needs.
The Coordinator cultivates partnerships with community agencies, serving as a point of contact for the school. Coordinators collaborate closely with families and facilitate access to supports and enrichments.
Counseling Topic of the Month: Routines
The Importance of Routines for a Successful School Year!
Routines Provide:
- Structure
- Predictability
- Healthy habits
- A feeling of safety and security
- A way to ease anxiety
- Children will know what to expect
- Gets everyone on the same page
- Benefits the whole family!
What do Children Learn From Routines?
- autonomy and independence
- self-control
- confidence
- peace of mind
Key Features of a Routine:
- Age Appropriate
- Understandable
- Manageable
- Consistent
How to Implement Routines at Home:
- Have a plan. Discuss the plan and follow it regularly
- Include your child in making the plan
- Prepare and preview
- Checklists that your child can engage with
- Visuals
- Consistency is key!
Additional Resources:
The Importance of Family Routines
Bedtime Routines for School-Aged Children
We want to hear from you. This newsletter is to support you. Please feel free to reach out on different topics or resources that you would feel helpful.
