HSI NEWSLETTER SPRING 2021
Reflections in Counseling During COVID This year, everyone had to be creative to teach in new
I have also been in different classrooms. Recess
ways and build relationships with our students. As the
has become very challenging for our students. As
school counselor, I tried to adapt new ways that could
a preventative measure, I taught lessons
be helpful to both students and staff.
surrounding restorative practices and conflict
My role looked very different from being in person to being online. We started the year with distance learning. I still had my individual check-ins with students and co-taught advisory with our Upper School Music Teacher. But thinking about this year, I felt we needed to do more for mental health support. I
resolution. The lesson focused on community building by introducing communication skills to have constructive conversations about selfawareness, empathy, listening skills, building trust with each other, personal responsibility and conflict resolution skills.
began creating weekly mindfulness videos called,
As the year has gone on, there have been other
Mindful Moments with Ms. Lam. These videos had
opportunities for me to engage with other grades
brief introductions about the week, a different
and classrooms. There was also an opportunity for
mindfulness technique each week, explanations about
me to help debrief feelings for a class that was
each technique, and sometimes a guest appearance
exposed to COVID over Zoom. I used a Padlet, to
from my dog.
help students write down how they felt and
My hope was to provide an additional resource for teachers to use in the classroom and for themselves. I have received positive responses overall! Recently, one of my students used a technique at home with his
identify how others are also feeling similarly. In another grade, we made calming glitter jars in preparation for testing week and any time they want to relax.
younger sister! I’ve been really happy to hear that it’s
Overall, this year has been a time to be creative,
been helpful in the classroom and outside the
try new things, and learn a number of new skills to
classroom.
help support the students. It’s been challenging but I feel like I have grown a lot since COVID. I'm
Advisory is our social emotional learning class for 6th,
truly so thankful for such wonderful students and
7th, and 8th graders. During the first quarter, all
staff to work with.
students were able to have Advisory as we covered different topics such as distance learning tips/tricks, managing stress, and self-care. Unfortunately, due to the COVID restrictions as students came back to campus, students did not have advisory all year. Each subsequent quarter, the grade would change. However, this was helpful as we were able to cater each lesson to the grade level as we addressed different topics as they came up in each grade level.
I’m Mena Lam, the School Counselor at Woodside Elementary School District. This is my 3rd year at Woodside and as challenging as it has been, it is still very fulfilling.
