A little pick me up....

I don't know about you but a handwritten note or encouraging text makes all the difference to me. Whether I am having a bad day, didn't meet expectations I set for myself, or just feel "blah," receiving kind words instantly lifts me up. As counselors, administrators, and educators we are super busy and can get caught up in the craziness of our schedules. Sometimes we forget to tell the people around us how much we appreciate them or how proud we are of their growth. With the new year came new goals....

A goal that I set for myself this month was to communicate a positive message to at least 10 people a week (whether staff members or students). As hectic as the week gets, I knew I had to take the time to show appreciation and encouragement to those around me. Part of our job in schools is to motivate and grow others. I know I am thankful to those around me who challenge me and "grow me." Today I want to share with you some of the ways you can start spreading a little positivity all while fitting it into your schedule.

1. Set a realistic goal
I decided that 10 would be a good place to start. My goal includes staff and students. I would eventually like to move that number up but I wanted to first make sure I could attain it.

2. Be meaningful and purposeful
I don't randomly write notes. I have been trying to notice little things here and there so that I am writing genuine, positive words. For example, the other afternoon some boys stayed to help stack chairs when their friends walked off. They were respectful and helpful. I wanted them to know how awesome they were. There was also a teacher who helped longer than needed at bus duty. Things like that may seem small but make a difference!

3. Use a variety of methods
I love handwritten notes and cute little cards but I also send e-mails or a quick note on a sticky! One of my favorite ways lately, though, is Red Stamp. It is a free app you can download and they have super cute "cards" you can personalize and send through text or email. When I do walkthroughs, I use this, as well!!

Need a cute note format for students? You can download my counselor specific positive notes HERE!

You can also get a FREEBIE HERE!

One of my favorite places to get cards is Half Price Books. They usually have a good variety for a good price. TJ Maxx also has a snazzy assortment! If you want something personalized, I LOVE The Sister Studio's notepads and cards (link HERE-pictures below).

I also make sure to use fun colored pens (you can take a girl out of elementary but you can't take the elementary out of the girl)!! My past Kindergarten teacher heart just squeals with delight when I break out my colorful Sharpie and felt tip pens (which you can get on Amazon)!!

I also wanted to share a great article and graphic with you all! Wake Forest University offers a great online counseling program and recently emailed me with some resources to share with you all!

They created a graphic displaying "What Counselors Do!" This would be great for a bulletin board or to integrate into School Counseling Week to show everyone all of the awesome things you do!! You can check it out HERE.

They also have a great article on influential counselors in history which is HERE!


I hope you enjoyed the post! Please feel free to comment below on ways that you spread positivity on your campus! I would love to hear your ideas!

Getting ready for the end of the year while being stylish!!

As we all know I have definitely been slacking in the blog department. I have about 6 half finished units for Teachers Pay Teachers, about 2 pages of ideas and initiatives, and an office halfway redecorated. I know....HOT MESS!!!

I have said it a couple of times before but making the switch to middle school sure keeps you busy!! My heart and mind have been on blogging lately with ideas I have floating in my head but "learning" what to expect and getting it done has surely kept me busy. I absolutely love my job but I will say I am excited for the summer so I can get back to blogging and creating. I know next year will be much better since I will have things set up and in place and I will have a good idea of what to expect.

This past week, I have worked on a couple of things I wanted to share with you all.
The first is a form I created to help me document students that may be in jeopardy of failing. This helps me to know who I have talked to and the areas they are struggling with. Here in Texas, in 8th grade we have what is called SSI (Student Success Initiative) and students must pass STAAR (our state assessment) in Reading and Math to go on to the next grade. Here I can document everything I need!!!

 

The other thing that I have been working on are notes of encouragement for students who did not pass the state assessment. I don't want to get started on standardized assessments because I can't change that but what I can do is think of ways to help and motivate the students.

 

I will of course fill in names as I finish them up! I gave three out Friday when I was visiting with some students and they seemed appreciative! Sometimes, good ol' elementary stuff goes a long way with the big kiddos...I even had one tear up.

With Teacher Appreciation Week coming up next week, don't forget to check out last year's post on what I created at my last school HERE. I am not sure what this year holds due to having a much larger campus but I will post as soon as I get it together. I am trying to think of budget friendly ideas. One idea I have so far is leaving sweet notes attached with stickers to their doors or computer.....just a little..."hi." This is what I have so far.

 

I also had a blast with my Stylish School Counselor on Instagram challenge and can I say..."Y'all have got style!" I wish I could copy all of the pictures from Instagram because they were pretty fabulous!! Here is a peek at some of my outfits and my co-workers. If you haven't emailed me pics from the challenge, please email me at: melroseacker@yahoo.com. Andrea over at JYJ Counselor Blog and I are planning some pretty fun school counseling fashion posts for you all...so get ready. I must add that she is pretty stinkin' stylish, too!!!

My adorable co-counselor and too cute intern

Hope y'all have a great week and remember to take time for YOU! We are so blessed in the jobs that we have....we get to be a big support for our students on our campus but we must remember to take time to reflect and wind down so that we can be the best for them and our families at home!