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!

Happy 2016!

Y'all, I have missed you so much. Life has been busy and, to be honest, when life gets that way, blogging takes the back burner. Have you ever felt like you are running in circles keeping up with work and family? I am sure we all have. This school year has been a big learning curve for me. While I had last semester as an interim AP, this year has been FOR REAL! It has been all kinds of wonderful and I love learning something new each day but I am definitely keeping busy.

I have prepped some posts ahead of time so hopefully I can get in a post a week. I have also been working on half finished units. Some of these units are for teachers, counselors, and just general school stuff!! Now that I am an assistant principal, I am hoping to turn this into a one stop resource. Some of the upcoming posts I have are......

-Organization (School and Family Life)

-Goal Setting Ideas/Lessons

-Behavior Resources

-Growth Mindset

I hope you had a wonderful 2015 year. I learned a lot and enjoyed wonderful time with family! I definitely learned to enjoy every second since we are not guaranteed tomorrow. I learned to take time for ME so that I can refresh and be renewed for those around me. My husband and I ventured out a little more with the family on a few road trips, and we just savored being around those we love. There were tough and trying days but the good ones always outweigh the rough.

In 2016, I have a few goals. I hate to say resolutions because I feel that just means they will be broken!

-Be present with those around me

-Read more ( I have a stack of books I am dying to read-both educational and fun ones)

-Have quiet time every morning to start my day on a positive note

-Work out...haha....I purposely put that last because I am not so sure that will happen


I hope you all have a wonderful start back to school. I want to share this with each of you and it could be great to use in conversations with students....

I love the above because even if we make a mistake or have a bad day, the next morning brings a new chance for new choices and a new outlook. As the character from one of my favorite movies says....

What are some things you would like to see from The Stylish School Counselor? Fashion? A Fitness Journey (hey-it could give me some motivation)? Printables? Book Reviews? Comment below...and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your break and take time for YOU!!!

Day In The Life Winner.....

Hey, y'all! I hope you are enjoying the last bit of your weekend. Fall is here in Texas...well at least the idea of fall. It's been pretty warm here but we are keeping our fingers crossed for colder weather!!! My family and I enjoyed our neighborhood's fall festival and then finished some decorating and baking. Those of you up north...I am a little jealous of your pictures of you wearing scarves and jackets.

Thank you so much to those of you that participated in my "Day in the Life" challenge. I loved peeking into your day! I will be doing another Instagram challenge soon so watch for the details on that!
And congrats....to Instagram user: ANGELARAVERY!!!! Message me your info to send you your prize!!!!

Some of the challenge photos...y'all are too cute!

I know Red Ribbon Week is fast approaching so below you will find links to some resources to help as you plan out your celebration.

Red Ribbon.Org
http://redribbon.org/

Drug Free Texas.Org Lesson Plans
http://www.drugfreetexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/rr-healthychoices-lessonplan.pdf

United States DEA
http://www.dea.gov/redribbon/Toolkit_Page/Red-Ribbon-Toolbox.shtml

Oriental Trading Red Ribbon Week Items to Purchase
http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/awareness/red-ribbon-week-a1-553275.fltr


I hope you all have a great week and take some time for you! I know, for me, as a busy wife, mom, and ap...it's all about the little things like manicures or breakfast and music on the patio. Self care is important, y'all. We can't be our best to serve others if we don't take care of ourselves!

I will be doing a Fall Fashion post next and also a small group activity for all ages!!! See you soon. Hope you have a great week and go out and create change!!

What's Your WHY?

If you ask any educator what their "why" is, you will usually get the answer, "Because I care about kids." I feel that great educators do have that at heart but what is your why...your purpose? Why are you in your role?

As we gain more years under our belts, as educational views change, and as our youth population changes, it can be murky to some. I think reflection is so important for us to do as individuals, personally and professionally. For me, it all comes down to the question of, "How can I serve in this position?" So many times we get lost in negativity or excuses. We get caught up in what I call "the only if's." "If I only our students did this...or "If only we had the money to purchase this...or "If only our parents did this." Y'all, we can't get caught up in that cycle! If you do, it can be a very tough, negative place.

How exciting is it to problem solve and be a part of a change? Be an idea generator. Don's freeze up in the moments when you feel you CAN'T, embrace the moments you know you CAN! I agree that there are some tough things out there that we can't change but what can we change? As cheesy as this all may seem, I am so excited. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of our why. I have been reflecting over this for some time since I have moved to my new role. I am learning the ropes and understanding exactly what being an ap means. With this, I have constantly thought about what impact I can have and how I can serve those on my campus (teachers, students, parents, community).

As an elementary teacher, my purpose was to inspire, create a love for learning, and get those babies ready for the upper grades. As a counselor, I was there to support, build up, guide, and listen.
And now as an assistant principal I am there to humbly learn, lead, inspire, and spread positive energy. And yes...it all does boil down to being there for kids and putting them first. I know...classic...but true.

So, what's your why? Comment below or link up and share your "why" story?

Fall Fashion and College Week!!!

Hey, y'all. I hope you are all off to a great start back to school! I know the reality of late nights and early mornings came way too fast! Nothing a little Starbucks can't fix.  Tonight is the first slow night I have had in probably two months and it's all kinds of wonderful. I got to enjoy some time as a wife and mommy which is always the best!

Since I had some requests for a fashion post, I thought tonight would be a great night! I have some great Fall Finds for around $30 and under. I put together 4 outfits using the various pieces!

I do want to explain that the filter on the 2nd outfit looks quite funny. The shirt under the vest is actually a denim chambray shirt and not nearly what it looks like in the picture!

The first piece I want to chat about is the white top in the first and third pic. Y'all...this shirt is heaven. Untucked, it covers everything I want to cover up as a Mom of 2 kiddos...haha. It's long enough to wear with leggings and would be cozy with a long cardigan, leggings, and boots! I tucked it in for a more professional look in the third picture and I can't begin to tell you how soft the material is. You can find it HERE. I will say when I bought it, it was less than $30 when Nordstrom had their big sale but it's only around $42 now and so worth it!

The second item is this super fun, statement necklace which I wore in every pic. I bought it online at Nordstrom for ......get this...$12.98 and FREE shipping. This is a great piece to add a little style to a plain tee and jeans or to glam it up. You can find it HERE!

I wore these cozy, taupe booties in 3 of the 4 pics and they are so versatile. You can wear them with jeans or a dress. I spent less than $30 on these babies and look forward to wearing them this Fall. You can find them HERE.

Last, a Fall must have is a green vest whether a moto vest (like mine) or a military vest...they look great with everything. You can wear it over a dress with some boots or over a chambray shirt with fun, colored jeans. I think I am actually going to order this one because I love the style!! You can find it HERE! The one I am wearing in the pic is no longer available.

I hope to start posting more fashion posts that are budget friendly! I love fashion but my hubby and I are both educators so I try to stick to sales!!!

Now, on to college week. Many of you may be gearing up to pump your student about college! Since I am not directly planning college week this year, I don't have too many ideas to share but if you click below, it will take you to my past posts on college week!

College Week Post One

College Week Post Two

I would love for you to comment about your favorite thing you do during college week!! Have a great week and don't forget to take time for YOU!!!

Back to School, A Must Have, and a FREEBIE!!!

Hey y'all. I hope you are all doing great. I went back to work in late July and it has been full speed ahead since then. Today, I have been reflecting a lot on my new position as an assistant principal and my past position as a counselor. I have realized a job is what you make it. I have a very different role and completely new tasks but how I handle and react to things is very much the same. I am sharing this because no matter where you are or what position you are in...it's all about how you make it. You can't control the things that happen, the situations your kids come from...but you can control your attitude and what YOU can do to make a change!! Speaking of back to school, bright outfits and Starbucks have helped me get hyped up!!!

                         

A new school year is upon us. I can't believe it. I will have a Kindergartener and a 2nd grader and my Mommy heart is in shock. Luckily, they will be with my hubby so I will know they are in the best hands! So with a new school year comes a new Office Pack. You can purchase your own HERE! Here is a little peek into this year's pack. I am kinda in love with it!

I think the motivational signs are my favorite. I love the adventure one and am in a bit of an arrow phase!


One of my Must Have items to kick off this school year is a Keep Collective bracelet. Y'all...they are doing a Keep Kind campaign and it is perfect for counselors. They even have bracelets that say "Be Kind" and "You can sit with me." Melts.my.heart.  I don't personally sell these but my sister in law does and I have a party open if you would like to order. It will be open until August 26th and you can access it HERE! As soon as you order, your goodies will ship pretty soon (as in 3-4 days) even if the party is still open! This is great for people who are too impatient to wait for it like me!
You can customize them however you want. You can do one to rep your school colors or mascot, create a Mrs. one, a Mommy one, or just a pretty wrap! Here are some I am loving that I saw online!

And because I want to wish you all a great start back to school..I have a freebie for you!!! This printable is great to frame or print poster size for the hall. This is how I feel everyday!

Want your own? Click HERE for your FREE download. I have been keeping busy with all of your amazing Facebook requests. Next up...a YouTube office video!!!

Have a blessed weekend, friends!

FREEBIE and a What's In My Bag Video

Hey, friends. I have been back to school for a bit now and am going 90 miles a minute. I hope you all are still enjoying your summer and are relaxing by the pool. I have a quick post for you today.

On Facebook, I shared that if you like and comment with things you want to see on The Stylish School Counselor, I would give my feelings foldable for FREE!!!  I am so excited about all of the great ideas and resources you would like to see....and as promised here is your feelings foldable freebie. You can access it here to download.  FREE FEELINGS FOLDABLE

This would be great to use in a small group or after a guidance lesson on feelings. I used feeling words similar to the feeling words in the Inside Out movie so that kids could relate although this doesn't infringe on copyright because those are feeling words, right?

Here is an example of a completed one. I had them draw faces on the circles to represent those feelings and underneath they can draw or write what makes them feel that way. It's super simple and you can just copy these off fast in black and white!

Also, if you missed my "What's in My Bag" video, you can check it out HERE. Is it a little awkward? Yes. Then again...that's kinda who I am! Haha.

I shared my back to school basics I carry in my bag. In case you are all wondering the bag is from Barrington Gifts which you can check out HERE!. It's all kinds of goodness!! They have super cute customizable bags. You can choose the pattern, color, and even add a monogram. I went with a classic, year round choice but there were a lot of fun ones I was crushin' on. I got the St. Anne Tote which is their best selling bag. To create your own, go to the site then to Shop Women's and Create Your Own. My specific bag is under Create Your Own Fall.

This one may be next on my list!!! It's a fun pop of color but also still classic.

I have a lot to do with your amazing Facebook comments, so I am going to get started. Have a great weekend.