EdCamps, A New Blog, and MY NEW FAV COUNSELING RESOURCE!!!!!

Good evening, y'all! I hope you are all having a great weekend! I am sure you are all super busy with high school planning, testing, and transitions starting to fire up!!!

A few weeks ago, I posted a picture of my fun day at an Ed Camp! It was my 3rd Ed Camp to attend and I had some messages and a comment asking what they are!! So, today I wanted to share what an Ed Camp is and how you can use it with other counselors, educators, staff members, and even students!!!!

What is an Ed Camp???

Below is a great definition.

Basically, its an informal conference. Attendees show up and by the use of sticky notes or a Google Doc list topics that they would either like to learn about or facilitate. Those organizing the Ed Camp combine the topics based on interest (there may be multiples) and then assign them to a room for all of the sessions.

What is really cool about it is that it is NOT a "sit and get." Everyone can interact and ask questions. If you don't like the session, it' more than okay to walk out and go to a different one. It is very laid back and interactive.

As I said, this is my 3rd one. You get out of it what you put in.

Below are some ideas of ways to use Ed Camps:

• Counselor Specific Ed Camps-this would be a great way to share resources, trade ideas, and grow your PLN
• Campus Ed Camps-teachers could come with areas they need support or things they want to learn more about. As a teacher I would love this because I would feel like I could choose what I go to AND I can get what I need from staff development
• Student Ed Camps-you could have a social/emotional Ed Camp where students could learn about relaxation tips, anger management, and self esteem, (if those are the areas they are interested in). You could give a topic and they could create the sessions! 

I will be at a conference this week in Orlando and I hope to participate in an Ed Camp there!!


Another thing I wanted to share with you all is a new blog me and my principal/mentor/friend created! It is called Principals with Purpose. We wanted to start it because we both share the same educational beliefs and wanted a way to continue to collaborate with each other because we know we won't always be able to be at the same campus. There is some good stuff, y'all! She is awesome and I learn so much each day from her.  You can check it out HERE.

Last, I want to share a really neat resource with you. Many of you have probably heard of Go Noodle! It is a free website that has indoor recess ideas, brain breaks, and music for kids. Yesterday afternoon, I was relaxing with my 8 year old and he said we should do relaxation. I was trying not to laugh but then he brought up Go Noodle. From the main page (you will need to create a free account), you click CHANNELS. From there, click FLOW.  There are tons of neat, calming videos. I was thinking of when I was an elementary counselor, how perfect these would be for my "friends" that had cool off time with me. They are the perfect amount of time and there is even a voice that guides them through!!!

Here is an example of one called Think About It. It is for when students have hurt feelings.
See it HERE or below

Y'all if I was still a counselor this would be one of my NEW FAVORITE resources!!! Love that my own kids think it's so neat and that it is FREE!!!!!!

Next on the blog, I have a OOTD (Outfit of the Day) post and my 5 favorite items of the month!!! Make it a great week....you are AMAZING!

School Counseling Week 2016

It's that time of year. The time to celebrate the men and women who devote their time and hearts to being counselors. For counselors, it is a time to advocate for your program and show off all of the amazing stuff that you do!

If you are reading this and have not been a counselor...then I hope you stick around. As educators, we all devote lots of hours, are heartbroken over our students' stories, and pour so much love into all we do so that our students can be empowered and succeed. Yet, as a counselor, it is a very deep emotional weight. You connect with students and usually get to continue as that "ear to listen" over many years. You laugh, you cry, you celebrate, and you are there through rough times. Being a counselor is definitely no easy job!!!

So how are you celebrating School Counseling Week? Need some ideas? Below you can find past posts:

2013

2014

2015

As a counselor, I used this time to do announcements about what counselors do, give the staff certificates of appreciation for their support, and even highlight data to show the effect the counseling program had on the campus.

I also enjoy giving my own kids' counselor a treat and some of my fellow counselor friends. Below are some ideas.

-Handwritten notes from students
-Journals and Sharpie pens

-Lunch
-Gift Cards
-Homemade treats
-Starbucks (you can never go wrong with that...lol)
-Framed, positive quotes

You can get your own (print above)  FREEBIE HERE!

I hope you all have a great week full of lots of fun! Next up, I will be doing a wear to work series and a review on the new Honest Makeup Brand. Hope to see you back!

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!!!