Counseling Corner

August Newsletter

Welcome to Los Pen school year 2023-2024!

My name is Kenya Bohn, the new counselor here at Los Pen Elementary. The home of “No Excuses University.” I am coming into my twenty first year in education, seventeen years here in Poway. Previously a history teacher, I came to love the social emotional parts of a students learning and growth. I am a mother of a young and wonderful son, who is in his third year at the university. A mindfulness teacher, and a huge STAR WARS fan.

I look forward to this upcoming year and getting to know, play and learn with the wonderful students and staff here at Los Pen, where everyone thrives and works together.

Anxiety separation supports:

As we enter a new school year, and for some entering school for the first time can create separation anxiety. Being apart from parents and care givers can cause anxiety. Here are some tips to help young children with time away from home.

How to Ease Your Child’s Separation Anxiety - HealthyChildren.org

How To Deal With Separation Anxiety – Cleveland Clinic

Separation Anxiety In Young Children

Routine supports:

In supporting children, having a routine and schedule helps to provide children with a sense of calm because they know what to expect in the moments ahead.

“Why Are Schedules and Routines Important? Studies have documented that schedules and routines influence children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. For example, predictable and consistent schedules in preschool classrooms help children feel secure and comfortable. Also, schedules and routines help children understand the expectations of the environment and reduce the frequency of behavior problems, such as tantrums and acts of aggression.”

WhatWorksBrief_3.pdf (challengingbehavior.org)

Pictured from left to right: Alyssa Rodriguez (intern, USD), Holden Sandstrom (Student Support Services), Kenya Bohn (School Counselor), McKenna Jamison (intern, Pt Loma)

About

At Los Peñasquitos Elementary, we have a comprehensive student services and school counseling program. In order to prepare our children for the future they need to have basic skills such as reading, writing, and math. They also need to have interpersonal skills and communication skills in today's competitive workplace, the ability to work as a team, think independently, have a good attitude and be motivated to stay in school. Did you know that the most common reason people lose their jobs is not because they are not smart enough or don’t know their job well enough? It is because they cannot work as a team and get along well with others. Research shows that Early Intervention is key. Elementary School Counselors are one of the links to success. We are here to help! Here are the components of the Los Peñasquitos Student Services and School Counseling program:

Student Services Room: This room is open at lunch time recess as an alternate choice to the playground. Students may play with game boards, Legos, and art supplies.

Classroom Lessons: Students participate in class lessons about friendship skills, problem-solving and bullying prevention. Lessons are facilitated by the School Counselor or the Student Services teacher.

Small Student Groups: Groups are available to students with parent permission. Topics of groups are based on the needs of the students. Some of the possible topics are friendship skills, study/organization skills, dealing with change, anger management, and conflict resolution.

Individual Sessions: Students may meet one-on-one with the School Counselor. These sessions are approximately a half an hour once per week for four to ten weeks. Focus of session is individualized for each student. Parent permission is required.

Parent University: Parent education and information are provided throughout the school year offering such topics as “Communicating with Your Child”, “Developing Responsibility and Consequences”, “Managing Your Child’s Behavior”, and “Developing Capable Young People”.

Contact: Kenya Bohn, School Counselor
(858) 672-3600 ext. 3207
Email: [email protected]

Important Phone Numbers

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline	1-800-273-TALK
The Access & Crisis Line San Diego	1-888-724-7240
The Crisis Text Line	Text HOME to 741741
San Diego region’s trusted source for access to community, health, social, and disaster services. A local non-profit operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.	211
California Warmline	1-855-7415
The Trevor Project (supporting LGBTQ)	1-866-488-7386
National Domestic Violence Hotline	1-800-799-7233
Child Abuse Hotline	1-800-344-600
California Parent and Youth Helpline provides support and resource referrals to parent and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text.	1-855-4AParent

Disclaimer: The links and ideas on this site are purely for educational purposes and are not intended as psychological interventions or as a substitute for psychological treatment. If you are in need of psychological help you should seek the consultation of a licensed mental health professional.