JYJ Science Go Round

Our annual JYJ Science Go Round Day was fun, interesting and exciting!  This day is focused on...Science!  Each staff member travels with a class to the various locations during the event.  I had the pleasure of traveling with a 5th grade class.  We were able to learn about reptiles, birds, science experiments and engineering a roller coaster.  I'll admit that learning about the various topics brought back memories of my days in school and how much I enjoyed learning about science.  The excitement on the students faces was so contagious!  Some pictures are below.  I wasn't the biggest reptile fan, notice that there are NO pictures of me with the reptiles. 

Great item for sharing feelings

 

When students come to the counselor's office (especially for the 1st time) many are overwhelmed with the toys, games, pictures throughout the room.  We've noticed that many are really enjoying Kimochis (Key-Mo-She) or as our students call them "the feelings toys".  Kimochi is the Japanese word for....Feeling!!!  These "feelings toys" are cute little stuffed friends that show an emotion or feeling.  Students often use Kimochis to describe how they are feeling in various situations, when telling a story or event and even to explore other feelings and emotions that they may have.   I have also recommended to several parents having them at home also so that children can share their feelings with their parents too.  These are a great addition to our counselor toys and games.

JYJ Assembly on Diversity

We were excited to have special guests...actors from the Bright Star Touring Group to perform 2 productions on American Dreams for our younger grades and Struggle for Freedom for older grades.  American Dreams showed our students that America offers a "melting pot" of all types of people and that there is no other country like it!  Character traits were mentioned that described citizenship, which is something that we show every day at JYJ!  The Struggle for Freedom showcased the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the Civil Rights Movement which tied right along with our celebration of Black history month.  Both of these shows were awesome and were enjoyed by our students. 

Integrity Reading List

February's Character Education Trait is: INTEGRITY and I'd like to recommend a few books that focus on that trait.  Most of these books can be checked out from the JYJ and Wake County Public Libraries.  Happy reading!

For (younger) K-2 Readers:
-Roses are Pink, your feet really stink by Lucia Raatma
-Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema
-The Principal's New Clothes by Stephanie Calmenson

For (older) 3-5 Readers:
-Junie B. Jones is not a crook by Barbara Park
-Your Move J.P.! by Lois Lowry
-Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Happy School Counselor's Week

Although we're acknowledged daily by our JYJ students, parents and staff on what we do as counselors.  This week is recognized as National School Counselor's Week!  As I've said times before, this is my 1st full year working at JYJ and each day I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work at such an awesome school!  I love my job as the counselor and am so glad that Ms. Decker is able to be here as well.  She is seeing everything I brag about being the JYJ counselor is all about.  We even praised our awesome staff on how they make our counseling program run so smoothly (picture below).  Here's a video of some students showing their appreciation for us!  Thanks JYJ!

Ronald McDonald Teaches Us About Friendship

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students saw a very special visitor...Ronald McDonald!  He came to JYJ to talk to us about friendship and bullying.  He used songs, magic tricks, stories and even JYJ students & staff during his awesome and fun show performance. We all took back some valuable information on how to treat others, working collaboratively and how to deal with bullies.  Seeing the excitement on smiles on the faces of our students was priceless.  Here are some pictures from the fun and exciting event!

Hip Hip Hooray for the 100th day!

We're more than halfway through the school year.  Whew, the time really flies by.  In celebration of the 100th day, spring semester, etc.  we had special visitors on campus...the cheer-leading squad from Sanderson High School!  This awesome squad showed that through hard work and practice things can be accomplished.  Hmm, this also works for school work too!

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month!  During this month we celebrate and recognize the accomplishments that African-Americans have contributed to our country. 

Here are some family friendly links for more information on Black History Month
-Black History Month Children's Booklist
-International Civil Rights Museum, located in Greensboro
-African American History for Kids
-Black History Month Activities for Kids
-African American Visitor Attractions in Raleigh