Whitehall School Counselors & Nurses Check-In: April 2022

Carlie Jessop, Elementary Counselor: Happy Spring everyone! Hope you all enjoyed a much neededbreak and are ready to close out another fantastic school year! In the next month or so, we will be wrapping up learning about different tools we have for our Zones of Regulation, so be sure to ask your kiddo what tools they have in their toolbox!

The kinders recently watched a read-aloud book called, What If Everybody Did That? This story helped them think about how their actions affect those around them. My hope is that they will think about what kind of POSITIVE effect they can have on their family and peers every single day!

As the school year winds down, I want to encourage you and your kiddos to examine how your emotions and actions are affecting everyone else around you too. A little hug or a smile can go a long way, and if done properly, it might just get us all through the end of the year on a high note ;)

Krista Glaus & Mary Beth Hunter, School Nurses: Spring is here and the sunshine is making things grow. For many of our student body, the pretty flowers and budding trees mean red, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezes, which can be miserable. If you usually have to give your child daily allergy medicine, this is a good time to start. If you are concerned that your child may have allergies, talking to your pediatrician is a great place to start for medication recommendations.

The nurses have seen an increase in belly complaints over the last few weeks that are linked to constipation. The younger students come in with a round belly that is firm to the touch. Most of the time, kids should have squishy bellies. It can be hard to remember (or embarrassing) to say when the last time they had a bowel movement (we don’t use this big word when we ask). Many are eating a lot of carbohydrates (breads, pasta, processed foods) and not many fruits or vegetables.

Increasing the amount of water they drink and the activity that they do will help keep them regular. Many times, a longer trip to the bathroom will solve the pain problem for that day. We know it can be harder to keep track of your child’s bowel movements once they don’t need your help in the bathroom, but making sure they have a well-balanced diet, lots of activity, and liquids helps a lot! If your child has regular problems going to the bathroom, make sure you talk to your doctor about changes that can be made.

Like the Whitehall High school Facebook page for weekly information from the nurses presented by the marketing class.

Casey Norbeck, Middle/High school counselor: Spring is a time that brings with it a whole host of different feelings. We are excited about warmer weather and more outside opportunities. The school year is quickly coming to a close and we are hoping to finish the year strong. I hope you all enjoyed a refreshing spring break, and I look forward to a great end to our school year!

Over the course of the next month, students will be taking multiple assessments as we wrap up the school year. A healthy sleep schedule and diet can help students focus and perform to the best of their abilities!

Check out our previous newsletters that are archived on the elementary counselor page of the school website: whitehallschools.org.