Department Updates, News and Notes

The Counseling Department welcomes Mrs. Lori Svenson as our new Jr./Sr. High school counselor. 

This month we will focus on mental health awareness and informing students of the various signs, symptoms, and coping strategies associated with various disorders. Our 6^th grade students will be shadowing 7th-grade students.  Our seniors are exploring career opportunities at the Seneca-Allegany Casino and Resort. 

A reminder that scholarships are listed on this website.  Click on the Scholarship Application link!

Department Updates, News and Notes

The Counseling Department welcomes Ms. Kara Johnson, our new district social worker! In the elementary school, we are working towards broadening emotional vocabulary and awareness in CCC (Character, Coping and Careers) curriculum. Meanwhile, the high school students have been focusing on college and career awareness through "College Talks", college visits, and soon they will be taking career field trips. 

Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week

The Counseling Department’s Monthly newsletter is here! This week is Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week and we are teaching our students how to handle and manage disrespectful behavior.  We also introduce our new CASS (Creating a Safer School) mentors and we will celebrate them at an assembly on Friday.

College and Career Week

We are happy to once again host College and Career Week at PV! We have theme days and a career fair to encourage students to think ahead and explore their college and career opportunities! Our newsletter include a list of professionals who will be at our career fair on Wednesday, May 18th.

Why is School Attendance Important? The Effects of Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is a national crisis that is seen throughout our schools. Many factors have contributed to the rise in students having inconsistent attendance. We offer facts, tips and strategies for parents to encourage their children to show up each day. Pine Valley is committed to getting our students to school on a consistent basis and to recognizing those with strong and consistent attendance.

How to Talk with Your Child About the War in Ukraine

If you are a parent, guardian, teacher or educator, you may ask yourself: Should I talk to kids about stressful world events?  In these times, it can be hard to know whether to discuss these issues with our children, and if we do, how should we go about doing it?

As world challenges and crises continue to make the nightly news, we need to have a plan for how to have open and honest discussions with our kids so they can grow up as informed and resilient human beings. Included in our newsletter are some ideas for engaging in conversations about the Ukraine invasion with your kids, and how to tailor those discussions based on age and developmental level.

Steps to Work Through Conflict Resolution

We all have conflicts every day. We can have disagreements with any number of people. How we handle the conflict can directly affect our relationship with them. Read our article to learn some tips to resolve conflicts.

What is Selflessness?

In the spirit of the holiday season, we discuss how to teach children how to give back to others and to be grateful for what we do have. Being a model of generosity and kindness is vital to helping kids internalize those values.

What is Self-Care?

In the midst of a health pandemic and with the holidays fast approaching, we must make the time to take care of ourselves, mentally and physically. Self-Care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, during periods of stress. This month's article reviews the benefits of self-care as well as ideas for practicing self-care that can improve our mood, decrease stress and promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying

How can you tell the difference between rude behaviors, mean behaviors and bullying? We define each and help you distinguish the differences. Knowing the difference is important so we all know what to pay attention to and when to intervene.

Welcome back to a new school year!

Meet your PV Counseling & Support Staff. Every start to a school year can be fun and exciting, but it can also be exhausting for both students and parents. We explain what "After-school restraint collapse" is and how to help your child deal with their range of emotions.

Helping the Family Stay Mentally Healthy Over the Summer 

For school-aged children, summertime is associated with time away from school and the positive emotions linked to warmer weather and more family time. However, summer can also be a time where certain mental health issues need to be tended to.

Join Us in Celebrating College and Career Awareness Week

Prepare for the college and trade school search and application process, learn how to create a resume and how to prepare for interviews with our tips and resources.

It's Never Too Soon to Start the Conversation: Talking to Your Child About Alcohol Use

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and the issue of underage drinking continues to be a concern among parents. 

Mental Health Awareness Week at PVCS

Pine Valley supports the mental health and social-emotional well-being of all of our students. Educating students about their mental health, ways to cope with life challenges, and daily self-care is important to their overall success.

Eight Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe on Social Media

There's no doubt that we live in a digital world. Now more than ever, children are exposed to technology in school and at home with remote learning, cell phone use, and the enticement of social media sites. 

Learn about online safety measures for you and your child.

The New Year Brings a New Vision Within the PVCS Counseling Department and All About Goals

Our school counselors are focused on our children and will work in collaboration with all stakeholders to provide academic, social and emotional support. Counselor-student assignments are outlined.

Learn about goal setting and how best to achieve them.

Teaching Children That it is Better to Give Than to Receive

Teaching your children this valuable lesson is one of the most rewarding things you can give them. It in and of itself is a gift that will last a lifetime.

The Attitude of Gratitude

Learn what gratitude is, how to show it and how to practice it in your daily life.

Bullying

Learn about bullying and participate in our Bullying Awareness Week