Mrs. Hayes-Penhollow (Mrs. HP), elementary school counselor, is excited to offer the opportunity for your child to participate in a small counseling group, “Changing Families”. This group was formerly called Banana Splits.
“Changing Families” group is offered to students who have experienced a change in their family structure. This group is a great opportunity for students to meet with other children who also have had a change in their family due to parental separation, divorce, deployment, birth or death so that they can process their feelings in a supportive environment. This group will meet once a week for 8 weeks during their lunchtime or at a time selected by their teacher to not interfere with academics. Together we will:
Provide a safe place to express feelings
Normalize feelings through sharing
Increase self-esteem through mutual help
“Changing Families” allows children with common experiences to learn from one another and to support each other if a challenging situation arises. The group does projects, reads books, plays games, and shares stories in a fun and caring atmosphere.
All students at Onondaga Road receive this form. If you and your child are interested in “Changing Families”, a permission slip will be coming home with your child soon. Simply sign the form and return it with your student to the classroom teacher. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. HP at shayes-penhollow@westgenesee.org or 315-487-4653.