1 00:00:06,585 --> 00:00:08,005 - Hey everybody, I'm Connor. 2 00:00:08,385 --> 00:00:10,485 That's Doug. And this is the Bethel 3 00:00:10,485 --> 00:00:11,685 School District Presents podcast. 4 00:00:12,025 --> 00:00:14,925 And it is the most wonderful time of the year, 5 00:00:14,925 --> 00:00:17,445 especially in my house when we aimlessly scroll 6 00:00:17,445 --> 00:00:20,125 through the channels until we find TBS, 7 00:00:20,215 --> 00:00:22,725 which is undoubtedly playing a Christmas story 8 00:00:22,945 --> 00:00:24,805 for the 53rd time in a row. 9 00:00:25,185 --> 00:00:28,125 And I found myself in an odd position last night when I 10 00:00:28,485 --> 00:00:30,165 realized that I no longer relate 11 00:00:30,165 --> 00:00:31,725 to the character of Ralphie. 12 00:00:32,035 --> 00:00:33,325 I've passed that Rubicon 13 00:00:33,465 --> 00:00:35,805 and I now relate to Ralphie's. Father 14 00:00:36,685 --> 00:00:39,285 - Fra. It must be Italian. 15 00:00:39,795 --> 00:00:41,605 - Well, I think that's just fragile honey. 16 00:00:42,145 --> 00:00:43,845 - Oh - Yeah. Like Ralphie's dad, 17 00:00:43,925 --> 00:00:47,765 I find myself battling furnaces, unleashing strings 18 00:00:47,765 --> 00:00:49,125 of unmentionable expletives 19 00:00:49,125 --> 00:00:51,165 and it's all in the name of providing my family 20 00:00:51,235 --> 00:00:52,525 with the best Christmas ever. 21 00:00:53,025 --> 00:00:54,765 Duh. The whole thing got me thinking. 22 00:00:54,975 --> 00:00:58,845 Which holiday movie character do you most relate to? 23 00:00:59,165 --> 00:01:01,205 - Connor. I love a Christmas story. That's a great movie. 24 00:01:01,285 --> 00:01:02,645 I love the character of the old man. 25 00:01:02,645 --> 00:01:04,125 That doesn't mean I love you, but I love the 26 00:01:04,125 --> 00:01:05,165 character of the old man. 27 00:01:05,365 --> 00:01:07,365 I also love that he's called the Old man in the credits. 28 00:01:07,365 --> 00:01:09,285 I think that's hilarious. As for me, 29 00:01:09,445 --> 00:01:10,565 I love Christmas so much. 30 00:01:10,585 --> 00:01:13,085 So I could never be a Grinch. I could never be as Scrooge. 31 00:01:13,165 --> 00:01:16,325 I don't know if I love it as much as Clark Griswold or Elf. 32 00:01:16,575 --> 00:01:19,205 Definitely as much as John McLean making fists 33 00:01:19,205 --> 00:01:20,645 with my toes as we record. 34 00:01:20,715 --> 00:01:22,805 However, my pick is gonna have 35 00:01:22,805 --> 00:01:24,725 to be good Old Charlie Brown. Good 36 00:01:24,775 --> 00:01:25,775 - Grief. 37 00:01:25,795 --> 00:01:28,085 - Exactly. I love a Charlie Brown Christmas. 38 00:01:28,125 --> 00:01:30,045 I especially love Lucy setting up her little counseling 39 00:01:30,045 --> 00:01:31,045 booth for 5 cents. 40 00:01:31,065 --> 00:01:32,845 And speaking of counselors Connor, 41 00:01:33,005 --> 00:01:35,045 I was over at Natches Trail Elementary School 42 00:01:35,145 --> 00:01:37,165 and I spoke with Sarah Avila. 43 00:01:37,465 --> 00:01:38,965 She is a counselor over there 44 00:01:39,065 --> 00:01:40,125 and recently presented 45 00:01:40,125 --> 00:01:41,765 to the school board about work she's been doing 46 00:01:41,765 --> 00:01:45,245 to help our students quote, become better humans 47 00:01:45,665 --> 00:01:47,725 and quote, I really love that turn of phrase. 48 00:01:47,785 --> 00:01:49,365 And I knew I wanted to talk to her on the podcast. 49 00:01:49,785 --> 00:01:51,365 So the first thing I asked her was 50 00:01:51,625 --> 00:01:54,485 who in her life helped her become a better human? 51 00:01:54,705 --> 00:01:57,045 - So in my life when I think of becoming a better human, 52 00:01:57,265 --> 00:01:58,565 it would've been my parents. 53 00:01:58,835 --> 00:02:00,085 They were great role models. 54 00:02:00,585 --> 00:02:02,405 My father served in the military 55 00:02:02,505 --> 00:02:05,885 and I think he kind of just showed what it is to sacrifice, 56 00:02:06,225 --> 00:02:07,365 but in a way that was healthy. 57 00:02:07,645 --> 00:02:10,125 'cause he was always a dad first, which I appreciated. 58 00:02:10,425 --> 00:02:13,725 Um, my mom is the bravest person that I know. 59 00:02:14,345 --> 00:02:17,325 And then my husband has been the most supportive 60 00:02:17,495 --> 00:02:18,725 human we met in high school. 61 00:02:18,735 --> 00:02:19,965 We're high school sweethearts. 62 00:02:20,505 --> 00:02:23,485 And he's just always stood beside me with my goals 63 00:02:23,585 --> 00:02:25,925 and never made me follow, but just walked right beside me 64 00:02:25,925 --> 00:02:29,405 and encouraged me and my kids make me a better human 65 00:02:29,405 --> 00:02:32,925 because I watch them look at the world with such curiosity 66 00:02:33,345 --> 00:02:34,565 and amazement 67 00:02:34,785 --> 00:02:38,445 and I just wanna be the best version of myself so 68 00:02:38,445 --> 00:02:41,605 that the world they're entering is one that they feel 69 00:02:42,125 --> 00:02:44,605 inspired by and and encouraged to enter. 70 00:02:45,035 --> 00:02:47,605 - That is an amazing family to come from. 71 00:02:47,865 --> 00:02:50,365 It sounds like, and we both know some 72 00:02:50,365 --> 00:02:52,565 of our students don't have that kind of family support. 73 00:02:52,985 --> 00:02:55,165 Is that something you took into consideration when you 74 00:02:55,315 --> 00:02:56,805 decided to become a school counselor? 75 00:02:57,025 --> 00:02:59,005 - It was something I took into consideration. 76 00:02:59,965 --> 00:03:03,125 I wanna be somebody for students that makes them feel seen 77 00:03:03,265 --> 00:03:04,605 and heard and valued. 78 00:03:05,265 --> 00:03:08,245 And I want them to have the skills to go out into the world 79 00:03:08,465 --> 00:03:11,885 and when they meet an obstacle, know that they, it's, 80 00:03:11,915 --> 00:03:14,285 it's not in their way to stop them, it's just something 81 00:03:14,285 --> 00:03:16,685 that they can work through and problem solve to get over. 82 00:03:16,785 --> 00:03:18,845 So I wanna teach them how to be confident 83 00:03:19,225 --> 00:03:20,485 and also compassionate 84 00:03:20,945 --> 00:03:23,885 and go into the world just again inspired 85 00:03:24,145 --> 00:03:25,885 to take it on and do their best. 86 00:03:26,275 --> 00:03:27,605 - That confidence is so important. 87 00:03:27,635 --> 00:03:29,045 What kind of tools do you give them 88 00:03:29,305 --> 00:03:30,605 to help them problem solve? 89 00:03:30,795 --> 00:03:32,205 - Yeah, so in our counselor lessons, 90 00:03:32,275 --> 00:03:34,845 what we really focus on is regulation skills. 91 00:03:35,165 --> 00:03:37,485 'cause I really feel when students are able to identify 92 00:03:37,505 --> 00:03:41,525 how they feel and then regulate those feelings, they're able 93 00:03:41,625 --> 00:03:44,645 to handle a problem in a more safe way. 94 00:03:44,705 --> 00:03:46,925 In a safe way. Not only for themselves but for others. 95 00:03:47,665 --> 00:03:49,965 And I really tell them it's okay to say you're mad. 96 00:03:49,965 --> 00:03:52,485 It's okay to say you're sad. There are no bad feelings. 97 00:03:52,555 --> 00:03:54,365 It's how we handle those feelings. 98 00:03:54,825 --> 00:03:57,005 And as long as we're handling them in a safe way, 99 00:03:57,065 --> 00:03:58,645 in a respectful way with others, 100 00:03:59,355 --> 00:04:00,845 then we're doing the best we can 101 00:04:00,945 --> 00:04:02,445 and we're becoming those better humans. 102 00:04:03,085 --> 00:04:04,725 - I think that answer shows the experience 103 00:04:04,745 --> 00:04:08,045 and dedication that you are bringing here to Natchez Trail. 104 00:04:08,045 --> 00:04:10,045 You're also bringing something else. The presentation you 105 00:04:10,045 --> 00:04:11,125 gave the school board with centered 106 00:04:11,125 --> 00:04:13,165 around a program you've been working through 107 00:04:13,285 --> 00:04:15,165 for the past two years, it's called ramp. 108 00:04:15,545 --> 00:04:17,005 Can you tell us a little bit about that program 109 00:04:17,185 --> 00:04:18,525 and what got you interested in it? 110 00:04:18,785 --> 00:04:21,365 - So RAMP is the recognized ASCA model program. 111 00:04:21,595 --> 00:04:23,885 It's from the American School Counselor Association. 112 00:04:24,465 --> 00:04:26,405 And what ASCA allows counselors 113 00:04:26,425 --> 00:04:28,845 to do is really develop a school counseling program. 114 00:04:29,465 --> 00:04:32,645 So when I say that I run the school counseling department 115 00:04:32,645 --> 00:04:35,005 and at each trail sometimes I chuckle with it 116 00:04:35,005 --> 00:04:36,285 because it is just me. 117 00:04:36,705 --> 00:04:38,525 But I really do feel like it is a 118 00:04:38,525 --> 00:04:39,645 department, it is a program. 119 00:04:39,905 --> 00:04:44,205 We have a mission, we have a vision, we ha I, when I say we 120 00:04:44,405 --> 00:04:45,685 'cause the administration helps me. 121 00:04:45,865 --> 00:04:49,365 But I have a very specific plan on how I'm looking at data 122 00:04:49,425 --> 00:04:51,925 for our students and finding proactive ways 123 00:04:52,585 --> 00:04:53,965 to really approach that data. 124 00:04:54,185 --> 00:04:57,725 And what RAMP is is it's basically meaning you're operating 125 00:04:57,745 --> 00:04:59,885 at the top tier of the ASCA program, 126 00:05:00,425 --> 00:05:01,805 you are doing your smart goals, 127 00:05:01,825 --> 00:05:03,325 you're tracking those smart goals 128 00:05:03,785 --> 00:05:06,205 and you're making sure you're being as proactive as you can. 129 00:05:06,345 --> 00:05:07,405 So it's a two year process. 130 00:05:07,865 --> 00:05:11,125 The first year is really just planning and implementing. 131 00:05:11,425 --> 00:05:13,885 And then the second year is when you've had those 132 00:05:13,895 --> 00:05:15,005 smart goals defined. 133 00:05:15,185 --> 00:05:18,125 You have an advisory council of stakeholders coming in, 134 00:05:18,315 --> 00:05:19,765 helping guide your work 135 00:05:20,425 --> 00:05:22,965 and you're just operating on all cylinders. 136 00:05:22,985 --> 00:05:25,245 It was a, a very busy year last year getting 137 00:05:25,245 --> 00:05:26,765 that RAMP application in, 138 00:05:27,065 --> 00:05:29,485 but it was work that I am just really proud of. 139 00:05:29,795 --> 00:05:31,005 - Well that work you're doing is 140 00:05:31,205 --> 00:05:32,245 directly impacting students. 141 00:05:32,245 --> 00:05:35,405 Before we move on ramp recognize ASCA model program 142 00:05:35,585 --> 00:05:38,205 and asca, American School Counselors Association. 143 00:05:38,355 --> 00:05:41,805 It's a acronym within an acronym acronym section. 144 00:05:42,185 --> 00:05:43,845 But it sounds like it's doing great work. It 145 00:05:43,845 --> 00:05:44,845 - Is doing great work. 146 00:05:44,845 --> 00:05:47,725 It really provides the framework for school counselors 147 00:05:47,825 --> 00:05:51,005 to put a really proactive program into place. 148 00:05:51,305 --> 00:05:52,805 If you were to compare it to something, 149 00:05:52,905 --> 00:05:54,565 it would probably be very comparable 150 00:05:54,565 --> 00:05:56,845 to the Danielson framework for teachers giving them 151 00:05:56,845 --> 00:05:59,005 that framework and standards to work off of. 152 00:05:59,025 --> 00:06:01,045 That's what ASCA provides school counselors. 153 00:06:01,345 --> 00:06:02,445 - That's a great analogy. 154 00:06:02,585 --> 00:06:05,605 And before we get into the specifics of ramp, 155 00:06:05,695 --> 00:06:08,405 let's talk about the sheer volume of work that you're doing. 156 00:06:08,425 --> 00:06:10,205 So let's talk numbers. Tell us about the number 157 00:06:10,205 --> 00:06:11,765 of classroom lessons, small groups 158 00:06:11,825 --> 00:06:13,565 and individual sessions that you 159 00:06:13,565 --> 00:06:16,165 as a counselor do over the course of a year. 160 00:06:16,465 --> 00:06:17,645 - So in the last school year, 161 00:06:17,885 --> 00:06:20,485 I completed 276 classroom lessons. 162 00:06:20,755 --> 00:06:22,925 They're really based on three specific units. 163 00:06:23,145 --> 00:06:25,005 So the first unit is bully prevention. 164 00:06:25,395 --> 00:06:26,445 It's three months long. 165 00:06:26,825 --> 00:06:28,605 It was an area our school really saw. 166 00:06:28,905 --> 00:06:31,925 We needed to move the needle in. We had a problem with it. 167 00:06:32,425 --> 00:06:34,365 And so I knew I wanted to go in 168 00:06:34,365 --> 00:06:38,085 and devote a very comprehensive, proactive approach 169 00:06:38,265 --> 00:06:42,205 and really giving students the adequate time to practice how 170 00:06:42,205 --> 00:06:44,565 to stand up to bullying and recognizing bullying. 171 00:06:44,705 --> 00:06:45,725 So that was three months. 172 00:06:45,945 --> 00:06:48,445 And then the next unit was zones of regulation, 173 00:06:49,205 --> 00:06:50,965 teaching students how to identify their feelings 174 00:06:50,985 --> 00:06:54,085 and finding regulation skills to handle those feelings. 175 00:06:54,545 --> 00:06:56,125 And then the third unit is career 176 00:06:56,125 --> 00:06:58,685 because we really do feel at Natch Trail we are a career 177 00:06:58,685 --> 00:07:01,325 school and so our students dive into 178 00:07:01,325 --> 00:07:03,005 what is a career, how do you interview? 179 00:07:03,005 --> 00:07:07,005 They do mock interviews, they do resumes, they do budgeting, 180 00:07:07,005 --> 00:07:08,765 which is very eye-opening for a lot 181 00:07:08,765 --> 00:07:11,085 of them when they ha get their salary, then 182 00:07:11,305 --> 00:07:14,045 to look at can I afford this mansion 183 00:07:14,045 --> 00:07:15,925 that I thought I was going to live in . 184 00:07:16,385 --> 00:07:19,245 So that has been a very unique, I think, unit 185 00:07:19,245 --> 00:07:20,405 that they've all enjoyed too. 186 00:07:20,585 --> 00:07:22,365 - That's a great unit. That's something we hear about high 187 00:07:22,365 --> 00:07:24,165 school students learning and here at Natchez Trail, 188 00:07:24,175 --> 00:07:26,285 elementary school kids getting budgets 189 00:07:26,305 --> 00:07:28,165 and buying mansions. Yeah, 190 00:07:28,445 --> 00:07:30,325 - I mean attempting to buy mansions, 191 00:07:30,325 --> 00:07:32,165 they all usually go into debt by the end 192 00:07:32,265 --> 00:07:33,805 and have to revise their budget. 193 00:07:34,065 --> 00:07:36,725 But it goes into those skills that I want them 194 00:07:36,725 --> 00:07:37,845 to have when they're adults. 195 00:07:37,845 --> 00:07:41,365 Because I think in school I am not qualified, right? 196 00:07:41,365 --> 00:07:42,925 To teach them math or teach them English. 197 00:07:42,955 --> 00:07:44,645 I've got amazing coworkers who can do that. 198 00:07:45,025 --> 00:07:48,005 But I want our kids to have skills that they're gonna use 199 00:07:48,005 --> 00:07:50,725 for the rest of their lives to become those better humans, 200 00:07:50,865 --> 00:07:52,525 to become capable adults. 201 00:07:53,105 --> 00:07:55,405 And I think budgeting and interviewing and 202 00:07:55,585 --> 00:07:58,365 and resume building, those are all things 203 00:07:58,365 --> 00:08:00,445 that they're gonna take for the rest of their lives I hope. 204 00:08:01,045 --> 00:08:03,725 - Absolutely. So 270 classroom lessons that you've done. 205 00:08:03,725 --> 00:08:04,965 How about small groups? Small 206 00:08:04,965 --> 00:08:06,325 - Groups were 194. 207 00:08:06,705 --> 00:08:09,885 So the small groups really honed in on those students 208 00:08:09,905 --> 00:08:11,885 who needed more practice on those 209 00:08:11,885 --> 00:08:13,165 zones of regulation skills. 210 00:08:13,745 --> 00:08:16,365 And then in the second semester, so I do my small groups, 211 00:08:16,485 --> 00:08:17,845 I like to think of them in two series. 212 00:08:17,865 --> 00:08:20,405 So I have a fall winter series 'cause they're 10 weeks long. 213 00:08:20,665 --> 00:08:21,885 And then I have spring series, 214 00:08:21,885 --> 00:08:23,245 which is another 10 weeks long. 215 00:08:23,245 --> 00:08:27,005 And that second small group focused on building study skills 216 00:08:27,105 --> 00:08:29,485 and test taking strategies for our students 217 00:08:29,505 --> 00:08:32,285 who really struggled on that English language arts, espa. 218 00:08:32,505 --> 00:08:35,285 So I was able to identify those students, bring them in 219 00:08:35,505 --> 00:08:36,845 and just have them practice. 220 00:08:36,905 --> 00:08:38,205 How do you answer word problems? 221 00:08:38,305 --> 00:08:40,205 How do you take out the answers you know are wrong 222 00:08:40,585 --> 00:08:43,165 and just narrow down into the two left. 223 00:08:43,365 --> 00:08:44,645 'cause it usually comes down to two 224 00:08:45,105 --> 00:08:46,525 and then go back to the text 225 00:08:46,745 --> 00:08:49,205 and find the evidence to show you the right answer. 226 00:08:49,335 --> 00:08:51,165 Again, it's another skill I think they'll take 227 00:08:51,165 --> 00:08:52,365 with them for the rest of their lives. 228 00:08:52,365 --> 00:08:54,205 When they go to college, they go 229 00:08:54,205 --> 00:08:55,765 to technical school, wherever they go. 230 00:08:55,955 --> 00:08:58,285 This test taking strategies I hope is something, 231 00:08:58,285 --> 00:09:00,605 or their driver's test, we want good drivers out on the road 232 00:09:00,845 --> 00:09:02,685 that that they'll be able to use. 233 00:09:03,445 --> 00:09:06,165 I also run our leadership group and a kindness club. 234 00:09:06,305 --> 00:09:08,645 So I run our fifth grade, we call them the trail guides. 235 00:09:08,645 --> 00:09:10,925 They're guiding our trail 'cause we're Natch East Trail. 236 00:09:11,305 --> 00:09:13,085 So they do a lot of tutoring 237 00:09:13,705 --> 00:09:15,565 and they're out in the lunchroom supporting 238 00:09:15,585 --> 00:09:17,445 and they're junior coaches on the playground. 239 00:09:17,445 --> 00:09:20,325 And they help me with, we do a pet drive every year 240 00:09:20,325 --> 00:09:24,165 where we raise money and items for the Tacoma Humane Society 241 00:09:24,705 --> 00:09:26,285 and they help me with our food drive. 242 00:09:26,905 --> 00:09:28,045 So that's been really amazing. 243 00:09:28,065 --> 00:09:30,565 And then I started a kindness club for fourth graders. 244 00:09:30,945 --> 00:09:33,405 So they're just out in the hallways greeting kids. 245 00:09:33,635 --> 00:09:36,165 Yesterday they were in a kindergarten class reading 246 00:09:36,165 --> 00:09:38,205 to kindergartners about kindness. 247 00:09:38,865 --> 00:09:41,165 So that's been really rewarding too. 248 00:09:41,345 --> 00:09:43,525 So last year is 194 small groups 249 00:09:43,665 --> 00:09:45,845 and then about 50 student club meetings. 250 00:09:46,225 --> 00:09:47,925 - Wow. Let's talk now about individual sessions. 251 00:09:47,925 --> 00:09:49,085 This really jumped out at me 252 00:09:49,085 --> 00:09:51,165 because you gave a number during the school board meeting 253 00:09:51,225 --> 00:09:53,645 and then you said, but these are just meetings 254 00:09:53,675 --> 00:09:55,485 that are 10 minutes or longer. Tell me about that. 255 00:09:55,675 --> 00:09:59,765 - Yeah, so my individual sessions I counted and it's 193. 256 00:09:59,835 --> 00:10:03,325 They're primarily focused on grief, family support. 257 00:10:03,785 --> 00:10:05,645 But I only counted them if they were more than 10 minutes 258 00:10:05,645 --> 00:10:07,605 because if I were to count all the meetings 259 00:10:07,605 --> 00:10:09,405 that were under 10 minutes with kids, 260 00:10:09,785 --> 00:10:11,165 it would probably be in the thousands. 261 00:10:11,265 --> 00:10:13,245 And I think that's a number that all school counselors 262 00:10:13,245 --> 00:10:14,965 and social workers could identify with. 263 00:10:15,485 --> 00:10:17,085 'cause a large part of our job is just building 264 00:10:17,085 --> 00:10:18,245 relationships with kids. 265 00:10:18,965 --> 00:10:20,805 I love to ask kids about their football game 266 00:10:20,825 --> 00:10:21,845 or their gymnastics 267 00:10:21,865 --> 00:10:23,605 or whatever they were doing on the weekend and 268 00:10:23,625 --> 00:10:24,645 and checking in on them. 269 00:10:25,065 --> 00:10:26,565 And sometimes that's under five minutes. 270 00:10:26,745 --> 00:10:29,965 So the 193 was really, if it went 10 minutes 271 00:10:30,025 --> 00:10:32,405 or longer, that student needed, you know, 272 00:10:32,445 --> 00:10:34,605 a regulation skill taught to them in that moment 273 00:10:34,745 --> 00:10:36,245 or just needed additional time 274 00:10:36,665 --> 00:10:38,165 to really feel heard and valued 275 00:10:38,465 --> 00:10:39,645 - In your report to the school board, 276 00:10:39,645 --> 00:10:40,805 you specifically mentioned bullying 277 00:10:41,145 --> 00:10:43,725 and talking to kids about cyber bullying and gossiping 278 00:10:43,745 --> 00:10:47,285 and using a technique called stop walk and talk. 279 00:10:47,545 --> 00:10:49,205 Can you tell me about that and how that's helping? 280 00:10:49,505 --> 00:10:52,045 - So when I came into Natches Trail three years ago, 281 00:10:52,285 --> 00:10:54,605 I asked our teachers what is our curriculum on bullying? 282 00:10:54,625 --> 00:10:56,445 And they showed me the district curriculum. 283 00:10:56,705 --> 00:10:57,845 And while I thought it was great 284 00:10:57,845 --> 00:11:00,245 because it had all the key terms students need 285 00:11:00,425 --> 00:11:03,165 and it had the bullying pledge, just a piece 286 00:11:03,165 --> 00:11:06,125 that I thought needed to be added in was teaching kids how 287 00:11:06,125 --> 00:11:08,565 to respond to bullying in a way that again, 288 00:11:08,905 --> 00:11:10,245 builds those confidence skills. 289 00:11:10,745 --> 00:11:13,965 So we found the stop walk talk method and it's really simple 290 00:11:14,065 --> 00:11:15,485 and it's exactly how it sounds. 291 00:11:15,625 --> 00:11:18,365 The kids practice using stop in an assertive voice 292 00:11:18,385 --> 00:11:19,845 and we talk about what assertive means 293 00:11:20,305 --> 00:11:22,445 and then we talk about walking away 294 00:11:22,625 --> 00:11:24,925 and then reporting bullying to an adult. 295 00:11:25,025 --> 00:11:26,085 So stop, walk, talk. 296 00:11:26,625 --> 00:11:28,165 I'm very appreciative of our staff 297 00:11:28,165 --> 00:11:31,285 because they all bought into it and students use it 298 00:11:31,385 --> 00:11:33,005 and they come up to me often and go, Ms. 299 00:11:33,205 --> 00:11:36,125 Vela, I told this student to stop. And they did. 300 00:11:36,745 --> 00:11:39,125 And they just get this kind of smile on their face that, 301 00:11:39,225 --> 00:11:40,925 you know, they did it, they accomplished it. 302 00:11:41,025 --> 00:11:42,405 And that makes me feel good 303 00:11:42,405 --> 00:11:43,485 because I tell them, 304 00:11:43,765 --> 00:11:47,285 bullying isn't just something you're going to face as a kid. 305 00:11:47,565 --> 00:11:49,725 Bullying can happen when you're an adult, 306 00:11:50,075 --> 00:11:51,885 when you know when you're in the workplace. 307 00:11:52,065 --> 00:11:53,765 And so I want you to have the skills, 308 00:11:54,185 --> 00:11:55,365 be practicing them now, 309 00:11:55,425 --> 00:11:56,805 but have those skills ready 310 00:11:57,145 --> 00:11:58,725 for when you face that as an adult. 311 00:11:58,825 --> 00:12:00,605 So you know you can overcome that 312 00:12:01,025 --> 00:12:03,605 and handle it in an appropriate and safe way. 313 00:12:03,975 --> 00:12:06,925 Cyber bullying was an area that I thought needed 314 00:12:06,925 --> 00:12:08,165 to be addressed a little bit more 315 00:12:08,165 --> 00:12:12,325 because it's an area that our kids are facing. 316 00:12:12,865 --> 00:12:14,565 All of our kids are on screens more. 317 00:12:14,985 --> 00:12:17,605 And I wanted students to really understand what it means 318 00:12:17,605 --> 00:12:21,005 to be safe online, that words matter, even if it's online. 319 00:12:21,705 --> 00:12:24,205 And I wanted them to have the skills to know how 320 00:12:24,205 --> 00:12:27,005 to recognize cyber bullying and then do something about it. 321 00:12:27,265 --> 00:12:29,205 - And cyber bullying, it seems as just getting worse 322 00:12:29,265 --> 00:12:31,565 as kids younger and younger or on more 323 00:12:31,565 --> 00:12:33,485 and more different social media platforms. 324 00:12:33,825 --> 00:12:36,045 You mentioned earlier, let's talk a little bit more about 325 00:12:36,185 --> 00:12:38,525 how you as a counselor are helping move the needle 326 00:12:38,665 --> 00:12:39,685 on academics. 327 00:12:39,685 --> 00:12:40,725 I know you have some data on this. 328 00:12:40,945 --> 00:12:43,885 - So last year when I was making the smart goal for 329 00:12:43,885 --> 00:12:46,005 what I wanted to do, I knew I wanted to find an area 330 00:12:46,005 --> 00:12:48,365 that had an opportunity gap for some 331 00:12:48,365 --> 00:12:51,285 of our more historically marginalized student groups. 332 00:12:51,865 --> 00:12:55,445 And I saw when I looked at our smarter balanced assessment, 333 00:12:55,475 --> 00:12:58,365 English language arts scores, that our students of color 334 00:12:58,985 --> 00:13:01,205 scored lower than their white counterparts. 335 00:13:01,385 --> 00:13:02,765 And I wasn't okay with that 336 00:13:02,785 --> 00:13:04,125 and I wanted to do something about it. 337 00:13:04,745 --> 00:13:07,285 And so I identified those students 338 00:13:07,585 --> 00:13:09,285 and I placed them into a small group. 339 00:13:09,295 --> 00:13:10,485 There was 14 of them 340 00:13:10,945 --> 00:13:13,245 and over 10 weeks we just practiced 341 00:13:13,245 --> 00:13:14,365 those test-taking skills. 342 00:13:14,935 --> 00:13:16,685 Again, it goes back to that confidence, 343 00:13:17,125 --> 00:13:19,845 building their confidence using positive self-talk 344 00:13:19,935 --> 00:13:22,485 strategies and just having them practice over 345 00:13:22,625 --> 00:13:23,805 and over and over. 346 00:13:24,215 --> 00:13:25,765 Those test-taking strategies. 347 00:13:26,125 --> 00:13:28,405 I often would tell them, I can't teach you math, 348 00:13:28,605 --> 00:13:30,725 I can teach you feelings and I can teach you how 349 00:13:30,725 --> 00:13:32,285 to build the confidence to do this. 350 00:13:32,865 --> 00:13:33,885 And that's what we did. 351 00:13:34,225 --> 00:13:37,045 And when I got their scores back, it was pretty amazing. 352 00:13:37,145 --> 00:13:39,805 So 14 started at level one, which is well 353 00:13:39,805 --> 00:13:41,565 below grade level for ELA. 354 00:13:42,175 --> 00:13:44,605 Eight of them moved out of that level. 355 00:13:44,745 --> 00:13:48,645 One, four of them actually are at grade level now 356 00:13:48,785 --> 00:13:52,325 and one is above grade level, which was just mind blowing 357 00:13:52,835 --> 00:13:54,965 that just giving students strategies, 358 00:13:55,425 --> 00:13:58,085 making them feel like they could accomplish something, 359 00:13:58,405 --> 00:14:00,685 building that positive self-talk could really pay off. 360 00:14:00,825 --> 00:14:03,365 - That's amazing. And it shows the work that you're doing, 361 00:14:03,465 --> 00:14:06,045 not only helping kids emotionally, but academically as well. 362 00:14:06,535 --> 00:14:08,485 Since you're the counselor here at Natches Trail, 363 00:14:08,505 --> 00:14:11,485 the new Natches Trail Elementary School, I have to ask, 364 00:14:11,485 --> 00:14:13,325 you just moved into the new school in October 365 00:14:13,705 --> 00:14:15,365 and of course thank you to our voters 366 00:14:15,465 --> 00:14:17,525 for supporting the 2019 bond that made 367 00:14:17,525 --> 00:14:18,965 that possible building this new school. 368 00:14:19,465 --> 00:14:21,165 How has this new school improved the 369 00:14:21,165 --> 00:14:22,325 way you're able to help students? 370 00:14:22,695 --> 00:14:24,205 - Thank you, thank you, thank you to the voters. 371 00:14:24,355 --> 00:14:26,525 This is a beautiful, wonderful building 372 00:14:26,585 --> 00:14:27,805 and we all love being here. 373 00:14:28,675 --> 00:14:30,125 What this school has given me 374 00:14:30,125 --> 00:14:31,805 as a school counselor is the space 375 00:14:31,825 --> 00:14:33,245 to be able to reach more students. 376 00:14:33,625 --> 00:14:35,285 At my old office, it was very small. 377 00:14:35,385 --> 00:14:39,085 My small groups, I was lucky if I could maybe squeeze six 378 00:14:39,155 --> 00:14:40,205 kids into a room. 379 00:14:40,745 --> 00:14:43,045 But with this building, we have so much space in 380 00:14:43,045 --> 00:14:44,885 so many areas for students to meet. 381 00:14:45,305 --> 00:14:48,005 So my small groups now are 10 to 12 kids. 382 00:14:48,065 --> 00:14:50,725 So that's more kids I'm being able to work with 383 00:14:50,865 --> 00:14:53,365 and help build those skills, build those confidence skills 384 00:14:53,785 --> 00:14:55,045 so that they can have 385 00:14:55,195 --> 00:14:56,885 what they need to be those better humans. 386 00:14:57,145 --> 00:14:58,285 - And your office is lovely. 387 00:14:58,295 --> 00:14:59,365 We're sitting in it right now 388 00:14:59,425 --> 00:15:01,965 and one of the things you have up on your walls is an 389 00:15:01,985 --> 00:15:05,245 inside out poster, the Pixar movie that deals with emotions. 390 00:15:05,865 --> 00:15:07,445 Is this your favorite Pixar movie 391 00:15:07,665 --> 00:15:09,485 or is there another one and why? 392 00:15:09,715 --> 00:15:11,285 - This is my favorite Pixar movie. 393 00:15:11,805 --> 00:15:13,805 I, I would be surprised if any school 394 00:15:13,805 --> 00:15:15,085 counselor didn't say it was there. 395 00:15:15,085 --> 00:15:18,045 It's just because it really just focuses on emotions in that 396 00:15:18,705 --> 00:15:19,925 no emotions are bad. 397 00:15:20,315 --> 00:15:21,965 It's okay to be sad 398 00:15:22,065 --> 00:15:24,885 and there can actually be joy found 399 00:15:25,425 --> 00:15:27,085 within sad times. 400 00:15:27,405 --> 00:15:29,485 'cause it reminds us of all the things we have 401 00:15:29,505 --> 00:15:30,605 to be grateful for. 402 00:15:31,145 --> 00:15:33,365 And that is something in my small groups, we always end 403 00:15:33,365 --> 00:15:34,845 with, we call it a gratitude wall. 404 00:15:34,945 --> 00:15:36,925 And each week they write down a person 405 00:15:37,025 --> 00:15:38,445 who keeps them in the green zone. 406 00:15:38,505 --> 00:15:40,445 So who keeps them calm, keeps them happy, 407 00:15:41,145 --> 00:15:44,085 and it, I think it just reminds kids that we have 408 00:15:44,225 --> 00:15:47,485 so much in our lives that can just make us feel good 409 00:15:47,545 --> 00:15:49,085 and that we should just be thankful for. 410 00:15:49,225 --> 00:15:50,725 And just really focusing on that. 411 00:15:50,865 --> 00:15:53,005 So I think inside out represents that for me, 412 00:15:53,005 --> 00:15:54,605 it's just all emotions are okay. 413 00:15:54,915 --> 00:15:56,365 It's how we handle those emotions 414 00:15:56,825 --> 00:15:59,125 and to be grateful even for the sad times. 415 00:15:59,805 --> 00:16:01,125 - Absolutely. I love that journaling technique too. 416 00:16:01,125 --> 00:16:02,565 That's a wonderful thing to teach kids. 417 00:16:03,335 --> 00:16:06,445 Sarah, you have over a hundred hours invested in the ramp 418 00:16:06,445 --> 00:16:08,725 process and even more invested working 419 00:16:08,725 --> 00:16:09,725 with students here at the school. 420 00:16:09,735 --> 00:16:12,205 Thank you so much for what you do for our students. 421 00:16:12,305 --> 00:16:13,525 Thanks for joining us today. 422 00:16:13,525 --> 00:16:15,045 And before I let you go, we're gonna 423 00:16:15,045 --> 00:16:16,245 circle back to the top of the show. 424 00:16:16,445 --> 00:16:18,325 Connor and I kicked things off talking about 425 00:16:18,435 --> 00:16:22,045 what holiday movie character we most associate with and why. 426 00:16:22,125 --> 00:16:23,325 I wanna ask you the same question. 427 00:16:23,865 --> 00:16:24,925 - So I did think about this 428 00:16:25,185 --> 00:16:29,245 and the one I came to repeatedly was Cindy Lou, 429 00:16:29,265 --> 00:16:31,725 who from Jim Carrey's, the Grinch one. 430 00:16:31,885 --> 00:16:33,725 'cause she's got great hair. I love a character 431 00:16:33,725 --> 00:16:35,125 with great hair Second 432 00:16:35,125 --> 00:16:38,445 because I think she saw somebody who was excluded 433 00:16:38,545 --> 00:16:40,245 and on the outskirts and 434 00:16:40,245 --> 00:16:42,765 and she went out of her way to make them feel included. 435 00:16:43,265 --> 00:16:45,045 And when I think about my trailblazers 436 00:16:45,265 --> 00:16:48,445 and the work I'm doing, I want every student 437 00:16:48,465 --> 00:16:50,805 to feel included and valued and seen. 438 00:16:51,025 --> 00:16:52,685 And I think Cindy Lou who did that. 439 00:16:52,985 --> 00:16:56,125 So I hope each day I'm living up to miss Cindy Lou, who, 440 00:16:56,315 --> 00:16:58,205 - Well, from where I'm sitting, it seems like you are. 441 00:16:58,225 --> 00:17:01,605 And the data shows that Sarah Villa, thank you so much 442 00:17:01,605 --> 00:17:04,085 for joining us today and happy holidays. Welcome, 443 00:17:04,515 --> 00:17:08,045 - Welcome for New Nervous. Welcome. 444 00:17:08,195 --> 00:17:10,405 - Welcome, great interview as always, Doug. 445 00:17:10,565 --> 00:17:12,085 I love how passionate she comes across. 446 00:17:12,245 --> 00:17:13,805 I bet the kids absolutely love her, 447 00:17:13,985 --> 00:17:14,985 - Man. 448 00:17:14,985 --> 00:17:15,925 You gotta see it too. Believe it. 449 00:17:15,925 --> 00:17:17,325 I got to stand with her in the hallway 450 00:17:17,465 --> 00:17:18,925 as she welcome kids into school. 451 00:17:19,015 --> 00:17:21,165 After our interview and there was no shortage 452 00:17:21,185 --> 00:17:22,605 of hugs conversations, 453 00:17:22,665 --> 00:17:24,245 one little girl even handed her a note 454 00:17:24,265 --> 00:17:27,045 as the girl walked away, she read it and just smiled. 455 00:17:27,045 --> 00:17:29,765 The biggest smile. One thing I did notice, a lot 456 00:17:29,765 --> 00:17:31,525 of the kids came up and asked her a question. 457 00:17:31,525 --> 00:17:33,405 They asked what zone was she in? 458 00:17:34,025 --> 00:17:35,085 She would say green 459 00:17:35,665 --> 00:17:37,325 and then asked them what zone they were in. 460 00:17:37,355 --> 00:17:38,445 They would say Green. 461 00:17:38,705 --> 00:17:41,525 - Oh, interesting. What zone she's in, what could that mean? 462 00:17:41,615 --> 00:17:43,205 - Great question. And I actually asked 463 00:17:43,205 --> 00:17:44,285 her that right afterwards. 464 00:17:44,505 --> 00:17:46,125 - So that's the zones of regulation, 465 00:17:46,125 --> 00:17:47,445 that's that classroom unit. 466 00:17:47,925 --> 00:17:50,285 I really wanted to give, give students the skills to know 467 00:17:50,285 --> 00:17:52,285 that it's okay to ask people what zone they're in, 468 00:17:52,435 --> 00:17:53,965 that it's actually a really great thing 469 00:17:53,965 --> 00:17:55,525 to do is kind of check in on people. 470 00:17:55,945 --> 00:17:57,565 So a lot of times students in the morning will go, 471 00:17:57,565 --> 00:17:58,965 Ms. Avila, what zone are you in? 472 00:17:59,025 --> 00:18:01,045 On my badge, I have the zones of regulation. 473 00:18:01,425 --> 00:18:03,005 And I'll say green. And a lot 474 00:18:03,005 --> 00:18:05,325 of the times I get green back, which is great. 475 00:18:05,505 --> 00:18:07,005 But sometimes I'll get students say, 476 00:18:07,265 --> 00:18:08,405 I'm in the blue zone today. 477 00:18:08,825 --> 00:18:10,365 And so I'll say, why are you in the blue zone? 478 00:18:10,395 --> 00:18:11,845 Well, I'm, I'm feeling a little tired. 479 00:18:12,065 --> 00:18:14,045 And I'll say, all right. So then I tell them a joke 480 00:18:14,065 --> 00:18:15,605 or tell 'em to do five jumping jacks. 481 00:18:15,605 --> 00:18:17,325 Something to try to wake 'em up to get 'em to 482 00:18:17,325 --> 00:18:18,965 that green zone before they go into class. 483 00:18:19,345 --> 00:18:21,245 But morning greens are my favorite part of the day. 484 00:18:21,315 --> 00:18:23,245 It's the first opportunity I think for students 485 00:18:23,265 --> 00:18:24,525 to feel seen and heard. 486 00:18:24,905 --> 00:18:27,365 And I like to be out there to let them know that I see them, 487 00:18:27,725 --> 00:18:29,005 I hear them, and I value them. 488 00:18:29,145 --> 00:18:30,485 - So you talked about green and blue. 489 00:18:30,485 --> 00:18:31,645 What are the other two zones? 490 00:18:31,825 --> 00:18:33,565 - The way I kind of talk about the zones is your brain. 491 00:18:33,565 --> 00:18:35,645 When your blue zone, your brain's asleep. 492 00:18:35,675 --> 00:18:37,525 It's not really awake. You can't do your best learning, 493 00:18:37,665 --> 00:18:38,965 so tired, sad. 494 00:18:39,515 --> 00:18:41,685 Then if we can get you woken up 495 00:18:41,825 --> 00:18:43,845 or regulated, you get to the green zone, 496 00:18:43,845 --> 00:18:44,965 you're happy, you're calm. 497 00:18:44,965 --> 00:18:46,205 That's where you do your best learning. 498 00:18:46,385 --> 00:18:48,565 Yellow zone is when you're starting to lose control. 499 00:18:49,125 --> 00:18:51,565 Frustration, stress, excitement. 500 00:18:51,945 --> 00:18:53,805 And then red zone is when you're outta control. 501 00:18:53,805 --> 00:18:57,005 You're really angry, super terrified, things of that nature 502 00:18:57,315 --> 00:18:58,405 - That is very interesting 503 00:18:58,405 --> 00:19:00,005 and a very cool thing for kids to learn. 504 00:19:00,115 --> 00:19:02,645 What about you Doug? What's your zone right now? 505 00:19:03,065 --> 00:19:04,725 - I'm green all day, baby. How about you? 506 00:19:05,065 --> 00:19:06,165 - I'm feeling purple. 507 00:19:06,675 --> 00:19:08,805 - That wasn't one of the four zones that she mentioned. 508 00:19:08,825 --> 00:19:10,125 What's what's purple mean? 509 00:19:10,425 --> 00:19:12,925 - It means the podcast is over. 510 00:19:13,645 --> 00:19:15,885 I hope you all have an amazing winter break. 511 00:19:16,065 --> 00:19:17,245 We will see you back here 512 00:19:17,245 --> 00:19:19,765 with a fresh episode on January 4th. 513 00:19:20,215 --> 00:19:21,405 - Happy New Year everybody.