1 00:00:00,715 --> 00:00:01,335 Hi everyone. 2 00:00:01,515 --> 00:00:03,415 I'm Frank Tiano, the superintendent of schools. 3 00:00:03,865 --> 00:00:06,375 Thank you for joining us here for the second episode 4 00:00:06,375 --> 00:00:08,855 of Lions Pride, the show that provides you 5 00:00:09,045 --> 00:00:11,575 with a closer look into the Ludlow Public schools. 6 00:00:12,755 --> 00:00:14,255 As you may recall, the focus 7 00:00:14,275 --> 00:00:17,015 of Lions Pride will be on our students and staff 8 00:00:17,315 --> 00:00:19,695 and brought to you in two separate segments. 9 00:00:20,675 --> 00:00:23,695 In between each segment will be a video highlight of those 10 00:00:23,955 --> 00:00:26,015 or other LPS students and staff. 11 00:00:27,355 --> 00:00:30,055 But before we begin, I'd like to thank Mike Hill 12 00:00:30,195 --> 00:00:32,535 and Amy Ollari of Ludlow Cable Television 13 00:00:32,715 --> 00:00:35,735 for their work on producing the program during the taping 14 00:00:35,875 --> 00:00:38,495 and for it's post-production efforts. 15 00:00:39,215 --> 00:00:40,935 I think our first show came out really well 16 00:00:41,915 --> 00:00:44,735 and I'd like also like to thank our music department 17 00:00:44,875 --> 00:00:48,255 for providing us with a recording of the LHS fight song 18 00:00:48,815 --> 00:00:52,375 Roar Lion performed by the LHS band that you will hear 19 00:00:52,375 --> 00:00:53,535 during the opening credits. 20 00:00:55,035 --> 00:00:57,335 We have a great show today as we are talking 21 00:00:57,335 --> 00:00:58,975 with our school adjustment counselors 22 00:00:59,235 --> 00:01:01,975 and learning about their role in impacting our students' 23 00:01:02,215 --> 00:01:04,375 academic growth by supporting their social, 24 00:01:04,885 --> 00:01:06,855 emotional, and behavioral learning. 25 00:01:07,635 --> 00:01:10,015 In our first segment, we will see what 26 00:01:10,015 --> 00:01:12,175 that support looks like at the secondary level 27 00:01:12,175 --> 00:01:14,055 through a conversation with Amy Smith 28 00:01:14,195 --> 00:01:15,455 and Nathan Zucco, 29 00:01:15,685 --> 00:01:18,655 both school adjustment counselors at the Baird Middle School 30 00:01:18,875 --> 00:01:20,415 and LHS respectively. 31 00:01:21,425 --> 00:01:24,135 Later in the show we will have school adjustment counselors, 32 00:01:24,205 --> 00:01:25,975 Maura Ricardi from East Street School 33 00:01:26,355 --> 00:01:28,535 and Ashley Antoine from Harris Brook, 34 00:01:29,075 --> 00:01:31,015 and we'll learn how they support students 35 00:01:31,035 --> 00:01:33,215 and families at the elementary level. 36 00:01:34,545 --> 00:01:37,255 Thank you again for being with us. We'll be right back. 37 00:01:53,915 --> 00:01:55,135 Hi everyone, we are back. 38 00:01:55,395 --> 00:01:58,255 And with us we have Amy Smith and Nate Zucco. 39 00:01:58,945 --> 00:02:00,975 Thank you both for being on the show. Thank you. 40 00:02:00,975 --> 00:02:02,055 We'll start with introductions. 41 00:02:02,195 --> 00:02:04,415 Amy, you've been with us for the last 12 years 42 00:02:04,875 --> 00:02:07,015 as a school adjustment counselor at the Vets school, 43 00:02:07,385 --> 00:02:11,055 Harris Brook, and now the pride of Baird Middle School. 44 00:02:11,055 --> 00:02:12,935 That's right. And prior to 45 00:02:12,935 --> 00:02:16,375 that you were in the Springfield Public School Systems, also 46 00:02:16,375 --> 00:02:17,775 as a school adjustment counselor 47 00:02:18,195 --> 00:02:21,575 and you've also held roles as a mental health clinician. 48 00:02:22,415 --> 00:02:24,615 Contracted out to Springfield Public Schools, I believe. 49 00:02:25,155 --> 00:02:27,135 And just like your friend sitting next to you 50 00:02:28,195 --> 00:02:30,495 two degrees from Springfield College. 51 00:02:30,685 --> 00:02:33,375 Yeah, that's right Nate, go pride. Go pride. 52 00:02:33,615 --> 00:02:36,495 Alright, and with us over here is Nate Zucco. 53 00:02:36,495 --> 00:02:37,975 He's our school adjustment counselor 54 00:02:38,245 --> 00:02:39,455 here at Ludlow High School. 55 00:02:40,205 --> 00:02:43,415 Nate is a proud 2016 Ludlow High graduate. 56 00:02:43,435 --> 00:02:46,255 Yes, two degrees, a bachelor's 57 00:02:46,255 --> 00:02:48,655 and a master's degree from Springfield College. 58 00:02:49,515 --> 00:02:53,415 And as well as doing your internship here, 59 00:02:53,415 --> 00:02:55,455 while you are earning those degrees as well, 60 00:02:56,275 --> 00:02:57,615 you're both doing great things 61 00:02:57,915 --> 00:02:59,405 and we're glad that you're here. 62 00:02:59,615 --> 00:03:00,845 Thank you. So again, 63 00:03:00,845 --> 00:03:02,605 we're talking school adjustment counselors 64 00:03:02,985 --> 00:03:05,925 and it, as most of us of a certain age, 65 00:03:06,365 --> 00:03:08,245 remember our experience with school counselors, 66 00:03:08,985 --> 00:03:10,765 we called them guidance counselors at the time, 67 00:03:11,545 --> 00:03:14,485 and I, I saw my counselor and junior high 68 00:03:15,265 --> 00:03:18,245 and high school related to my scheduling 69 00:03:18,305 --> 00:03:20,365 and related to my life out 70 00:03:20,735 --> 00:03:23,005 after high school, whether that be college work 71 00:03:23,005 --> 00:03:26,285 and so forth, looking for references and things like that. 72 00:03:27,325 --> 00:03:28,845 I don't know the exact timeline, 73 00:03:29,185 --> 00:03:32,005 but over the years there's been increasing need 74 00:03:32,065 --> 00:03:34,805 for school adjustment counselors in the services 75 00:03:35,075 --> 00:03:37,565 that you provide with your additional set 76 00:03:37,565 --> 00:03:39,005 of skills and training. 77 00:03:39,265 --> 00:03:42,325 So just from the top, what is the difference 78 00:03:42,325 --> 00:03:44,045 between a school adjustment counselor 79 00:03:44,425 --> 00:03:47,005 and a guidance counselor or a school counselor? 80 00:03:47,705 --> 00:03:49,085 Our focus more is the mental health, 81 00:03:49,145 --> 00:03:51,565 the social emotional needs of the students while also 82 00:03:51,565 --> 00:03:53,205 working on the academic component. 83 00:03:54,595 --> 00:03:57,245 Yeah, absolutely. It involves, you know, con consulting 84 00:03:57,245 --> 00:03:58,885 with a bunch of different, you know, team members 85 00:03:58,885 --> 00:04:02,005 of the team, whether it's home, family, counselors, outside, 86 00:04:02,025 --> 00:04:03,205 you know, clinicians as well 87 00:04:03,905 --> 00:04:06,285 to best support the student here in the school in that with 88 00:04:06,285 --> 00:04:07,565 through our counseling interventions. 89 00:04:08,865 --> 00:04:10,925 So it seems like you work with the entire staff. 90 00:04:11,685 --> 00:04:12,685 Absolutely, yes. Yeah, 91 00:04:12,685 --> 00:04:13,605 Absolutely. 92 00:04:13,605 --> 00:04:17,045 And do you work with the entire student body or, or, 93 00:04:17,065 --> 00:04:18,085 or selected students? 94 00:04:18,465 --> 00:04:20,645 So our primary focus are our IEP 95 00:04:20,645 --> 00:04:23,045 and I, our 5 0 4 counseling and social skills children. 96 00:04:23,225 --> 00:04:25,605 But we also support general edu education students. 97 00:04:26,085 --> 00:04:27,725 We meet with all teachers, we support everyone, 98 00:04:27,725 --> 00:04:29,645 but our main focus is the mental health 99 00:04:29,825 --> 00:04:31,765 of our IEP and 5 0 4 students. 100 00:04:32,585 --> 00:04:34,565 And, and for a student who's on a 5 0 4 101 00:04:34,905 --> 00:04:38,285 or has special needs in their service grid 102 00:04:38,965 --> 00:04:40,645 means specifically they would see Mr. 103 00:04:40,925 --> 00:04:42,165 Zucco at a certain time. Right. 104 00:04:42,225 --> 00:04:44,765 You know, once, one time, 30 per week or, 105 00:04:44,905 --> 00:04:45,965 or something along those lines. 106 00:04:45,995 --> 00:04:48,045 Yeah, we do. I do weekly, biweekly. 107 00:04:48,045 --> 00:04:50,125 Some students I have for like monthly social skills, 108 00:04:50,945 --> 00:04:52,365 but yeah, it's really based on the need 109 00:04:52,365 --> 00:04:54,045 and whatever goal we're working on. 110 00:04:54,265 --> 00:04:56,685 So each, each student on a IEP plan, 111 00:04:56,685 --> 00:05:00,005 there is a specific goal focus with some benchmarks as well 112 00:05:00,025 --> 00:05:02,445 to help us reach that goal in the IEP period. 113 00:05:02,545 --> 00:05:06,125 But then similarly to 504s as well as, you know, 114 00:05:06,125 --> 00:05:09,005 504s is an, is an identified, you know, concern as 115 00:05:09,005 --> 00:05:10,965 to why we are attached to that student. 116 00:05:11,025 --> 00:05:13,405 And then any, you know, students in the general, 117 00:05:13,465 --> 00:05:15,365 in the general ed program too, you know, they always, 118 00:05:15,465 --> 00:05:18,005 things come up and they, they need access to someone 119 00:05:18,065 --> 00:05:19,765 as well, so we're there for them as well. 120 00:05:19,945 --> 00:05:21,765 That's right. And not to be confused 121 00:05:21,765 --> 00:05:22,925 with an outside therapist. 122 00:05:23,165 --> 00:05:24,445 Absolutely, yeah. Or an outside social worker. 123 00:05:25,355 --> 00:05:27,325 Your main focus is, 124 00:05:28,545 --> 00:05:31,485 and what we do here in school is the students to learn 125 00:05:31,485 --> 00:05:32,805 and grow a academically 126 00:05:33,405 --> 00:05:35,605 and you provide support for them so 127 00:05:35,605 --> 00:05:36,885 that they can access the curriculum. 128 00:05:37,445 --> 00:05:38,765 Absolutely. It's very school focused. 129 00:05:38,825 --> 00:05:39,885 We wanna make sure that they're able 130 00:05:39,885 --> 00:05:40,885 to access the curriculum 131 00:05:41,105 --> 00:05:42,765 and the social emotional components of school. 132 00:05:43,145 --> 00:05:44,925 If it's bigger than that, then we absolutely make 133 00:05:45,165 --> 00:05:46,245 referrals into the community. 134 00:05:47,275 --> 00:05:50,045 Okay. And and by referrals into the community. 135 00:05:50,225 --> 00:05:54,245 So do you folks work with not only people here in school, 136 00:05:54,825 --> 00:05:56,605 but do you work with outside agencies as well? 137 00:05:57,245 --> 00:05:59,365 Absolutely. We have a wonderful district case manager here 138 00:05:59,365 --> 00:06:01,725 that we refer some of our families to. 139 00:06:02,185 --> 00:06:04,325 And then we have great connections within the community 140 00:06:04,325 --> 00:06:06,045 through DPH and everything that we 141 00:06:06,585 --> 00:06:07,925 get those services in place for them. 142 00:06:08,485 --> 00:06:10,605 And, and and that's Cara. That's Cara. 143 00:06:10,605 --> 00:06:11,605 Yeah, Absolutely. 144 00:06:12,765 --> 00:06:15,765 A lot of times we, once we, you know, have them outside, 145 00:06:15,825 --> 00:06:18,965 you know, with outside sources collaborate immensely with 146 00:06:19,195 --> 00:06:21,725 outside therapists, you know, doctors, things like that 147 00:06:21,745 --> 00:06:23,325 for recommendations that they might have 148 00:06:23,545 --> 00:06:25,645 for the student here at school that we could implement 149 00:06:26,825 --> 00:06:28,365 and you know, and some of them are just access 150 00:06:28,365 --> 00:06:29,365 to the counseling office as needed, 151 00:06:29,365 --> 00:06:31,605 but some of them are a little bit more structured too based 152 00:06:31,605 --> 00:06:34,965 on what, you know, that that provider is identified 153 00:06:34,965 --> 00:06:36,005 as their, as their need. 154 00:06:37,105 --> 00:06:38,685 So it's definitely a case management Yeah. 155 00:06:38,685 --> 00:06:40,085 Case management component here. 156 00:06:40,845 --> 00:06:42,365 Absolutely. Yeah. Absolutely. 157 00:06:42,825 --> 00:06:46,325 And, and, and we know, you know, for children no matter 158 00:06:46,325 --> 00:06:48,965 what their age, that when the adults in their lives are on 159 00:06:48,965 --> 00:06:51,805 the same page and working on the same skills, 160 00:06:53,545 --> 00:06:54,765 you know, that's vitally important. 161 00:06:55,305 --> 00:06:59,085 And you mentioned outside agencies as well 162 00:06:59,085 --> 00:07:01,845 as talk about your work with parents and, 163 00:07:01,845 --> 00:07:03,045 and how you provide support 164 00:07:03,305 --> 00:07:05,085 for families to support their child. 165 00:07:06,715 --> 00:07:08,405 Yeah, so a lot of students, a lot 166 00:07:08,405 --> 00:07:09,725 of times I'm on the phones with the families 167 00:07:09,725 --> 00:07:11,965 and we're working on, you know, this has worked really well 168 00:07:11,965 --> 00:07:12,965 with the student, can this follow 169 00:07:12,965 --> 00:07:14,205 through on, on the way home? 170 00:07:14,345 --> 00:07:16,685 You know, and sometimes it's just double checking that, 171 00:07:16,685 --> 00:07:17,725 that this is getting done 172 00:07:17,725 --> 00:07:21,085 or hey, did you do your, your, your mental check of the day 173 00:07:21,305 --> 00:07:22,965 and just making sure that those are 174 00:07:22,965 --> 00:07:24,365 also followed through on at home. 175 00:07:25,245 --> 00:07:27,285 A lot of it is just really having, having the patience 176 00:07:27,285 --> 00:07:28,805 to learn new things and the, 177 00:07:29,865 --> 00:07:33,045 and the really the, the just caring for your child, which, 178 00:07:33,045 --> 00:07:34,405 you know, we know all of our parents do. 179 00:07:34,505 --> 00:07:36,045 So it's really just being there 180 00:07:36,045 --> 00:07:38,165 and being open to a lot of this newness that's come up 181 00:07:38,165 --> 00:07:39,765 because like we said before, you know, 182 00:07:39,985 --> 00:07:42,125 the school counseling role has kind of changed over time 183 00:07:42,225 --> 00:07:43,925 and everything and we've identified more needs, 184 00:07:44,345 --> 00:07:46,685 but then it's just being open to what are those needs 185 00:07:46,685 --> 00:07:48,005 and how can we support them 186 00:07:48,145 --> 00:07:50,165 and that's, you know, a very team approach. 187 00:07:50,225 --> 00:07:52,445 You know, me collaborating with the, the families as well 188 00:07:52,445 --> 00:07:54,685 as the outside and all of us just working together. 189 00:07:55,205 --> 00:07:56,885 Right. There's definitely a lot of collaboration. 190 00:07:56,915 --> 00:07:59,005 Like the students trust us, they confide in us 191 00:07:59,145 --> 00:08:01,565 and just being able to be that connection between home about 192 00:08:01,665 --> 00:08:03,485 how to help them with their, the academics, 193 00:08:03,485 --> 00:08:04,645 whether it's organization piece 194 00:08:05,025 --> 00:08:08,245 or if they're struggling socially mental health wise 195 00:08:08,305 --> 00:08:09,805 and just being able to kind of carry 196 00:08:09,805 --> 00:08:11,325 that information over to the families. 197 00:08:11,725 --> 00:08:13,685 Yeah, that's important too. 198 00:08:13,865 --> 00:08:16,365 And you know, especially for children to be able 199 00:08:16,365 --> 00:08:18,405 to internalize some of those, you know, 200 00:08:18,405 --> 00:08:19,845 compensatory strategies as well. 201 00:08:20,565 --> 00:08:23,405 And, and that's, you'll see that gradual release as 202 00:08:23,545 --> 00:08:24,965 as they move through our system. 203 00:08:26,045 --> 00:08:30,565 And so oftentimes we work 204 00:08:30,565 --> 00:08:33,445 with students or we, you folks work with students 205 00:08:34,065 --> 00:08:37,885 in your role that children are referred 206 00:08:37,885 --> 00:08:39,245 to us or they're struggling. 207 00:08:40,305 --> 00:08:41,725 Can you tell us a little bit about what you do 208 00:08:41,785 --> 00:08:43,765 or maybe what the schools do proactively 209 00:08:43,765 --> 00:08:47,845 to help build those skills so that, you know, 210 00:08:47,845 --> 00:08:51,245 the entire student body is accessing those skills as well? 211 00:08:51,965 --> 00:08:53,405 Absolutely. So at the middle school I do 212 00:08:53,405 --> 00:08:54,445 teach an SEL class. 213 00:08:54,805 --> 00:08:56,485 I have a sixth grade group and I have a seventh 214 00:08:56,505 --> 00:08:57,725 and an eighth grade group together. 215 00:08:58,205 --> 00:09:00,365 And I meet with them week, weekly every single day. 216 00:09:00,425 --> 00:09:02,685 So we talk about just check-ins, having 217 00:09:02,685 --> 00:09:04,645 that trusted adult organizational skills. 218 00:09:04,745 --> 00:09:07,405 So just being a face and just being there 219 00:09:07,405 --> 00:09:09,725 for the children, just making sure that you're present. 220 00:09:10,425 --> 00:09:13,085 That's great. I think similarly at the high school is, 221 00:09:13,385 --> 00:09:15,725 is kind of is making those connections between buildings. 222 00:09:15,725 --> 00:09:18,125 You know, as the students, a lot of my, my freshmen, 223 00:09:18,125 --> 00:09:20,085 you know, were transitioning from eighth grade middle 224 00:09:20,085 --> 00:09:21,445 school, you know, over to the high school. 225 00:09:21,465 --> 00:09:23,605 So it's making sure that similar supports are in place 226 00:09:23,785 --> 00:09:25,765 or bef you know, at the start of the school year, 227 00:09:26,045 --> 00:09:27,125 touching base with them and saying, Hey, 228 00:09:27,205 --> 00:09:28,685 I know this was something that worked for you 229 00:09:28,685 --> 00:09:30,765 or this is something that you access in the past here, 230 00:09:30,765 --> 00:09:32,285 let's, let's try this as well. 231 00:09:32,825 --> 00:09:35,445 Or here's where you go in in case of you know, 232 00:09:35,625 --> 00:09:37,525 you need anything really. 233 00:09:38,345 --> 00:09:39,765 And then as well as just keeping up 234 00:09:39,765 --> 00:09:41,885 with those weekly check-ins, some students biweekly 235 00:09:42,065 --> 00:09:44,445 and really just whatever their need might be 236 00:09:44,445 --> 00:09:46,765 and whatever their area of improvement might be. 237 00:09:46,835 --> 00:09:49,405 Sure. Just identifying, okay, what's the consistency 238 00:09:49,405 --> 00:09:50,965 that we need to, to meet on, 239 00:09:51,915 --> 00:09:54,205 what do we wanna work on together when we are meeting so 240 00:09:54,205 --> 00:09:56,165 that it is a productive use of, you know, your time 241 00:09:56,225 --> 00:09:57,285 and all of our time 242 00:09:57,625 --> 00:09:59,925 and making sure that, you know, we have that growth mindset, 243 00:10:00,065 --> 00:10:01,245 you are able to achieve that. 244 00:10:01,345 --> 00:10:03,845 So a lot of times it's just identifying where are some areas 245 00:10:03,905 --> 00:10:06,365 of concern and then focusing on those to make sure 246 00:10:06,365 --> 00:10:07,365 that they're being, you know, 247 00:10:07,365 --> 00:10:08,605 addressed throughout the school year 248 00:10:09,385 --> 00:10:11,205 In, in developing that level of confidence. 249 00:10:11,685 --> 00:10:13,725 Absolutely. And confidence building is one of the biggest, 250 00:10:13,865 --> 00:10:15,005 one of the biggest pieces with 251 00:10:15,005 --> 00:10:16,005 It. 252 00:10:16,005 --> 00:10:17,285 And with anyone, somebody wants to have a connection, 253 00:10:17,285 --> 00:10:19,885 they wanna feel connected to an adult in the building, 254 00:10:19,885 --> 00:10:20,885 someone in their family. 255 00:10:21,145 --> 00:10:22,125 So just making sure we're making 256 00:10:22,125 --> 00:10:23,165 those positive connections all around. 257 00:10:24,385 --> 00:10:26,925 Oh, that's great. And and you'd mentioned too, just the 258 00:10:28,125 --> 00:10:29,725 communication between buildings, right? 259 00:10:29,865 --> 00:10:31,965 You know, in the second segment you we'll have Ashley 260 00:10:32,225 --> 00:10:37,205 and Maura with us and we have such a strong SAC group, 261 00:10:37,905 --> 00:10:39,885 you know, really enjoy working with you folks 262 00:10:40,625 --> 00:10:44,805 and just to keep that communication for families, 263 00:10:45,275 --> 00:10:46,325 consistency for students. 264 00:10:46,725 --> 00:10:47,765 I just wanted to shout that out. 265 00:10:47,765 --> 00:10:49,565 You guys are doing a great job with that. Thank, thank you. 266 00:10:49,765 --> 00:10:53,565 I really appreciate it. While we still have about a minute 267 00:10:53,585 --> 00:10:56,845 or two left, I know that I, 268 00:10:56,965 --> 00:11:00,165 I get asked this a lot in terms of what, what skills. 269 00:11:01,225 --> 00:11:03,845 We know that there's a youth mental health crisis out there 270 00:11:04,225 --> 00:11:07,005 and we know kids are struggling more than they ever 271 00:11:07,005 --> 00:11:09,405 have or in recent years. 272 00:11:09,565 --> 00:11:14,245 I, I should say if I'm a young parent, what, 273 00:11:14,435 --> 00:11:17,325 what skills do I want to develop or, 274 00:11:17,545 --> 00:11:19,245 or should I emphasize with my child? 275 00:11:19,275 --> 00:11:20,965 Just curious. 276 00:11:21,325 --> 00:11:22,485 I think a lot of patience, 277 00:11:23,505 --> 00:11:25,285 but also remembering that whether they're in middle school 278 00:11:25,285 --> 00:11:26,405 or high school, they're still children 279 00:11:26,545 --> 00:11:29,085 and they do need that, those eyes on them, 280 00:11:29,085 --> 00:11:30,205 whether it's on social media 281 00:11:30,265 --> 00:11:32,325 or in the community, that they still are looking for 282 00:11:32,325 --> 00:11:34,605 that guidance on how to make those positive choices 283 00:11:34,785 --> 00:11:36,765 and just to be present and aware. Yeah, 284 00:11:37,045 --> 00:11:38,045 Absolutely. 285 00:11:38,045 --> 00:11:39,461 I would say communication is one of the, 286 00:11:39,585 --> 00:11:40,845 the most beneficial things 287 00:11:40,865 --> 00:11:42,765 and just having that open line of communication. 288 00:11:42,825 --> 00:11:44,685 So if a student is online or something 289 00:11:44,685 --> 00:11:47,405 and something comes up of concern, knowing that I can bring 290 00:11:47,405 --> 00:11:48,765 that to, to, to my parent 291 00:11:48,825 --> 00:11:50,765 and not get, you know, in trouble necessarily 292 00:11:50,905 --> 00:11:52,125 for just coming across it 293 00:11:52,385 --> 00:11:54,405 but having that productive conversation with it. 294 00:11:54,505 --> 00:11:56,565 And again, with that, having that growth mindset, 295 00:11:56,955 --> 00:11:58,525 alright, what, what can we work on? 296 00:11:58,585 --> 00:11:59,805 How can we get to where we wanna be 297 00:12:01,505 --> 00:12:04,045 And students are, or children are going to make mistakes. 298 00:12:04,445 --> 00:12:06,965 Absolutely. Absolutely. And to have that communication so 299 00:12:07,075 --> 00:12:08,525 that they can help process and help learn. 300 00:12:09,315 --> 00:12:13,325 Good, great advice. Thank you so much for being here. 301 00:12:13,465 --> 00:12:14,765 See, thanks for having us. Thank you. 302 00:12:14,765 --> 00:12:17,045 Yeah, I told you it would go quickly, right? No. 303 00:12:17,505 --> 00:12:22,405 And so when we come back we will have Maura Ricardi 304 00:12:22,705 --> 00:12:25,645 and Ashley Antoine to talk about 305 00:12:26,235 --> 00:12:27,845 what a school adjustment counselor does 306 00:12:27,905 --> 00:12:29,005 at the elementary level. 307 00:12:29,775 --> 00:12:31,885 Stick around, we'll be right back. So 308 00:12:31,885 --> 00:12:36,525 At least three things that you have in common with 309 00:12:36,525 --> 00:12:38,445 that person that you don't talk to a lot. 310 00:12:39,315 --> 00:12:40,325 What is SEL? 311 00:12:40,515 --> 00:12:42,525 It's social emotional learning 312 00:12:43,225 --> 00:12:45,565 and I genuinely enjoy 313 00:12:46,685 --> 00:12:48,285 teaching it at Harris Brook Elementary. 314 00:12:48,705 --> 00:12:51,805 We really use it as a time to get to know each other 315 00:12:52,305 --> 00:12:55,085 for students to get to know one another, even 316 00:12:55,315 --> 00:12:59,645 with the students that who aren't necessarily comfortable 317 00:12:59,645 --> 00:13:01,605 with each other or have a hard time going out 318 00:13:01,605 --> 00:13:03,245 of their comfort zone to connect 319 00:13:03,245 --> 00:13:04,565 with students within the class that they 320 00:13:04,565 --> 00:13:05,605 typically wouldn't connect with. 321 00:13:06,245 --> 00:13:10,805 I really take it as an opportunity to be inclusive 322 00:13:10,865 --> 00:13:13,045 of everybody in welcoming and open. 323 00:13:13,745 --> 00:13:17,085 And so we all build a really positive environment 324 00:13:17,085 --> 00:13:18,205 within those SEL lessons. 325 00:13:19,185 --> 00:13:21,605 We open each lesson with a mindful minute 326 00:13:22,305 --> 00:13:26,845 and students have a chance to just sit quietly 327 00:13:27,385 --> 00:13:29,565 and become aware of their surroundings 328 00:13:29,565 --> 00:13:30,925 and aware of what's going on with them. 329 00:13:31,425 --> 00:13:35,285 To really be able to focus themselves to do their best 330 00:13:36,165 --> 00:13:38,085 learning and engaging during our 331 00:13:38,085 --> 00:13:39,365 social emotional learning lesson. 332 00:13:39,835 --> 00:13:43,845 It's really just amazing to be able to be in all the second 333 00:13:44,345 --> 00:13:46,125 and fourth grade classrooms to get 334 00:13:46,125 --> 00:13:47,725 to know all the students at Harris Brook 335 00:13:47,785 --> 00:13:50,525 and pass on a common language 336 00:13:50,625 --> 00:13:53,765 and a common theme so we all have a greater purpose 337 00:13:53,825 --> 00:13:56,605 and understanding of why we're at Harris Brook 338 00:13:56,605 --> 00:14:00,245 and how we can do our best to engage with one another. 339 00:14:01,745 --> 00:14:03,245 Hi everyone. We are back 340 00:14:03,385 --> 00:14:05,925 and as promised I have our elementary 341 00:14:06,185 --> 00:14:07,525 school adjustment counselors. 342 00:14:07,635 --> 00:14:11,245 With us we have Ashley Antoine from the Harris Brook School 343 00:14:11,345 --> 00:14:14,085 and Maura Ricardi from East Street School. 344 00:14:14,625 --> 00:14:17,445 Now the background on on these two wonderful 345 00:14:17,445 --> 00:14:19,125 counselors, Maura, we'll start with you. 346 00:14:19,625 --> 00:14:21,125 You went to Westfield State 347 00:14:21,975 --> 00:14:24,005 where you get a bachelor's degree in criminal justice 348 00:14:24,345 --> 00:14:26,885 as well as a master's degree in social work. 349 00:14:27,785 --> 00:14:30,965 And you've interned at the Springfield Superior Court. 350 00:14:31,185 --> 00:14:32,885 You're a residential caseworker, 351 00:14:33,565 --> 00:14:35,885 a behavioral health specialist for CBH, 352 00:14:36,465 --> 00:14:38,445 and you work with the Department of Children 353 00:14:38,505 --> 00:14:40,205 and Families for six years 354 00:14:40,745 --> 00:14:43,485 before you decided to make the jump into public education. 355 00:14:43,545 --> 00:14:44,925 You were in Monson for four years 356 00:14:45,305 --> 00:14:46,765 as a school adjustment counselor 357 00:14:47,065 --> 00:14:48,925 and you've been with us ever since. 358 00:14:49,425 --> 00:14:51,685 So glad you're on the show. Thank you so much. Thank you. 359 00:14:52,065 --> 00:14:55,445 And Ashley, this is your 10th year at Ludlow Public Schools. 360 00:14:55,445 --> 00:14:57,765 Yeah, 2013. My how time flies. 361 00:14:58,665 --> 00:15:01,245 And so you've worked at basically all 362 00:15:01,245 --> 00:15:05,085 of our elementary schools, East Chapin and Harris Brook 363 00:15:05,105 --> 00:15:08,845 now. You also worked for the Department of Public Health. 364 00:15:08,955 --> 00:15:11,845 Yeah, as a case load manager for families in shelters. 365 00:15:12,935 --> 00:15:16,205 pre-K behavior consultant for outpatient clinician. 366 00:15:16,705 --> 00:15:21,365 You also worked at DCF, your research assistant, 367 00:15:21,365 --> 00:15:22,485 direct care professional. 368 00:15:22,905 --> 00:15:24,525 You did your undergrad at Assumption College, 369 00:15:26,405 --> 00:15:28,405 master's in social work from Boston College 370 00:15:28,745 --> 00:15:33,045 and a certificate of advanced graduate studies from AIC. 371 00:15:34,275 --> 00:15:35,765 Welcome to the show again. Thank you. 372 00:15:36,065 --> 00:15:38,125 And just before we start, I want 373 00:15:38,125 --> 00:15:40,024 to know why I don't have a T-shirt like yours. 374 00:15:40,535 --> 00:15:41,565 We'll get you on the list. You can 375 00:15:41,565 --> 00:15:42,565 Definitely join our counselor crew. 376 00:15:42,765 --> 00:15:44,925 I wanna be on the counselor crew. They're outta stock, right? 377 00:15:45,405 --> 00:15:48,125 Oh, okay. I'm gonna write that. I'll put you on the list. 378 00:15:48,125 --> 00:15:52,845 Alright, so as you folks are in our conversation with Nate 379 00:15:52,845 --> 00:15:54,605 and Amy, just a few minutes ago, 380 00:15:55,945 --> 00:15:57,245 we talked about the difference 381 00:15:57,245 --> 00:15:58,805 between the school adjustment counselor 382 00:15:58,985 --> 00:16:01,645 and the school counselor guidance counselor that a lot 383 00:16:01,645 --> 00:16:03,565 of us remember from from our childhood 384 00:16:04,045 --> 00:16:07,285 and the focus of the SACS being more the mental health 385 00:16:07,385 --> 00:16:09,005 and mental wellbeing of our students. 386 00:16:09,595 --> 00:16:11,285 Another difference is in the training, 387 00:16:11,865 --> 00:16:13,845 and you folks are both 388 00:16:14,715 --> 00:16:16,605 have your master's degree in social work 389 00:16:17,065 --> 00:16:18,605 and the DESE license 390 00:16:18,745 --> 00:16:20,445 for school adjustment counselors actually 391 00:16:20,655 --> 00:16:22,005 slash social worker. 392 00:16:22,945 --> 00:16:26,165 So my question is, working in the public schools 393 00:16:26,165 --> 00:16:27,525 and working with children today, 394 00:16:27,915 --> 00:16:30,925 what experience have you had prior to coming to the schools 395 00:16:31,475 --> 00:16:35,685 that helps you now in your work with children and families? 396 00:16:36,555 --> 00:16:40,005 Yeah, I'll start. So as you had mentioned, kind 397 00:16:40,005 --> 00:16:42,045 of just going over like our history 398 00:16:42,165 --> 00:16:46,765 before we came here, I got my master's in social work, 399 00:16:47,655 --> 00:16:49,845 which was a 66 credit program. 400 00:16:50,065 --> 00:16:53,725 And then part of that program is choosing, you know, 401 00:16:53,745 --> 00:16:55,205 if you want a special licensure. 402 00:16:55,205 --> 00:16:58,045 And so I knew I wanted to be a school adjustment counselor. 403 00:16:58,665 --> 00:17:01,845 And so you get your initial license for three years 404 00:17:01,865 --> 00:17:03,645 and then you move on to your professional once 405 00:17:03,645 --> 00:17:04,765 you've hit your five year mark. 406 00:17:04,765 --> 00:17:07,085 This is my 10 year mark as a school adjustment counselor. 407 00:17:07,945 --> 00:17:11,885 And how I came to wanting to be here was from 408 00:17:12,115 --> 00:17:15,205 that previous experience of, you know, 409 00:17:15,245 --> 00:17:17,765 I worked in residential programs with youth who were placed 410 00:17:17,765 --> 00:17:18,765 outside of their homes. 411 00:17:18,945 --> 00:17:23,165 So it felt like being, you know, a mom on that shift to all 412 00:17:23,165 --> 00:17:25,285 of the boys or the girls program that I would be at. 413 00:17:25,745 --> 00:17:28,485 And then working for DCF, the Department 414 00:17:28,485 --> 00:17:33,245 of Children Families, really opening my eyes to the needs 415 00:17:33,245 --> 00:17:35,685 of our family and our community that was in Springfield. 416 00:17:36,965 --> 00:17:39,685 A lot of hardships, a lot of challenging things 417 00:17:41,005 --> 00:17:43,885 DCF doesn't have, you know, the greatest reputation always. 418 00:17:44,065 --> 00:17:45,725 But I had so much pride 419 00:17:46,225 --> 00:17:48,565 as a social worker going into these homes 420 00:17:48,625 --> 00:17:51,485 and these families opening their door to me to a stranger 421 00:17:51,495 --> 00:17:53,725 where we're talking about some really difficult things. 422 00:17:54,785 --> 00:17:57,445 And I loved working with those families and those children 423 00:17:57,625 --> 00:18:00,805 and sporadically through IEP meetings, I'd be in the school. 424 00:18:01,425 --> 00:18:05,845 And then that really gave me the drive to like, I want to be 425 00:18:05,845 --> 00:18:08,725 that person that's there for these children in this school, 426 00:18:09,105 --> 00:18:12,085 in this role because it can be really 427 00:18:12,085 --> 00:18:13,205 hard on the other side. 428 00:18:13,345 --> 00:18:17,525 And so that was kind of my, you know, 429 00:18:17,525 --> 00:18:19,445 getting over the bridge to the next part of my career. 430 00:18:19,985 --> 00:18:22,365 And I absolutely love this job 431 00:18:22,385 --> 00:18:26,445 and I love every day is a new day as a school counselor, 432 00:18:26,525 --> 00:18:27,525 I know we're gonna get into that, 433 00:18:28,745 --> 00:18:30,605 but being part 434 00:18:30,905 --> 00:18:33,605 of this child's life in their learning environment, 435 00:18:33,665 --> 00:18:35,525 but also connecting with their families 436 00:18:35,585 --> 00:18:38,125 and being compassionate to those families of like, 437 00:18:38,205 --> 00:18:39,325 I hear you, this is hard. 438 00:18:40,165 --> 00:18:42,085 I am the school counselor. Like, how can I help you? 439 00:18:42,265 --> 00:18:45,685 So I am thankful for, you know, having 440 00:18:45,685 --> 00:18:48,085 that foundational work with families 441 00:18:48,185 --> 00:18:49,845 to bringing it into my role 442 00:18:49,905 --> 00:18:52,245 as the school counselor here in the district. 443 00:18:52,505 --> 00:18:55,285 So you're able to see it from both sides. Yes. 444 00:18:55,425 --> 00:18:58,245 And you folks both still connect with outside agencies 445 00:18:58,925 --> 00:19:00,685 and that's something that our, you know, 446 00:19:00,685 --> 00:19:02,685 people watching this may not know that. 447 00:19:03,035 --> 00:19:05,565 Yeah. Right. So that's great that you have that. Sure. Yeah. 448 00:19:05,565 --> 00:19:06,565 And, and Ashley, how about you? 449 00:19:06,825 --> 00:19:09,245 So my trajectory is somewhat similar to Mauras actually. 450 00:19:09,325 --> 00:19:10,605 I started in residential 451 00:19:10,605 --> 00:19:11,885 and undergrad when I was at Assumption 452 00:19:12,605 --> 00:19:14,565 and when you're seeing, when you're in a residential program 453 00:19:14,705 --> 00:19:17,685 as essentially a child, I was like just 18, right? 454 00:19:17,685 --> 00:19:19,685 Sure. And were like helping raise these children. 455 00:19:20,665 --> 00:19:22,205 That's really where it started for me. 456 00:19:22,285 --> 00:19:24,485 I was also working in the school there at the residential 457 00:19:24,725 --> 00:19:26,045 facility as I was an undergrad. 458 00:19:26,825 --> 00:19:30,245 And it, I, it was, for me it was really eyeopening 459 00:19:30,385 --> 00:19:33,765 and connecting to be able to make an impact with these 460 00:19:34,325 --> 00:19:37,045 children at such a young age in the educational setting. 461 00:19:38,315 --> 00:19:40,765 From there, I actually was, as you said, I worked 462 00:19:40,765 --> 00:19:43,605 with preschoolers, but I also did outpatient. 463 00:19:44,725 --> 00:19:45,805 I was an outpatient clinician 464 00:19:46,425 --> 00:19:49,525 and that as well, I would see a child for an hour 465 00:19:50,405 --> 00:19:51,405 a week in my office 466 00:19:51,745 --> 00:19:53,525 and they would have, you know, issues at home 467 00:19:53,665 --> 00:19:55,165 or things that they struggled with at school. 468 00:19:55,425 --> 00:19:58,885 And it was really hard to get to the point 469 00:19:58,885 --> 00:20:00,925 of really understanding the whole child 470 00:20:00,925 --> 00:20:01,965 within an hour a week. 471 00:20:01,975 --> 00:20:04,485 Right. And so I, I would say connecting with families 472 00:20:04,485 --> 00:20:06,085 and being a part of that outside agency 473 00:20:06,305 --> 00:20:07,525 and connecting obviously with 474 00:20:07,525 --> 00:20:09,525 that child really gave me the passion 475 00:20:09,545 --> 00:20:11,525 and the drive to wanna be in a school to be able 476 00:20:11,525 --> 00:20:13,605 to support the whole child, the family. 477 00:20:14,785 --> 00:20:15,845 And then from there I worked 478 00:20:15,845 --> 00:20:16,885 with the Department of Public Health. 479 00:20:17,605 --> 00:20:19,405 I mean, really everything I've, 480 00:20:19,475 --> 00:20:21,125 I've done has given me experience. 481 00:20:21,125 --> 00:20:22,285 I've always worked with children. 482 00:20:22,305 --> 00:20:23,925 That's always been my trajectory since 483 00:20:23,965 --> 00:20:25,125 I, I was able to babysit. 484 00:20:26,465 --> 00:20:30,805 But I would say being in that small setting 485 00:20:30,945 --> 00:20:33,645 and then transitioning to the school 486 00:20:33,705 --> 00:20:35,965 and being able to see the whole child has been really 487 00:20:35,965 --> 00:20:38,565 empowering and, and very similar to Maura. 488 00:20:38,685 --> 00:20:40,565 I love coming to work every day. 489 00:20:40,665 --> 00:20:42,405 So it is difficult 490 00:20:42,425 --> 00:20:44,565 and as more so we'll get into it can be very difficult. 491 00:20:44,975 --> 00:20:46,765 There can be a huge workload on us, 492 00:20:46,785 --> 00:20:48,605 but really working with children, 493 00:20:48,605 --> 00:20:51,285 understanding the development of children, my coursework 494 00:20:51,465 --> 00:20:55,445 and my experience has really given me a lot of education in 495 00:20:55,445 --> 00:20:56,605 that and information in that. 496 00:20:57,465 --> 00:20:59,525 One thing I will add is I'm independently licensed 497 00:20:59,525 --> 00:21:01,085 and I, I have a small private practice now 498 00:21:01,085 --> 00:21:02,645 where I still see kids that hour a week. 499 00:21:04,025 --> 00:21:08,285 And that really does also help me with the clinical aspect 500 00:21:08,285 --> 00:21:09,485 of things, supporting students 501 00:21:09,485 --> 00:21:11,285 with mental health issues within the school. 502 00:21:11,425 --> 00:21:12,685 You know, as young as second grade, 503 00:21:12,705 --> 00:21:14,285 we see students coming in with these issues. 504 00:21:14,385 --> 00:21:17,245 And my experience with that has really given me 505 00:21:18,265 --> 00:21:20,045 and my education and that has really given me more 506 00:21:20,045 --> 00:21:21,205 of a strong suit to be able 507 00:21:21,205 --> 00:21:23,245 to support these, these students. So 508 00:21:23,245 --> 00:21:25,165 You still have a hand in the outside work. 509 00:21:25,485 --> 00:21:27,445 Yeah. Which helps to inform Yeah. 510 00:21:27,585 --> 00:21:31,045 You know, what you're doing. And it, it, it's amazing to me. 511 00:21:31,705 --> 00:21:33,365 You know, I've been in education a long time 512 00:21:33,465 --> 00:21:36,005 and I've seen the progression of needs of students 513 00:21:36,025 --> 00:21:37,365 and families and, 514 00:21:37,425 --> 00:21:40,405 and last month we were at the school committee 515 00:21:40,405 --> 00:21:44,405 and we had a panel presenting on the mental health crisis, 516 00:21:44,655 --> 00:21:46,965 youth mental health crisis, and Maura, you were part of 517 00:21:46,965 --> 00:21:48,525 that. Great discussion. 518 00:21:48,595 --> 00:21:51,805 Wonderful job. I, you know, when you talk about workload, 519 00:21:52,065 --> 00:21:55,765 you know, I think one of the showstoppers was Nikki Reed, 520 00:21:56,035 --> 00:21:57,125 your principal at Harris Brook. 521 00:21:57,445 --> 00:22:02,045 Yeah. Talking about what you do on a daily basis and, 522 00:22:02,145 --> 00:22:05,685 and that overwhelmed a lot of people. 523 00:22:06,325 --> 00:22:10,925 And could you just kinda walk us through 524 00:22:11,195 --> 00:22:13,605 what one of your days or, or weeks look like? 525 00:22:13,805 --> 00:22:15,485 I, I mean, in a good two minute, you know? 526 00:22:15,675 --> 00:22:19,045 Yeah. I mean summary. Sorry, that's a loaded 527 00:22:19,325 --> 00:22:20,325 Question. 528 00:22:20,325 --> 00:22:21,965 No, it changes really every day, right? 529 00:22:22,325 --> 00:22:23,965 So we service students on IEPs 530 00:22:23,985 --> 00:22:26,885 and it's, it, you need to decide, you know, 531 00:22:26,885 --> 00:22:30,645 what takes priority and obviously safety is a priority 532 00:22:30,665 --> 00:22:32,765 and connection is a priority in relationships. 533 00:22:33,545 --> 00:22:37,405 And so for me, I start my morning every day as, as much 534 00:22:37,405 --> 00:22:39,565 as I can outside of my office. 535 00:22:40,085 --> 00:22:41,725 There's unfortunately sometimes, you know, 536 00:22:41,725 --> 00:22:42,805 consultations with teachers. 537 00:22:42,805 --> 00:22:45,405 Sure. Not unfortunately, but like the unfortunate piece is 538 00:22:45,405 --> 00:22:47,285 we can't be there to, you know, sit, 539 00:22:47,335 --> 00:22:48,565 greet the children in the morning. 540 00:22:48,625 --> 00:22:50,685 But I try to on a daily basis, 541 00:22:50,695 --> 00:22:51,765 greet the children in the morning. 542 00:22:51,765 --> 00:22:52,805 And if I have a meeting, then I go 543 00:22:52,805 --> 00:22:53,885 to the hall as they're transitioning up. 544 00:22:53,885 --> 00:22:55,525 That's really important to me to be able 545 00:22:55,525 --> 00:22:56,565 to that piece of it. 546 00:22:56,865 --> 00:22:58,845 And then we, you know, I have a schedule where I, 547 00:22:58,845 --> 00:23:01,285 where I provide services to students who are on IEPs 548 00:23:01,285 --> 00:23:03,445 for counseling 504s for counseling. 549 00:23:03,665 --> 00:23:05,205 So depending on the day I am doing that, 550 00:23:05,305 --> 00:23:09,205 I'm teaching an SEL lesson just about every day. 551 00:23:09,205 --> 00:23:10,205 We just got some more support. 552 00:23:10,225 --> 00:23:12,045 So it's not necessarily every day sure. 553 00:23:12,045 --> 00:23:14,165 That I'm teaching the SEL lessons to kids. 554 00:23:14,825 --> 00:23:15,965 I'm supporting at recess 555 00:23:15,965 --> 00:23:17,525 and lunch in those unstructured times. 556 00:23:17,525 --> 00:23:20,445 Because I, I really take that as a serious part of my job. 557 00:23:20,475 --> 00:23:22,765 It's really important to me that I'm not 558 00:23:23,315 --> 00:23:24,685 necessarily providing services, 559 00:23:24,705 --> 00:23:27,085 but I'm just available to students in those unstructured 560 00:23:27,085 --> 00:23:28,165 times to help with their social 561 00:23:28,545 --> 00:23:29,845 And that's what they need you most emotional. 562 00:23:29,845 --> 00:23:31,405 Exactly. Yeah. And it's been awesome. 563 00:23:31,465 --> 00:23:32,605 We, I do lunch bunches. 564 00:23:32,605 --> 00:23:34,565 We have like a little side room in the new building. 565 00:23:34,785 --> 00:23:37,325 So I do that just about every day, 566 00:23:37,865 --> 00:23:39,205 the lunch bunch piece of things. 567 00:23:39,385 --> 00:23:43,125 And then providing support to teachers 568 00:23:43,225 --> 00:23:45,885 and observations within the classroom 569 00:23:45,945 --> 00:23:48,285 so I can then offer some suggestions and, 570 00:23:48,345 --> 00:23:49,805 and support to teachers. 571 00:23:49,865 --> 00:23:54,245 So basically that's, you know, the trajectory 572 00:23:54,305 --> 00:23:55,445 of my day. Right. 573 00:23:55,545 --> 00:24:00,485 And and you provide support for children, for families, 574 00:24:01,265 --> 00:24:04,925 for teachers, for the principals and 575 00:24:06,115 --> 00:24:07,445 Yeah, we have IEP meetings. 576 00:24:07,465 --> 00:24:08,885 We have the admin council meeting. 577 00:24:08,885 --> 00:24:09,925 Yeah, there's a lot. Yeah, 578 00:24:10,125 --> 00:24:11,405 A lot filling in. A lot of 579 00:24:11,405 --> 00:24:12,405 Filling In. 580 00:24:12,405 --> 00:24:12,845 Yeah. Yes, there is. And reaching 581 00:24:12,845 --> 00:24:13,805 Out to parents. Yeah. Yeah. 582 00:24:14,065 --> 00:24:15,325 And Maura, you have the little ones. 583 00:24:15,505 --> 00:24:17,365 So I do, I call them my little nuggets. 584 00:24:17,805 --> 00:24:19,565 Preschool to first grade. Yeah. 585 00:24:22,605 --> 00:24:27,565 I feel very fortunate that well and pressure, 586 00:24:27,665 --> 00:24:29,045 but very fortunate that 587 00:24:29,965 --> 00:24:34,165 I am the face when these children are starting their public 588 00:24:34,185 --> 00:24:37,125 school education and coming in. 589 00:24:37,125 --> 00:24:38,365 This is their first experience. 590 00:24:38,365 --> 00:24:41,205 Sometimes the little ones aren't even in preschool, 591 00:24:41,225 --> 00:24:43,805 so they're just coming in kindergarten full day. 592 00:24:44,145 --> 00:24:46,045 Here's the curriculum, here's the expectations. 593 00:24:46,825 --> 00:24:48,525 And, you know, it's overwhelming thinking 594 00:24:48,525 --> 00:24:49,565 about that for a 5-year-old. 595 00:24:49,625 --> 00:24:52,885 So my role, again, 596 00:24:52,885 --> 00:24:54,405 like every school counselor in this district, 597 00:24:54,425 --> 00:24:56,485 we are wearing many hats. 598 00:24:56,715 --> 00:24:59,885 Lots of different hats. And so every day 599 00:25:00,545 --> 00:25:01,805 as we know can look differently. 600 00:25:02,185 --> 00:25:05,885 But at the core of my work every day 601 00:25:07,005 --> 00:25:09,165 piggybacking on what Ashley said is 602 00:25:09,275 --> 00:25:10,925 connections and relationships. 603 00:25:11,385 --> 00:25:13,245 And those children know that Mrs. 604 00:25:13,365 --> 00:25:15,325 Ricardi loves them and is there for them 605 00:25:15,585 --> 00:25:17,285 and do everything I can to help them. 606 00:25:17,585 --> 00:25:21,285 And so what that might look like is 9:30 607 00:25:21,345 --> 00:25:23,605 to 10 every day I'm in the classroom doing 608 00:25:23,605 --> 00:25:24,725 social emotional learning. 609 00:25:24,905 --> 00:25:28,925 So I'm explicitly working with these students on 610 00:25:29,445 --> 00:25:30,725 specific social skills. 611 00:25:32,065 --> 00:25:33,565 You know, we follow life is good. 612 00:25:33,665 --> 00:25:35,205 And so we have our superpowers. 613 00:25:35,505 --> 00:25:38,005 And then we also are following the CASEL 614 00:25:38,085 --> 00:25:40,405 competencies every single month. 615 00:25:40,425 --> 00:25:44,445 And so I might be bringing in self-awareness this month was, 616 00:25:44,495 --> 00:25:46,605 we're wrapping up responsible decision making. 617 00:25:47,125 --> 00:25:49,325 And so it's really fun 618 00:25:49,425 --> 00:25:50,885 to like get on the floor with the kids. 619 00:25:51,165 --> 00:25:54,165 I often like, whether I have props or I'm reading a book 620 00:25:54,185 --> 00:25:57,925 or I'm doing an activity to reinforce kind of what 621 00:25:57,925 --> 00:26:01,005 that means and breaking it down for them at home 622 00:26:01,025 --> 00:26:03,005 and at school and, you know, 623 00:26:03,435 --> 00:26:05,805 what does it look like when your parent asks 624 00:26:05,805 --> 00:26:06,965 you to clean your room? 625 00:26:07,145 --> 00:26:09,525 You know, what do you do? And so we're, we're roleplaying 626 00:26:09,525 --> 00:26:11,925 and talking about where it means to be responsible 627 00:26:11,985 --> 00:26:15,045 and taking responsibility, you know, for yourself 628 00:26:15,265 --> 00:26:16,645 and the choices that you make. 629 00:26:16,645 --> 00:26:19,205 And they all laugh. 'cause I, I say to the teacher, 630 00:26:19,585 --> 00:26:22,245 can you get into Johnny's head and make a choice for him? 631 00:26:22,245 --> 00:26:24,885 And they're like, no, that'd be a superpower. 632 00:26:25,505 --> 00:26:28,725 So we talk about how only you are responsible 633 00:26:28,785 --> 00:26:31,125 for making these good choices and we're not all perfect. 634 00:26:31,265 --> 00:26:33,205 And yeah. So anyways, I could go on forever, 635 00:26:33,345 --> 00:26:36,965 but that's SEL lessons, IEP students who have social, 636 00:26:36,965 --> 00:26:38,685 emotional or behavioral goals. 637 00:26:38,785 --> 00:26:41,805 I'm working with them. The autism kiddos. 638 00:26:42,065 --> 00:26:43,765 We also do social groups for them. 639 00:26:44,175 --> 00:26:47,605 Lunch bunches, one-to-one counseling. 640 00:26:48,145 --> 00:26:50,725 No matter what your status is at East street school, 641 00:26:50,725 --> 00:26:54,205 whether you're special ed, you have a 5 0 4, you are just, 642 00:26:54,425 --> 00:26:56,085 you know, an average student coming in 643 00:26:56,465 --> 00:26:58,205 and you might come check in with Mrs. 644 00:26:58,365 --> 00:27:00,525 Ricardi. So I am available to all students, 645 00:27:01,285 --> 00:27:03,485 which goes along with all of the many hats. 646 00:27:03,625 --> 00:27:06,525 And that looks like, you know, very different things. 647 00:27:06,665 --> 00:27:09,885 But every day you'll see us high fiving, 648 00:27:09,895 --> 00:27:12,085 elbow bumping. I've 649 00:27:12,085 --> 00:27:14,925 High, high fived you both. No, I get it. 650 00:27:15,905 --> 00:27:17,965 And students, yes. I 651 00:27:17,965 --> 00:27:21,365 Think we have 367 at East Street kiddos. 652 00:27:21,745 --> 00:27:23,565 And I, 653 00:27:23,955 --> 00:27:26,965 getting in the classroom also helps me connect 654 00:27:26,965 --> 00:27:28,565 with everybody learning their names. 655 00:27:28,795 --> 00:27:31,205 They know me, I know them having bus duty, 656 00:27:31,735 --> 00:27:35,205 which isn't the best, but at bus duty I have 657 00:27:35,205 --> 00:27:36,325 to call everyone's name 658 00:27:36,345 --> 00:27:37,965 and check it off on the computer until they get on the bus. 659 00:27:38,345 --> 00:27:42,365 So it just is empowering to be part of a culture where 660 00:27:43,375 --> 00:27:44,605 we're on a first name basis. 661 00:27:45,105 --> 00:27:46,445 And you know, some of the kids 662 00:27:46,665 --> 00:27:49,365 and now their teachers are teaching, are talking about how 663 00:27:50,825 --> 00:27:52,005 not everybody likes hugs. 664 00:27:52,005 --> 00:27:53,965 And so a lot of the little kids at East Street are like, 665 00:27:53,965 --> 00:27:55,165 can I give you a hug Mrs. 666 00:27:55,325 --> 00:27:56,445 Ricardi? And they know I love hugs. 667 00:27:56,465 --> 00:27:58,205 So all the time it is a yes. Yeah. 668 00:27:59,105 --> 00:28:01,205 But it is a very special place to be 669 00:28:01,465 --> 00:28:04,245 and I love being their school counselor. 670 00:28:04,465 --> 00:28:05,725 It, it's, it's obvious. 671 00:28:05,865 --> 00:28:09,285 And you know, for both of you just, you know, 672 00:28:09,285 --> 00:28:11,005 we have about a few minutes left, 673 00:28:11,105 --> 00:28:13,525 but one of the things I just wanted to hit on is 674 00:28:15,795 --> 00:28:18,645 when you think of your roles, sometimes it's reactionary 675 00:28:19,305 --> 00:28:22,205 in terms of, you know, students in crisis and so forth. 676 00:28:23,265 --> 00:28:26,765 But it's very proactive in what we're doing as a district is 677 00:28:26,765 --> 00:28:30,405 to build those skills, those social and emotional skills. 678 00:28:31,105 --> 00:28:33,725 And just like teaching math, you know, 679 00:28:33,765 --> 00:28:35,765 you're teaching responsibility what that looks like 680 00:28:36,165 --> 00:28:39,005 and be able for them to internalize that 681 00:28:39,925 --> 00:28:43,045 because they're all coming from different places and, 682 00:28:43,265 --> 00:28:46,645 but that's what responsibility looks like at East Street School 683 00:28:46,825 --> 00:28:47,845 or, or Harris Brook. 684 00:28:48,245 --> 00:28:49,805 And that's just so vital. 685 00:28:50,805 --> 00:28:52,565 I just wanted to make sure that we highlighted that. 686 00:28:52,765 --> 00:28:54,045 Yeah, sure. And, and doing a wonder. 687 00:28:54,145 --> 00:28:56,445 And that's not just, just the counselors, that's all 688 00:28:56,445 --> 00:28:58,125 of us have that responsibility. 689 00:28:59,445 --> 00:29:01,205 I asked this question of Amy and Nate 690 00:29:01,385 --> 00:29:04,045 and just advice for parents. 691 00:29:04,325 --> 00:29:06,845 I mean, you know, my kids are in their twenties and so forth 692 00:29:06,985 --> 00:29:08,645 and we all struggle raising kids, 693 00:29:08,865 --> 00:29:11,565 but what, what, 694 00:29:12,515 --> 00:29:14,165 what skills should parents 695 00:29:14,305 --> 00:29:18,805 or adults talk to that you think we should have 696 00:29:19,105 --> 00:29:23,285 and, and make a recommendation in terms of helping children, 697 00:29:24,915 --> 00:29:25,915 Girl, mom over here. 698 00:29:26,985 --> 00:29:31,285 So I would say for sure having an ability to 699 00:29:33,195 --> 00:29:35,085 instill pause within yourself. 700 00:29:36,625 --> 00:29:39,085 So just to be able to stop instead of react, 701 00:29:39,325 --> 00:29:40,765 I think is extremely helpful. 702 00:29:41,185 --> 00:29:43,365 And that will then come with that. 703 00:29:43,365 --> 00:29:46,085 We'll, we'll be patience because unless we pause 704 00:29:46,105 --> 00:29:48,645 and kind of check in and reflect with ourselves, 705 00:29:49,955 --> 00:29:53,605 it's really hard to listen to a child. 706 00:29:54,645 --> 00:29:56,565 'cause you know, the hustle and bustle of society, 707 00:29:56,565 --> 00:29:58,085 we're just always on the go, go, go. 708 00:29:58,085 --> 00:29:59,645 What sport are we bringing our kid to? 709 00:29:59,645 --> 00:30:00,965 What are we doing next? Where are we going next? 710 00:30:01,425 --> 00:30:05,165 And so I think I, this seems so simple and silly and cliche, 711 00:30:06,185 --> 00:30:09,285 but I literally have a reminder in my phone at three 30 712 00:30:09,385 --> 00:30:11,925 and then again at six 30 and then again at eight to pause 713 00:30:12,025 --> 00:30:14,325 and calm and it goes off in my phone to remind myself, 714 00:30:14,325 --> 00:30:15,405 okay, I, I'm here, I'm present. 715 00:30:15,805 --> 00:30:18,525 I need to pause, check in with myself 716 00:30:19,145 --> 00:30:20,645 and the visual reminder, 717 00:30:20,665 --> 00:30:23,325 and then I can be more present for my children. 718 00:30:23,465 --> 00:30:25,885 And I have it going off during the day when I'm at work 719 00:30:25,885 --> 00:30:27,365 as well, so I can be more present 720 00:30:27,705 --> 00:30:30,645 and available to the students. 721 00:30:30,645 --> 00:30:32,365 Because if I'm constantly worrying about 722 00:30:32,515 --> 00:30:35,325 what meeting I have next, what lesson I have next, planning 723 00:30:35,325 --> 00:30:37,485 for that lesson, you know, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. 724 00:30:37,595 --> 00:30:39,485 It's easy to get caught up and not be present 725 00:30:39,625 --> 00:30:41,285 and really make that connection and listen. 726 00:30:41,505 --> 00:30:44,605 And, and I think it would be very helpful 727 00:30:44,745 --> 00:30:47,765 and beneficial if more of us could do that for, 728 00:30:47,865 --> 00:30:49,165 for children, for our children 729 00:30:49,225 --> 00:30:51,125 and ourselves. That's really good advice. 730 00:30:51,355 --> 00:30:52,725 I'll take that. Okay. 731 00:30:53,235 --> 00:30:55,645 Well it's like what she said, put it on 732 00:30:55,645 --> 00:30:56,925 Here. I'll set an alarm. 733 00:30:57,555 --> 00:30:59,205 It's What, it's, it's hard to be present. 734 00:30:59,465 --> 00:31:02,245 It is when your brain is going a lot of different places 735 00:31:04,105 --> 00:31:05,125 for our families. 736 00:31:06,185 --> 00:31:08,725 You know, a a big part of my day is, 737 00:31:09,065 --> 00:31:10,285 is consulting with parents. 738 00:31:10,475 --> 00:31:11,485 It's in my schedule, 739 00:31:11,675 --> 00:31:15,765 it's a certain color supporting them. 740 00:31:15,985 --> 00:31:20,165 And so I think my advice is to 741 00:31:23,315 --> 00:31:24,725 meet your child where they're at. 742 00:31:25,935 --> 00:31:29,645 Every child is different as we know academically, socially, 743 00:31:30,165 --> 00:31:31,925 behaviorally, strengths, weaknesses, 744 00:31:32,475 --> 00:31:34,045 they all present in a different way. 745 00:31:34,145 --> 00:31:37,205 And so however your child is, that is 746 00:31:37,205 --> 00:31:38,525 who they are and that is great. 747 00:31:38,745 --> 00:31:40,005 And they have strengths and they have 748 00:31:40,005 --> 00:31:41,285 weaknesses just like we do. 749 00:31:41,825 --> 00:31:45,725 So I think as a parent, you know, being a mom 750 00:31:45,745 --> 00:31:48,365 and being a school counselor, recognizing that 751 00:31:48,865 --> 00:31:52,645 and having these conversations be connected at home. 752 00:31:53,075 --> 00:31:54,165 Everybody is busy. 753 00:31:54,165 --> 00:31:56,525 There is not enough free time or minutes in our day. 754 00:31:56,905 --> 00:31:59,565 But like, where are those moments where you 755 00:31:59,585 --> 00:32:02,605 as the parent can make the connection that I am making 756 00:32:02,625 --> 00:32:04,565 as the school counselor with them during the day. 757 00:32:04,665 --> 00:32:07,245 And so, you know, maybe it is a five minute dinner, 758 00:32:07,245 --> 00:32:08,685 maybe you're not sitting at the dinner table, 759 00:32:08,905 --> 00:32:10,405 but you're in front of the TV 760 00:32:10,425 --> 00:32:11,485 or you're getting ready for this. 761 00:32:11,945 --> 00:32:14,685 We do something very simple at my house. 762 00:32:14,795 --> 00:32:17,165 Like we, since my daughter was in kindergarten 763 00:32:17,265 --> 00:32:18,365 and now she's in second grade, 764 00:32:18,425 --> 00:32:22,405 but you know, she'll say at the table, mom, you start, 765 00:32:22,405 --> 00:32:24,005 what's your rose and your thorn of the day? 766 00:32:24,105 --> 00:32:26,365 So we talk about one good thing about our day 767 00:32:26,465 --> 00:32:28,445 and our thorn is like, hmm, something 768 00:32:28,445 --> 00:32:29,645 that might have not gone well for you. 769 00:32:29,745 --> 00:32:32,205 And sometimes that really opens up some big conversations 770 00:32:32,225 --> 00:32:35,245 of like something she saw at school or something she felt, 771 00:32:35,385 --> 00:32:38,365 and we're talking about that, which is really powerful. 772 00:32:38,505 --> 00:32:41,125 So I also would love to tell families 773 00:32:41,595 --> 00:32:44,685 that it takes a village to raise our children as we know. 774 00:32:45,065 --> 00:32:46,725 And no one can do it alone. 775 00:32:46,905 --> 00:32:49,645 And so while we do have a spec specific role 776 00:32:49,645 --> 00:32:51,845 as school counselors, we are always here 777 00:32:51,945 --> 00:32:53,645 to connect families to what they need. 778 00:32:55,065 --> 00:32:58,125 You know, it's, it's, it's really hard 779 00:32:58,125 --> 00:32:59,605 and vulnerable to talk 780 00:32:59,605 --> 00:33:02,925 to an employee like myself when a parent calls and be open 781 00:33:02,925 --> 00:33:04,685 and honest about a struggle you might be having. 782 00:33:04,715 --> 00:33:06,205 Sure. But like, I wanna help you 783 00:33:06,265 --> 00:33:07,685 and I can connect you to this person. 784 00:33:07,825 --> 00:33:08,885 Or if I don't know the answer, 785 00:33:09,005 --> 00:33:10,205 I will tell you I don't know the answer. 786 00:33:10,425 --> 00:33:13,085 But here's what you can do. And that the website we now have 787 00:33:14,145 --> 00:33:17,765 the parents can access on our website under parent 788 00:33:17,765 --> 00:33:22,165 information that Massachusetts for youth programming, 789 00:33:22,805 --> 00:33:25,165 I might have said that wrong, but there, that parent 790 00:33:25,715 --> 00:33:29,485 link has access to like grief resources, quick videos, 791 00:33:29,625 --> 00:33:31,805 how do you talk to your child about this, anxiety, 792 00:33:32,025 --> 00:33:35,965 So I really want our families to know that there is 793 00:33:36,515 --> 00:33:37,645 support out there for you 794 00:33:37,945 --> 00:33:39,725 And we're starting to build those resources. 795 00:33:39,835 --> 00:33:42,205 Yeah. And you can find that on the 796 00:33:43,445 --> 00:33:47,085 LPS wellness page, on our, on our website. 797 00:33:48,065 --> 00:33:51,125 Ashley Antoine, thank you. Thank you. Maura Ricardi. Thank you. 798 00:33:51,145 --> 00:33:54,285 You're welcome. Nate Zucco and Amy Smith. 799 00:33:54,685 --> 00:33:56,205 Thank you for a great first segment. 800 00:33:56,865 --> 00:33:59,485 We are over time as I'm getting the signal, 801 00:34:02,465 --> 00:34:04,365 I'm just grateful that we are able to spend this time. 802 00:34:04,375 --> 00:34:07,245 Thank you. Talking about the important roles that you play 803 00:34:08,145 --> 00:34:10,485 in our schools and in our children and families lives. 804 00:34:11,135 --> 00:34:12,685 Thank you so much for joining us. 805 00:34:13,125 --> 00:34:15,045 Watch out for the next episode of Lions Pride.