ROOM 32!
We are a fairly unique program, so you probably have a lot of questions about us! I'll try to cover all the basics here, but if you still have wonders please feel free to contact me through the "Contact" link above.
What is Strategies?
Strategies is a support opportunity designed for students who experience anxiety, ADHD, or other mental wellness challenges, preventing them from being successful in a regular classroom. It can be challenging and overwhelming when a child refuses to go to school, so one of our most important roles is to be a support for families so you don't have to go through this alone.
Who can be a part of Strategies?
We are a place for kids who present introvert behaviors including - refusing to attend school, nervous breakdowns, sad or withdrawn, lack of social skills, emotional regulation challenges, organization issues, and trouble focusing.
If you are not in the Springvalley Middle School catchment area not to worry! Kids from all over School District #23 can apply to be a part of the Strategies Program. Simply contact me and we can discuss the next steps for getting your child the support they need.
I want my child to get help, but I don't want them to feel different.
We get this comment a lot and believe me, I understand your concern! Middle school can be the hardest social environment for kids trying to fit in and "survive". I work really hard to connect our classroom with the rest of the school and we have built a reputation of being the "fun" room where other kids want to be! We focus on building kids up and helping them make connections within the school so they can feel confident and happy to return to their regular classroom when they're ready.
What about exploratories or electives?
The kids in Strategies still access their electives within a smaller classroom setting. We even participate in more electives and hands on projects in our day to day classroom assignments as well. We are constantly getting the kids to build, move, explore, and create new things!
Can my child and I come and check this out before making a decision?
Absolutely! We love having guests visit and more often than not they choose to stay! We would love to set up a meeting with you and your child to see how we can support you.
As a parent, do I have more responsibilities if my child is in Strategies?
We do require some things from parents in order to participate in the Strategies Program. Here is a list of parent responsibilities:
- Communication (especially regarding absences, but also any medication changes, experiences that may be effecting your child's behaviour, or concerns you may have)
- we communicate via email, website, phone calls, and/or texting
- Absent call-ins - parents of all SMS students are required to call the office if their child is going to be absent
- Attend IEP meetings (twice a year; beginning and end of school year)
- Attend any other meetings necessary throughout the year (depending on your child's behaviour and needs)
Have more questions?? Please contact me through the "Contact" link above. I would love to hear from you!
What is Strategies?
Strategies is a support opportunity designed for students who experience anxiety, ADHD, or other mental wellness challenges, preventing them from being successful in a regular classroom. It can be challenging and overwhelming when a child refuses to go to school, so one of our most important roles is to be a support for families so you don't have to go through this alone.
Who can be a part of Strategies?
We are a place for kids who present introvert behaviors including - refusing to attend school, nervous breakdowns, sad or withdrawn, lack of social skills, emotional regulation challenges, organization issues, and trouble focusing.
If you are not in the Springvalley Middle School catchment area not to worry! Kids from all over School District #23 can apply to be a part of the Strategies Program. Simply contact me and we can discuss the next steps for getting your child the support they need.
I want my child to get help, but I don't want them to feel different.
We get this comment a lot and believe me, I understand your concern! Middle school can be the hardest social environment for kids trying to fit in and "survive". I work really hard to connect our classroom with the rest of the school and we have built a reputation of being the "fun" room where other kids want to be! We focus on building kids up and helping them make connections within the school so they can feel confident and happy to return to their regular classroom when they're ready.
What about exploratories or electives?
The kids in Strategies still access their electives within a smaller classroom setting. We even participate in more electives and hands on projects in our day to day classroom assignments as well. We are constantly getting the kids to build, move, explore, and create new things!
Can my child and I come and check this out before making a decision?
Absolutely! We love having guests visit and more often than not they choose to stay! We would love to set up a meeting with you and your child to see how we can support you.
As a parent, do I have more responsibilities if my child is in Strategies?
We do require some things from parents in order to participate in the Strategies Program. Here is a list of parent responsibilities:
- Communication (especially regarding absences, but also any medication changes, experiences that may be effecting your child's behaviour, or concerns you may have)
- we communicate via email, website, phone calls, and/or texting
- Absent call-ins - parents of all SMS students are required to call the office if their child is going to be absent
- Attend IEP meetings (twice a year; beginning and end of school year)
- Attend any other meetings necessary throughout the year (depending on your child's behaviour and needs)
Have more questions?? Please contact me through the "Contact" link above. I would love to hear from you!