Welcome
Our Counselor:
I'm available by phone Monday-Friday 8 am-2:30 pm (540) 857-5007 ext. 50011 or email erjackson@rcps.us Thank you for all do and know that I am here for you.
Sincerely,
Erica Jackson
School Counselor
The bullying contact for Herman L. Horn Elementary is the school counselor, Erica Jackson. She can be reached by phone at (540) 857-5007 ext. 50011 or email at erjackson@rcps.us
Coping Strategies
Throughout the school year we have discussed various emotions and coping strategies during classroom counseling, and I want to remind our students of those strategies.
Deep Breathing
Remind students to breathe in slowly through the nose and out through the mouth. A slow exhale stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. A variation of belly breathing is to breathe in a memory of feeling safe and happy and breathe out the uncomfortable, pandemic-related feelings.
- Belly Breathing
Clasp hands together over belly button. Feel for the stomach going in as they take a deep breath in and then inflate as they slowly exhale.
- 5 Finger Breathing
Trace one hand with index finger of opposite hand while breathing in as the trace up the finger. Breathing out as they trace down each finger.
Positive Self Talk
Help students identify negative self-talk related to the pandemic. Discuss helpful or positive self-talk that they could use instead. Help them understand that they are at home in order to keep themselves and other people safe. In other words, they are doing something very caring and helpful for their family and their community.
Counting
Slowly counting to10 (or down) can also help in regulation. This can assist in additional think time to prevent speaking or behaving in a manner that will later be regretted.