PINE MOUNTAIN'S COUNSELING CORNER
  • Counselor Contact & Crisis Info
  • News & Calendar Events
  • 6th Grade
  • 7th Grade
  • 8th Grade
  • At Home Activities
  • Our Mission

WELCOME CLASS OF 2028 7TH GRADERS!!!!
HERE YOU WILL FIND IMPORTANT UPDATED INFORMATION SPECIFICALLY FOR 7TH GRADE. AS ALWAYS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL OR CALL
​Dr. Knight WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE!


Reality U

Picture
​All 8th graders will be participating in Reality U on December 3rd.
​ We are asking parents to volunteer their time to help out with this wonderful event that our students love. 
Please click the link below and sign up to volunteer!!

www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f4fa9ae28a6f49-20212022

Naviance 10/26 & 10/27

On October 26th and 27th, all 7th grade students will be completing their second Naviance lesson with the counselors. Naviance is an American college and career readiness software provider that partners with Cobb County School District to provide students with college planning and career assessment tools. Last year students learned about their learning styles and completed a learning styles assessment to figure out how they best learn! This year as 7th graders they will get the opportunity to explore some careers, figure out some of their strengths, and begin building their  official Naviance profile! Both students and parents can access Naviance at home! We encourage students to dig a little deeper on their Naviance accounts when they have some free time!
Click Here to Check Out Naviance!

Have a good week Everyone! 


Positive self talk

Let's talk about positive self-talk. You may have guessed it, it's the opposite of negative self-talk. It’s not about being conceded or bragging on yourself to others, or trying to convince others into thinking things that are inaccurate. It’s more about showing yourself some self-compassion and understanding for who you are and what you’ve been through.
Positive self-talk sees our internal narrative switching to ideas like ‘I can do better next time’ or ‘I choose to learn from my mistakes, not be held back by them.

Start each day by saying something positive about yourself. You can say it out loud or to yourself. Make it a daily habit!!
Picture

    share with me some of the positive things you have to say about yourself, I would love to hear them! 

Submit

in or out of my control??

We all know people who want to control everything, in some cases we can too be that person that always wants to be in control. Sometimes we think we can control our parents, our siblings, our friends, our teacher’s time, we just want to control EVERYTHING!  It is important to understand what you can and cannot control not only for academic success but also for emotional well-being. Trying to control things outside of your control can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and unable to focus on the important aspects of your life, including academic success. Below we are going to complete an activity on things we can and cannot control.


Materials: 
  • Pen 
  • Paper 
  • ​Markers (optional)
Instructions: 
  • Begin by tracing your hand or both hands onto the paper. On the inside of the hand, write, “In my control.” On the outside of the hand outline, write, “Out of my control. Write or draw the things that you think you are in their control of the inside of the hand.You can write things like: my behavior, my thoughts, the words I choose to say, the words I choose to keep to myself, the way I react to others, etc. On the outside of the hand, you can write things that you think are outside or not in your control. These could be things like: my parent’s job, my parents’ divorce, the weather, my teacher’s voice, the lunch my peer brings to school, etc.
​See the video below for an example:

we are so excited to have you back and hope you enjoyed your spring break!!


SPRINGING INTO SELF- CARE

Picture
Picture
E-mail your self-care evaluation score to Ms. Brooks @ greonna.brooks@cobbk12.org and lets talk about it !! ​

Motivational self-care quotes just for you! 

  • When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings you joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life! - Jean Shinoda Bolen
  • ​Love yourself first and everything else will fall in line! - Lucille Ball 
  • The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself, so take the time to take care of yourself every day! - Steve Maraboli

Springing into Self- care

As we get back in the routine of virtual learning, it is important you take some time for self-care. You have probably heard adults talk about self-care, things they are going to do after work and how they can't wait until the weekend to get some "rest". But what about you as a middle schooler? You deserve some self-care too! This week we will focus on various ways that you can care for yourself as a middle school student. 
Picture

     favorite self-care activity 

Submit
March 30th- April 3rd- ALL ABOUT BULLYING AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STOP IT!

Change Starts with you!!!


​We the students of Pine Mountain Middle School agree to join together to stop bullying.

BY SIGNING THIS PLEDGE I AGREE TO:

• Treat others respectfully.
• Try to include those who are left out.
• Refuse to bully others.
• Refuse to watch, laugh or join in when someone is being bullied.
• Tell an adult.
​• Help those who are being bullied.


To sign the anti-bullying pledge click the link below! 
​https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=-x3OL5-ROEmquMR_D8kYLY9YHF5Qgl1OnOLNB-VOoTBUNDlDMDVZV1I3SVc3TkVGM01EUFdYQVRaRS4u
Picture

What did you learn? 

Picture

    Bullying quiz

Submit

bystanders- How can you play an active role in stopping bullying and become an active bystander

What is a Bystander? 
Bystanders are individuals who observe violence or witness the conditions that perpetuate violence. They are not directly involved, but have the choice to intervene, speak up, or do something about it. They are individuals who are present, and potentially in a position to discourage, prevent, or interrupt a potential incident.
How Can I Intervene?
• 
Notice the situation- Be aware of your surroundings.
• Interpret it as a problem- Do I recognize that someone needs help?
• Feel responsible to act- See yourself as being part of the solution to help.
• Know what to do- Educate yourself on what to do before a situation arises.
• Intervene safely- Take action but be sure to keep yourself safe.
Remember, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!”--Max Lucado

 pUTTING A sTOP TO BULLYING! 

Checking in with you on zoom!​​

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO COMPLETE THE LESSON
https://share.nearpod.com/RgJ3OEg9h5
I will be doing some check-ins with students this week on Tuesday March 30th and Thursday April 2nd. If you are interested please contact Ms. Brooks by e-mail at greonna.brooks@cobbk12.org, I look forward to seeing you all! 

 tYPES OF BULLYING 

What is bullying:
  •  Name calling (making fun of a name or teasing, using put-downs)
  • Threats/Mental Violence (get others to be mean, saying you better not tell anyone, making threatening gestures)
  • Hurtful words (talking behind someone's back, laughing at you, using bad language to describe someone)
  • Physical Violence (hitting, pushing, kicking, punching, slapping)
  • Relational Bullying (spreading rumors, taunting, lying, listening in on a conversation)
  • Intimidation (a look, a gesture, making a threat, yelling, standing over someone)
  • Exclusion (purposely leaving someone out, not letting someone sit with you)
What is Cyber-Bullying?
  • Sending malicious text messages
  • Using a computer or other technology to bully someone
  • Prank or harassing phone calls
  • Social Network sites (facebook, twitter, Instagram)
  • Posting a mean or embarrassing picture
Picture

    bullying survey

Submit

Congratulations!! you made it through ​week #2
 Keep up the great work !!!


3/27 Today is the LAst Day of SOS week- today is all about family Support                

IT'S SOURCES OF STRENGTH WEEK!!!!! (3/23-3/27)

What is family?
Family can be defined as many different things. Some people see family as their actually family, mom and dad, siblings, and grandparents. Other people may see family as people who aren't necessarily blood related to them, however they play a major role in their life. That could be anyone from a close friend to a teacher at your school. You define what family looks like for you! 
Why is family support so important? 
Family support is important to individuals for a variety of reasons, most of which are related to your personal well-being. Family is important to individuals because it provides benefits to your physical, emotional, and mental health that can't be found anywhere else. Close families ties have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. 
Something to think about!

Think of some people you consider family. 
  1. Do you have anyone you consider family but is not blood related to you?
  2. Why do you consider that person family?
  3. How does your family support? 
  4. Do you feel that you are supportive family member to someone else? 

Play this fun quingo game with your family, See who can get quingo first!!
Let the games begin!!

Picture

    tell us about your favorite ​SOS day

Submit

3/26 Lets talk about Mental Health                        IT'S SOURCES OF STRENGTH WEEK!!!!! (3/23-3/27)

Mental health may not always be the easiest topic to discuss, however it is very necessary. As you grow older you will begin to experience a variety of emotions. Some of these emotions are warm and fuzzy and make you feel good, and some may not be. It is important that you become aware of your body's signals to what you are feeling. Learning various coping methods can be helpful when dealing with the various thoughts and emotions that occur in your life! 

cHALLENGE! 

For the next week challenge yourself to participate in one positive mental health activity everyday. Write down what you are doing each day and e-mail it to Ms. Brooks or Mrs. Hines. You may get special surprise! 

    What does Mental Health look like to you?!

Submit
Picture

TAKE A LOOK AT THE CHART BELOW

Picture





LETS WORK TOGETHER
​
TO BREAK THE NEGATIVE STIGMA ABOUT
MENTAL HEALTH
!!!!


3/25-  What about your FRIENDS?  Just the POSITIVE ones!             IT'S SOURCES OF STRENGTH WEEK!!!!! (3/23-3/27)
Picture
Friendship is a very important part of our teen and adults years. Our friends have seen us in our very high and very low moments. Who else do we call when we feel like no one understands?!  
They have been there to celebrate with us, morn with us, advise us and love us unconditionally. Your positive friends are your supporters who are willing to tell you when you are out of line or get you help when you need it. No matter what, your physical and mental health are always important to them. So, what about YOUR friends?
Throwback Thursday (Check out TLC's clip on the right)

*Challenge: Make it a TIKTOK moment and send it to Ms. Brooks @ greonna.brooks@cobbk12.org
or 
Mrs. Hines   @ tamara.hines@cobbk12.org

    Quote connection

Submit
Look at these quotes below. Which do you most connect with? Share in the space provided.

“Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.”
– Ed Cunningham
 
“Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”
– Albert Camus
 
Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.
-Misty Copeland
 
There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family.
-Unknown

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
 -Arnold H. Glasgow


3/24- TODAY IS ALL ABOUT MENTORS!!!                                         IT'S SOURCES OF STRENGTH WEEK!!!!! (3/23-3/27)

Picture

What is a mentor? 
A mentor is a person or friend who guides a less experienced person by building trust and modeling positive behaviors. An effective mentor understands that his or her role is to be dependable, engaged, authentic, and tuned into the needs of the mentee. 

Think about these questions!!
  1. Who is a trusted adult that makes you feel safe to be yourself? 
  2. Name an adult you feel is "in your corner". How do they show you that they are for you? ​​
  3. Which adult do you most commonly ask for help, whether with school, a social issue, etc? 
  4. Tell about how your trusted adult worked to gain your trust. 
  5. One adult you would like to connect more to is __________________, because___________________. ​

HERE IS A FUN ACTIVITY YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR MENTOR or trusted adult  ​

Picture

3/23   We are so excited!          It's finally here!                     It's Sources Of Strength WEEK!!!!! (3/23-3/27)

Picture
​

Picture
Sources of Strength is a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent suicide by increasing help seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults. Sources of Strength moves beyond a singular focus on risk factors by utilizing an upstream approach for youth suicide prevention. This upstream model strengthens multiple sources of support (protective factors) around young individuals so that when times get hard they have strengths to rely on.  #NOMUSTANGISALONE

Self-reflect by using the questions below and viewing the video on the right.

    My Sources of Strength

Submit
Every day of this week we will highlight a SOURCE OF STRENGTH. Today we will highlight the beauty of FAMILY SUPPORT. Family support includes our biolgogical family members and those that we consider family. This type of support is priceless and uncondtional. These are our life connectors that know us the most and genuinely want the very best for us. In celebration of their support, consider doing the following:
  • Make a Family Tree and write down the positive qualities or things you appreciate about each of the members of the tree that you named. Share with your family (via text for those long distance).
  • Create a paper chain. On each link, write the name of someone in your family (the one you were born into, or the one that you chose) that you feel supported by.  Display it in your room or a space at home. Share with your family (via text for those long distance).
  • Use the hashtag #SOURCESOFSTRENGTH and post pics of your fam on instagram or other social media outlets. 
  • Host an awkward family photo competition where your family members find a funny picture that you are included in and then you post that photo to your social media (#sourcesofstrength) with a comment. 
 

    Tell us what you learned

Submit

3/20/2020- LEts Wrap it up

We made it through the first week of virtual learning! We hope you enjoyed all the activities that were provided for you. As we move into Week 2 we will celebrating Sources of Strength week. Take a minute to think about what gives you strength and what that strength looks like for you.

3/19/2020- Skills for success- Why is it IMPORTANT to be successful in middle school? - day 3

Success can be defined in many different ways. What success looks like to you could be completely different than the next persons view of success. However one thing is for certain, everyone has an opportunity to put their best foot forward very single day. Take a look at what Kid President has to say about success. Identify what you think success looks like for you by completing the sheet to the left of the video. The link for the file is below the sheet. 
Middle School is the time when you start to grow up and figure out who you are in the world. Take risks and be brave it will pay in the end! 
Picture
Picture
middle_school_success.png
File Size: 81 kb
File Type: png
Download File

3/18/2020- Skills for success ORGANIZATION 101- day 2 

    LEts start with a brief survey

Submit
Does your binder look like this? 
Picture
Picture

Or this?

Picture
Here are some helpful tips on how to get that binder together!
  1. Find a space in your home where you can lay out all of the items you have in your binder​
  2. Next, go through all of your lose papers and throw away things you do not need. You should be able to decipher between items you need and don't need. (This includes assignments or papers from previous quarters)
  3. Organize the remaining papers into piles by class. Ex. All math papers should go in one pile, all science papers should go in one pile.. etc. 
  4. Each class should have a designated space in your binder. 
    1. ​You can separate each class by a divider or a folder. You can also use loose leaf paper to separate each class. 
  5. Once all classes are separate decide how you want to organize your binder. (Ex. Do you want the classes in order from 1st pd to 7th pd? Or are you okay with the classes being mixed.) 
  6. Insert your folders or papers into your binder by class, until everything is in a designated place. 
  7. It is your job to maintain the organization of your binder. Only you know where you are placing your items. 

Tips: Make time each week to go through you binders and folders to ensure everything is in it's rightful place. Throw away things you no longer need!

Check out the video below for some ideas on how to get that binder organized!

3/17/2020- Skills for success- Studying 101- Day 1

For the next two days, you will be introduced to various forms of success skills. By actively developing better skills and good learning habits you will be able to achieve your goals more easily and effectively. 

    Lets Start with a Brief Survey 

Submit
​One of the most important skills you need when it comes to studying Is time management. Studies show that the average 12-14-year-old brain can only retain up to 45 mins of information at a time. It sounds and looks good to study for hours and hours, however without a break in between those long periods of time your brain is not taking in the information. In other words, if you have 2 hours to spend on a subject per week, it's better to study it for 30 mins each night rather than 2 hours into one night. 

Using items such as your school issued agenda to write down important topics to look over at the end of the day can help you stay on track an also assist you in figuring out specific subject areas you need to study. You can even use different color pens and markers for each subject area. This makes the studying process fun! Below is a cute example of how you can color code your agenda. 

Picture

3/16/2020-Kindness Week wrap-up 

Picture

Thank you so much 6th and 7th graders for participating in Kindness Week with Sources of Strength. It was evident that our school is full of kind, generous students who care about each other’s feelings! Being kind often requires courage and strength. There are so many ways to practice kindness. One way is to be mindful and vigilant of people in need. For example, if someone drops all their things in the middle of hallway, instead of walking by them or laughing, lend a helping hand and assist them in picking up their items. A smile, a kind word, or simply holding the door open for someone can all be acts of kindness. It is my challenge to you to strive to be a kinder person every day. Remember kindness is free! 

Kindness week Reflection Questions

Picture
  1. What was your favorite Kindness Week activity day and why?
  2. ​What is one way that you practiced kindness last week week? 
  3. Was your act of kindness meaningful? If so, how do you know? 
  4. What is one thing you can do to stretch your heart a little bit wider and be a kinder person? 


Where do I submit my Answers?

Please use the link below to submit your responses! 
​https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=-x3OL5-ROEmquMR_D8kYLY9YHF5Qgl1OnOLNB-VOoTBURE42OFVJNDlBRjhUQ0RJTzZHQkEyMUJZMy4u
Come visit us tomorrow for some more sweet skills! 

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Javcon117*