NEW: The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, in partnership with the Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris, Inc., will host a Virtual Emotional Health Community Conversation for Parents on Thursday, January 28 from 6:30-7:30pm. This virtual “talk” will help parents of young children and school-age students understand the “what, why, and how” the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted their lives in ways that may not be typical for their child. It’s an honest discussion of youth emotional health in a fun, engaging, and enlightening way. Parents are welcome to ask questions in advance and during the session, and will receive coping techniques, social and physical activities, and enrichment ideas to help the entire family. For more information visit:
https://lakelandhillsymca.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/Emotional-Health-Community-Conversation-1.28.21.pdf
Hello, my name is Keith Spector and I am thrilled to be Valley View’s full time School Counselor. An elementary counselor’s role is exciting, challenging, and constantly evolving. At Valley View, I, perform many responsibilities. I enjoy teaching guidance classes in grades K-5. Presently, I am teaching grades 2 & 3 weekly and visit all classes monthly. I also counsel children individually and in small groups with a focus on friendship and developing appropriate social skills.
I enjoy working closely with both the teaching staff and the entire Valley View community. I seek an active role by being visible during the morning and afternoon dismissal times as well at during lunch and recess. My job responsibilities include being a member of both the school’s Intervention and Referral Service and Crisis Management teams. I also sit on the building's 504 team as well as co-chair the school's Mindfulness/Wellness and Culture and Climate Teams.
The main function of the Intervention and Referral Service Team is to help struggling students by incorporating the resources of the school’s child study team. I&RS meetings typically include the parents and teachers of those struggling students. These meetings are held at Valley View with a follow up meeting in 4-6 weeks. The outcome of the I&RS meeting may include a referral to the child study team to see if a learning disability might be holding back a child. An action plan is put into place for every child brought to the I&RS team regardless if that child is/isn’t referred for an educational evaluation.
The Crisis Management team meets several times throughout the school year to implement the policies and regulations of the school district regarding bullying, safety, and prevention. Team members include the building principal, school nurse, physical education teacher, and secretarial staff. Special fire drills, lockdowns, high wind drills, and evacuation drills are conducted monthly according to state regulations. Each month one “regular” fire drill and one “specialty” drill is conducted.
Beginning in 2011 the State Assembly enacted legislation directed at combating bullying in schools and enacted the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) law. Under the HIB guidelines it is the duty of the school counselor to investigate alleged incidents of bullying. Information pertaining to HIB can be found on the District's website.
I've included websites and links for parents to gain more information on helping children navigate bullying that includes cyber and relationship bullying. Please feel comfortable in contacting me through the school’s website at keith.spector@montville.net or at (973) 331-7100 x1415.
Links:
How the traumatic loss coalitions can help....Click here
Children, funerals and a pandemic....Click here