daffodil Valley elementary

Dolphin Waves: Daffodil Valley Family Newsletter
May 2008

COUNSELOR’S CORNER
Did you know that May is National Mental Health Month? Also, the first full week (May 4 –10) is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week!!

It is usually easy for parents to identify their child’s physical needs: nutritious food, warm clothes when it’s cold, bedtime at a reasonable hour.

However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills.

Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.

Here are some tips for creating a healthy living environment—the basics for a child’s good mental health:

1. Unconditional love from family
2. Self-confidence and high self-esteem
3. The opportunity to play with other children
4. Encouraging teachers and supportive caretakers
5. Safe and secure surroundings
6. Appropriate guidance and discipline

Give children unconditional love.
Love, security and acceptance should be at the heart of family life. Children need to know that your love does not depend on his or her accomplishments. Mistakes and/or defeats should be expected and accepted. Confidence grows in a home that is full of unconditional love and affection.

When to seek help
Parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. Your observations with those of teachers and other caregivers may lead you to seek help for your child. If you suspect a problem or have questions, consult your pediatrician or contact a mental health professional.

www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Thank you for caring about your children’s needs. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. We have a lot of fabulous resources in the counseling office here at DVE!

Jennifer Stockstad, MSW
School Counselor
253.891.4600

May Calendar of Events

• 2 WASL Ends 21 Kinder/1st Grade Concert 6:30-7:30 pm
• 2 Cultural Events Day 22 Dia de los Ninos Day
• 8 Battle of the Books Final 23 Goodies for Grandparents 8:45-9:30 am
• 13 Early Dismissal 12:10 pm 23 Pacific Science Center Field Trip 1st/2nd
  No Lunch will be served 26 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
• 12-16 Book Fair 27 Choir Tour
• 13 Art Festival 6:30- 8:00 pm 28 D.A.R.E. Graduation 2:00-3:00 pm
• 14 Tacoma Symphony Field 29 Pierce County Library Visit
  Trip - 5th Grade & Peak 29 Talent Show 6:30-8:00 pm
• 16 Volunteer Appreciation Day
• 19-30 K-2 District Writing Assessment

Daffodil Valley Elementary
1509 Valley Ave
Sumner, WA 98390
253.891.4600
fax 253.891.4622
attendance 253.891.4609

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