Kindergartener: Ms. Jackson can you take this to your new office so you never forget me next year? Me *while trying not to cry: Absolutely! I wasn’t sure how I would feel about elementary after being at middle school for 5yrs, but these kids have shown they are pretty amazing.

There’s something special about the energy of students right before winter break. Huge shoutout to @GoshenPostES, @GP_PTA, and Pinebrook Elementary for giving staff some extra special treats to help us make it through to the holidays!

1st grader: “Ms. Jackson your shoes don’t match.” Yes, thank you for being observant.

A lot to be thankful for not only today but everyday

To all the Principals I have had the pleasure of working with, thank you for your leadership, guidance and for helping develop my skill set so I can succeed #NationalPrincipalsMonth

When I remember this is a 5 day week and it’s only Wednesday….who else feels like this has been a long week? And based off the behaviors I have been helping with this week, I think the kids are feeling the same.

Hey @GoshenPostES families! Your Unified Mental Health Team is so excited to start another school year with you! See you in about 12 hours

Excited (and a little nervous) to be stepping back into the world of elementary after being with middle schoolers for the past 5 years! I can’t wait to see all that I learn this year.

Had a great time presenting about using each person’s individual strengths to start a MTSS program! #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

Excited to present with a great team tomorrow. Learn how the unique skill set of different professionals in your building can be utilized to enhance your MTSS practices!

I had an undergrad student reach out asking if we could chat so she could learn about School Psychology. After a conversation about all of the great things the field offers, I’m happy to say she is going to start applying to grad programs and looks forward to learning more!

I love when students come to find me after testing to see how they did because I can show them all of their strengths. After reviewing testing with one of my 7th graders, he looked at me and said, “So I’m not stupid.” He then got out his math homework and said “So I can do this.”

The days can be hard, but then I get a note like this that just makes it all worth it.

Our @sourcesstrength peer leaders focused on their strength of generosity this month. They researched local charities and decided to host a food drive at our school. Through this 125 pounds of food was donated! Never underestimate the power of student leadership.

A student I have had the pleasure of working with for the last 2.5 years was taken from this earth yesterday. I have learned many lessons from her bravery and will miss her smiling face in my office. I am blessed to be part of an amazing team of colleagues with so much support

It’s snowing! Dr. @_charlesbarrett I hope you have all your goodies #prayingforasnowday

Started working with a student not too long ago and asked him what he’s good at. He said “nothing except getting in trouble.” Today he spoke about multiple strengths and how he can use them to go to trade school. All students have strengths. Together, we can help kids find them.

Fact 5: Drowning rates in public pools are highest among African American males ages 11-12 years old at 10 times the rate of white children in the same age range (CDC, 2014).

Fact 4: African American youth are more likely to drown in public pools, (47%) when compared with White non-Hispanic (33%) and Hispanic/Latinx populations (12%) (Saluja, Brenner, Trumble, Smith, Schroeder & Cox, 2006).

Fact 3: Young children ages 1-5 years old and African American males ages 5-19 years old were significantly higher than any other population to drown (Gilchrist & Parker, 2014).