Happy New Year Danebo Vikings!

This month I am focusing on helping students gain the skills to solve conflicts with their friends, classmates, and teammates! I believe that all students are able to learn to navigate conflict and doing so increase their self-esteem and independence. Through classroom guidance lessons and small groups, I hope to help students advance in this important skill!

Ms. Kim

School Counselor

Through a grant by the Bethel Education Foundation, Danebo has acquired a new SEL guidance curriculum to help students learn to navigate conflicts. In the coming weeks, all students in grades K-5 will be introduced to Kelso's Choices.

First, we'll work to determine what is a Small Problem (something kids can handle themselves) and a Big Problem (something an adult needs to handle). Small Problems are minor peer conflicts that occur regularly in life, but can be solved through simple steps. Students are asked to try two of Kelso's Choices before they approach an adult for help with a Small Problem. Big Problems always go straight to an adult.

Kelso teaches students nine ways to work towards solving a Small Problem:

By trying at least two of these options before asking an adult for help, young people learn that they are strong enough and smart enough to solve minor conflicts on their own.

Additionally, starting in January, select students in 4th and 5th grades will be invited to participate in a 6 week group on Conflict Management. If you would like your 4th or 5th grade student considered for participation in this group, please contact your teacher or Ms. Kim at kim.brunskill@bethel.k12.or.us

Danebo Elementary Affinity Groups are going strong! Affinity groups meet twice a month during lunch/recess for 4th and 5th grade students. These groups serve as a space for students who share an identity to come together in a community of support. One meeting of every month is community time for students to gain support from others of a shared or similar identity, the other meeting we'll have an activity or mini-lesson. Affinity group attendance is optional.

Students of Color: Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month for any 4th or 5th grade student identifying as a person of color.

GSA: Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month for ny 4th or 5th grade student identifying as LGBTQIA++