Counselor's Corner

Mrs. Kazmierczak (Mrs. Kaz)
Coolspring Counselor

n.kazmierczak@mcas.k12.in.us
(219) 873-2073, ext. 6006Dojo Messenger

Student Resources

Classroom Lessons K-5
Classroom Lessons Grade 6

Classroom Lessons Grade 6

Welcome 2025-2026 School Year!

6th grade Lessons will be through Second Step Program.

Unit 1: Mindsets and Goals
Unit 2: Developing a Positive Sense of Self
Unit 3: Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions
Unit 4: Managing Relationships and Social Conflict

Here is a link with more information:
https://www.secondstep.org/middle-school-curriculum

---------------------------------------------------------------------------October is Bullying Prevention Month

6th Graders will have a 3 lesson unit for their Bullying Prevention Unit - Deal Heal Feel Program.

Topics that will be discussed:

Self-esteem
Self-compassion
Addiction
Suicide prevention
Bullying prevention

Explore Careers

O*NET Interest Profiler

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Grades K-3
1 lesson unit to talk about emotions and feelings based off the characters in the movie Inside Out.

Grades 4-6
1 lesson unit based on how we all have mental health through the program Erika's Lighthouse.

In October, Coolspring Elementary will discuss Bullying Prevention through the Second Step Program.

Recognizing Bullying & Harassment

Emergency Contacts

NoteMy School email, Phone and Dojo are not monitored 24/7. If you have an emergency, please call 911

or one of the following resources:

If you have an emergency, please call 911 or one of the following resources:
Indiana's Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-800-5556.
It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You may report abuse and neglect anonymously.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255) or text 741741
If you’re in emotional distress or suicidal crisis-or concerned about someone who might be, do not wait and call.
Crisis Hotline Text 741741: Anyone in crisis can text HOME to 741741 for English and AYUDA to 741741 for Spanish support.
For anyone dealing with a crisis including anxiety, depression, economic concerns, family conflict, grief, etc.

Social Media Safety & Digital Citzenship

Common Sense Education

CommonSenseEducation.png

Grades K–5 Digital Citizenship Curriculum Letter to Parents

Dear parents and caregivers,
Your child is taking part in classroom lessons from Common Sense Education. Common Sense helps kids learn the habits and skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly in school, at home, and beyond.
WHAT IS DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP? Kids today may seem like experts at using technology, but the digital world requires all kinds of skills and habits that kids don’t just pick up as they go. Digital citizenship helps them learn those skills.
The Common Sense lessons help kids in grades K–2 develop healthy media habits and learn how to be safe online.
Lessons for kids in grades 3–5 continue to focus on screen time and online safety.
Older kids [6th graders] also learn about how to recognize cyberbullying, what is and isn’t OK to share online, and how to find credible news and information.
WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO
Common Sense Education provides resources to help you support your kid’s learning. As we teach these lessons in class, we’ll be sending home tip sheets, videos, and activities for you to do with your kids.
You can visit the Common Sense website at www.commonsensemedia.org for more.
Feel free to contact Coolspring and ask for the school counselor, Mrs. Kaz if you have any questions.

Salvation Army Services

Level Up Your Future

Grounding Technique

Attendance

Michigan City Area Schools

Attendance Matters: Lead the Pack. Be Here. Be Ready.

Important Update on Indiana’s Attendance Policy

The State of Indiana has updated attendance expectations for all students. Schools are now required to monitor attendance more closely, and parents/guardians must notify the school every time a student is absent. Unreported or unexcused absences may result in additional interventions or referrals, as outlined by state law.

Why Attendance Matters

Every Day Counts: Missing just 2 days a month can add up to nearly a full month of lost learning in a school year.
Achievement Drops with Absences: Students with regular attendance are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time.
Habits for Life: Consistent attendance builds responsibility, routine, and readiness for future success.

Parent Responsibility

✔️ Call the school the morning of your child’s absence.
✔️ Provide any required documentation (doctor’s note, court appointment, etc.).
✔️ Stay connected—if challenges arise (illness, transportation, family needs), reach out. We are here to help!

Together, We Can Lead the Pack

At Michigan City Area Schools, we are launching our attendance campaign:

Lead the Pack. Be Here. Be Ready.

Be Here: Show up every day, on time.
Be Ready: Arrive prepared to learn and succeed.
Lead the Pack: When we work together—students, families, and schools—we strengthen our whole community.

Questions or Need Support?

Contact your school office for attendance guidelines, resources, and supports available to your family.

Tips for Succeeding with School Attendance

Help your child understand that school is their very first job!

Make great school attendance a priority for your child.
Talk to your child about the importance of daily attendance in every class and how it helps his/her learning.
When students miss so much school they will not be prepared for Kindergarten, learning to read by the third grade, failing courses in middle school and dropping out of high school.

Help your child develop good habits

Help your child practice good daily habits like:
- Finishing homework and placing it in his/her backpack
- Laying out clothes and the backpack in the evening
- Having a regular bedtime for a good night’s sleep
- Leaving early enough in the morning to get to school on time
- Turn of electronic devices one hour before bedtime
Help your child build responsibility skills by reminding them to make up any missed school work after an absence.

Appointments and vacations

Make every effort to schedule doctor, dentist, and other office appointments after school hours.
If your child must be out of school for an appointment, get him/her back to school for at least part of the school day.
Plan vacations when school is not in session.

Attendance records

Contact the school every time your child will be absent.
Check your child’s attendance regularly.
Use PowerSchool to keep your contact information up-to-date with the school (phone numbers, address, email address, etc.)

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