September 2018 — Back To School
Labor day came and went and September is here, school is back in session and after school activities and homework are gearing up!
I can’t believe I put my oldest two children on the bus last week. My oldest Madison started first grade and my son Michael started kindergarten. Thursday, August 30th was a big day in our house and for our family. Although we were ALL a bit nervous we were excited to start a new school year to jump into a new adventure of learning and development.

As they took off on that bus Thursday morning, I sat there in awe and disbelief. How could they be old enough to go on the bus and to leave me for 7 hours 5 days per week? Weren’t they just born? There were so many feelings and emotions flowing through me at that time… pride, love, sadness, excitement, wonder, anxiety, hope, but mostly love and hope! They were happy and ready to go! They were excited to ride the bus, meet their teachers and their new classmates. they were up for the challenge! I did feel fortunate and comforted by the fact they were/are together and will provide each other with support when they travel on that bus together and when they see each other in the hallways. I knew Maddy would be looking out for Michael on the bus and in the playground. She’s a great big sister and an amazing role model.
As ALL children head back to school, in any grade, it is an adjustment for them. New schools, new classrooms, new teachers, new classmates, new subjects and material, new specials, new schedules (in general), new everything in many cases. As parents, we do all we can to help kids transition easily and happily. We can read everything, we can prepare them for what we know they can expect but we can’t protect them from everything.

My blog this week is to let you all know your children are not alone and they are loved and cared for. Each child is special and faculty and staff are looking out for them. I am a school counselor at a high school in Massachusetts, and one of the top reason’s I chose this profession is because I care and want to be there for children who require and need support. Every child needs to know there is someone there for them if a parent is not accessible or readily available. Every child needs to feel that they have a place to turn if they are having a bad day or a good day, feels sad, confused, anxious, or simply needs to take a minute to gather him or herself. I am grateful for the amazing faculty and staff I sent my 6 year old daughter and my precious 5 year old boy off to. I am grateful for their time, patience and passion for working with children of all ages and personalities. Teachers and administrators are truly great people who have a huge responsibility in our society.
In addition to being a school counselor and a girls soccer coach my involvement with Role Model Mentors is another reflection of my passion for children feeling supported, empowered, confident and able. If you feel like your child would benefit from quality time spent with a respectful, high -achieving and motivated local high school mentor please check out our website www.rolemodelmentors.com. We are here for you and your child and would loved to connect!
Kelly Turner

