Counseling Corner: Addison Trail Guidance Department offers groups to assist students on a social-emotional level

The mission of District 88 is to work for the continuous improvement of student achievement.

To help accomplish that goal, the Addison Trail Guidance Department provides support initiatives and programs to assist students on a social-emotional level. The department offers several groups, including Grief Group, Anxiety Group, Girls Group and Boys Group.

This year, each group consisted of about 10 members. The groups met weekly for about 16 sessions. During those meetings, students drew self-portraits and discussed why they see themselves in that manner, created mind jars and more. With the mind jars, each student received a jar with water, to which they added glue, different shades of glitter and food coloring. Shaking the jar and watching the glitter provided the students with a technique to calm down when they felt anxious. The groups offer students a safe place to meet and speak with their peers who have similar concerns and also enhance their communication skills.

Each year, Addison Trail students are surveyed to determine which groups would best meet their needs. After the groups are established, teachers and parents have the opportunity to recommend a student for a group. Students are screened to make sure they are appropriately placed, and lessons are developed based on the needs of each group. Grades and behavior logs are monitored, so concerns can be addressed and improved.

For questions or more information about the groups offered at Addison Trail, contact the Guidance Department at 630-628-3324.