Sunny Hills
School Counseling
Resources and Support
Middle School transition
The transition to middle school can be exciting and intimidating for both students and parents. I am here to support with any questions or concerns!
Check your email and sign up for the middle school
e-news to get all the info for incoming 6th graders.
You can also look at the school websites for more information:
Pine Lake Middle School (PLMS) Website
Click the button below for incoming 6th grade information
If you have any questions about registration and/or the process, please contact the PLMS Registrar, Lakshmi Palaniappan, 425-837-5710.
PLMS Counselors:
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M-Z - Meagan Elliot
IMPORTANT DATES - check the school website for dates
TCOB and Compass Days!
Taking Care of Business (TCOB) Day
Students are assigned lockers, PE clothes and other school supplies like planners, goggles, etc., turn in health information forms, buy a yearbook, add $ to their lunch accounts, etc.
Compass Day (6th Grade Orientation)
Students will have a chance to meet other new students and their compass leaders, get a campus tour, and ask questions.
Pacific Cascade Middle School (PCMS) Website
Click the button below for incoming 6th grade information
If you have any questions about registration and/or the process, please contact PCMS Registrar,
Nicole Smith, 425-837-5911.
PCMS Counselors:
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A-K - Laura Meserole (Ms. Mes)
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L-Z - Miranda Williams
IMPORTANT DATES: check the school website for dates
Orientation and Lynx Days!
6th Grade Orientation
Lynx Day
Students are assigned lockers and combos, books, P.E. clothes, and a list of their classes (this does not include their full schedule or teacher names).
Curriculum Night in September!
Watch e-news for dates. You will go class to class just like students do each day. It is a great way to learn more and become familiar with what your child is doing at school.
5th Grade Middle School FAQ
Click the button below for answers to the most commonly asked questions about middle school!
Worried about lockers?
Watch this video to practice using a combination lock! One idea is to purchase a lock and practice over the summer.
There are no tardies those first few weeks and teachers will be available to help students with lockers.
Organization
Useful tips for helping your student stay organized in Middle School:
Middle School Student Interviews
Hear what middle school is like from former Sunny Hills students!
Pacific Cascade Middle School
2021-2022
Pacific Cascade Middle School
2020-2021
Pine Lake Middle School
2021-2022
Pine Lake Middle School
2020-2021
PCMS 2019-2020
PLMS 2019-2020
Managing Stress
Help Kids cope with Trauma,Worry and Anxiety
Our Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum includes a calm down unit for all grades. Students learn these 3 steps for calming down.
for additional information about
Second Step and how to create a calm down corner in your home.
6. Use a Grounding Strategy
Grounding is a powerful way to interrupt anxious thoughts in the moment! Give your kids who worry a chance to practice each one and see which one works for them. Here is one to try below:
7. Use a Visualization Strategy or Guided Imagery
Close your eyes and imagine that you are in your favorite place. Somewhere you feel safe, comfortable and happy. What do you see, smell, feel? What about this place makes you happy?
Option: Use this video from UC Berkeley Greater Good in Action (browse for other great resources).
Option: Visit a virtual calming room with animals and imagine you are there!
8. Create a Bliss List
Create a list of things that make you and your child happy (each create your own).
Ex.
ride my bike
read a book
hug my stuffed animal
sing a song
build something with legos
listen to music
go for a walk
When your child feels a strong negative feeling, encourage them to choose an item from their list (best not to include tech time)! Make sure to include a coping strategy from this page on the list.
Model: "I am feeling frustrated, I am going to do some deep belly breaths from my Bliss List to help me feel calm."
1. Talk to your kids about their worries.
Click Here and scroll to the bottom for parent tips about how to talk to your kids about their worry/Anxiety.
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Use the "Circle of Control" to make a list of things we can and cannot control. Focusing on things kids can control will help them feel more power over their worries.
2. Read Books about Worry/Anxiety
See a list Children’s books, apps, and other resources Here.
3. Use a breathing ball or other props
to help your kids do deep belly breaths
(includes different strategies for kids of all ages.)
4. Create your own
calm down bottle/jar together!
5. Use Fidgets and/or bubble wrap.
Fidgeting helps release muscle tension caused by stress.Hand fidgets can help manage anxiety, improve attention/ability to focus, or even help children calm down when dealing with a surge of emotions such as extreme anger or frustration.
*Click here to view different types of fidgets.
Pop Bubble Wrap - Popping bubble wrap sheets can help work off some nervous energy so you or your child feels less stressed/anxious. The logic is similar to how using a stress ball, grip strengthener, or fidget might work.
