August 2022

Back-to-Schoool

We are all familiar with the term Back-to-School. It is the key marketing slogan for merchandise whether it be clothes, shoes, supplies or lunch “boxes.” But underneath retailers’ “hype” is the reality that going back-to-school contains a variety of connotations for educators, parents, kids, and even those not directly impacted.

Going back-to-school is a part of our rhythm as a nation. It marks the end of summer, despite what the calendar or thermometer says! And as the summer slowly blends into fall a season of football, changes in nature and holidays evolve.

What emotions do you experience with back-to-school realities?

For many students, this transition from summer to school is positive and highly anticipated. School is a safe haven for many children offering predictability of routines, meals and acceptance. Others may struggle academically or with bullying, often making the school experience one of failure and shame. School can represent a sense of belonging and meaningful connections, or one of heightened loneliness.

What memories do you have of your first day of school? What were your emotions? Regardless of the decade or what school represented to you, there are commonalities between our past experiences and students today: anxiety of the unknown; excitement about seeing friends; the smell of new supplies, lockers and classrooms; fear that we won’t fit in; having someone to eat lunch with or being a little homesick; are all experiences we might share.

For everyone, the beginning of the school year marks a new beginning, a clean slate with opportunities to learn and grow and perhaps do things differently than the previous year. Unique to this generation are the lingering impacts of COVID on educational systems, families and communities.

As Prevention Specialists/Behavioral Health Specialists we have a unique opportunity. Our focus is on supporting children and youth with their social, emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. We offer the children and youth we serve tools for coping with and managing emotions and challenging situations. We provide safe environments by being a safe person to talk to, offering acceptance, belonging, empathy, new skills and hope for the future. Improved school performance and behavior can be the short-term results, while long-term results include a lifetime of making healthy choices and positive coping skills.

We are fortunate to have a front row seat as the new school year of opportunities and possibilities await us and the children, youth, educators, and communities we serve! We look forward to our continued partnership as the 2022-2023 school year unfolds!

The Rainbow Days Training Team

Don't Miss Our August CBSG Program Facilitator Training - On Sale for $240 per person

Last Chance to Get Your Copy of Kids' Connection, Too Only $100

Are you looking for additional activities to use in your Kids' Connection & Youth Connection Groups? If so, you are in for a treat! Grab a copy of the Kids' Connection, Too adaption for only $100 this summer! This adaptation is packed with over 100 activities to use in the support group setting. This great adaption is normally $150 each, but during our Summer Sale it is only $100. 

Please note that you must be a certified CBSG^® Program trained facilitator to be eligible to order the Kids' Connection, Too adaptation. 

Don't Miss Out - Order Your Copy TODAY! Click here to purchase.

Testimonial Spotlight

We are so thankful to have so many wonderful partners in Texas, and across the nation, who conduct the CBSG^® Program. Many have shared their personal testimonials which can be found on our website. In this month’s featured Testimonial Spotlights, you will hear from Melanie Patterson, CPS Youth Prevention & Prevention Resource Center Manager, ADACDET. 

Melanie Patterson, CPS Youth Prevention & Prevention Resource Center Manager, ADACDET

Start the New School Year Off Right! Order the Newest Editions of Kids' Connection & Youth Connection Today