At Joplin Elementary we are dedicated to supporting students' social and emotional needs.  Through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) we help students learn how to manage their emotions and self-regulate in times of stress and crisis.  Self regulation is the ability to adjust level of alertness AND direct how emotions are revealed behaviorally in socially adaptive ways in order to achieve goals.  ​Teaching our kids GOOD coping and regulation strategies so they can help themselves when they become stressed, anxious, or sad is very important to the whole child's development.  SEL is taught through the use of the Zones of Regulation curriculum.

ZONES of Regulation

The ZONES of Regulation is a complete social-emotional learning curriculum, created to teach children self-regulation and emotional control. 

Students learn about the four zones, which can be compared to traffic signs.  The Blue Zone is like a rest-area, one may feel tired or bored and need to do something to re-energize.  The Green Zone is when we are good to "GO" and ready to learn. The Yellow Zone is like a Caution sign, we may need to slow down and re-group.  The Red Zone is a STOP sign.  We may feel out of control and need to stop what we are saying or doing.  The goal is to recognize which Zone we are in (how are we feeling) and take care of our feelings so we can manage our behavior in the environment that we are in.  All of the Zones are okay as long as we can manage them appropriately!

Tools for calming down and getting back into the GREEN Zone are displayed in around the school.  Students will learn about these tools throughout the year.   

NOTE: For more informatioan on the Zones of Regulation, click the link below.

http://www.zonesofregulation.com/index.html

West Ada School District is committed to creating a safe educational environment for all students, employees, parents/guardians, volunteers, and patrons that is free from all types of aggression.

Peer conflicts, bullying, and harassment are three different types of student aggression.

Peer conflict occurs when the aggressive behavior is a one time or isolated event. A balance of power typically exists between students involved in a peer conflict. Students involved in a peer conflict are often willing to work out the conflict with assistance or to agree to leave each other alone.

Bullying is another type of student aggression. Bullying includes aggressive behavior that is intentional, planned to result in harm, and is often unprovoked. Bullying is aggression that is carried out repeatedly over time. Bullying can be carried out by either a single individual or a group. It is common for an imbalance of power between the bully and the target or victim of bullying to exist. Bullying can be aggressive acts that are physical, verbal, or social/relationship. Cyberbullying occurs when students use electronic devices such as computers or cell phones to bully.

Harassment is another type of aggressive behavior. Harassment is specific aggressive behavior that is focused on an individual’s race, national origin, religion, color, disability, or sex. Harassment is behavior that is severe, persistent or pervasive enough to interfere with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school.

If your child is being bullied, the first step is to focus on your child, be supportive and listen to them in order to validate their emotions.  Through processing with your child, gather information (who, what, when, where) while discouraging retaliation from your child.  Fill out the online bullying report or contact your school principal, providing as much factual information as possible.

Students, parents, volunteers, patrons, and staff are asked to immediately report incidents of student aggression including peer conflicts, bullying, or harassment to the building principal.

Click here to make an on-line anonymous report.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.  It applies to any school which recieves federal funds.  The intent of this law is to provide students with disabilities equal access to educational programs, services, and activities.  Students with disabilities may not be denied participation in school programs and activities solely on the basis of disability.

Please contact the School Counselor, if you have any questions, and/or if you would like to refer your child for 504 consideration.  

• Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504

     

• Referral for Consideration of Section 504 Protection Form 

DEFINITION OF HOMELESSNESS:

Who is Homeless?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines "homeless children and youth" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Anyone who, lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence may live in the following:

* In emergency or transitional shelters;

* In motels, hotels, campgrounds, abandoned in hospitals, or awaiting foster care;

* In cars, parks, public places, bus or train stations, or abandoned buildings;

* Doubled up with relatives or friends;

* Unaccompanied Youth: Who is not living with a parent/guardian and are living in a homeless situation;

* Migratory children living in these conditions.

Click here for more information on services and resources that the West Ada School District can offer or contact the School Counselor if you are currently experiencing homelessness as defined in the description above.

Click on the links provided for more information

Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho  

 “To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.”

• Students from ages 6 through 14 years can qualify

• Once matched, they will meet with a mentor 2-3 times a month for a few hours each meeting. They can do whatever the mentor and little wants to do. They often play games, go to a movie, or go to the park.

• The mentor is a positive role-model, and someone who provides support for the student.

 Boys and Girls Clubs of Idaho  

 "Our mission is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

• School Year Before and After School & Summer programs are available

• Financial Assistance is available for those who are eligible.
  

Treasure Valley YMCA

“We strengthen the foundations of community by developing successful youth, engaging people in healthy living, and instilling a commitment to social responsibility.”

• Child Development & Youth programs include child care, preschool, before & after school sports, fitness, arts, leadership, and camp programs

• Financial Assistance is available for those who are eligible.
  

Meridian Parks and Recreation  

 “To enhance the community’s quality of life by providing innovatively designed parks, connected pathways, and diverse recreational opportunities for all citizens”.

• Offers various classes, camps, & sports

• Financial Assistance is available for those who are eligible.

Please click on the links below for more information 

Self-Rescue Manual-A guide to community resources and services in Ada County and Canyon County.

The Idaho Care Line-2-1-1-Provides information on free or low cost resources and services.

West Ada School District Homeless Services-Provides helpful information on homelessness, as well as available resources and services, that support children, youth, and families, who are experiencing homelessness. Services include: free after school tutoring (for students in 3rd-12th grade, who are struggling academically based on ISAT test scores), and qualification for the free breakfast and lunch program. Parents must provide transportation. Please contact the Meridian Elementary School Counselor for additional information and assistance.

Operation School Bell-The Assistance League of Boise (ALB)-Provides assistance to students who are in need of new winter clothing.  Items typically include: 1 winter jacket, 2 pairs of jeans, 2 T-shirts, socks, 1 sweatshirt, underwear, 1 shoe voucher, and a kit containing hygiene items. All items are free. Space in this program is limited, and the appointment reserved for Meridian students, typically occurs within the first couple of months of school. Please contact the Meridian Elementary School Counselor for additional information and assistance.

Operation School Supplies-The Assistance League of Boise (ALB)-Provides school supplies for students of families who cannot afford to purchase school supplies during the school year. To arrange for school supplies, please contact the Meridian Elementary School Counselor.  

Backpack Program-Meridian Food Bank-Provides weekend food snacks, and meals, for students in need. The food sack is typically delivered to your child's school each Friday. To sign up for the Backpack Program, please contact the Meridian Elementary School Counselor.  

Computers for Kids, Inc.-Provides free/reduced computers for students who qualify.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace-Builds and provides twin bunk beds for families in need.

Boise Bicycle Project-A non-profit community organization that refurbishes donated bikes, teaches bicycle education, offers youth programs, and bicycle giveaways, for kids in need.

Holiday Assistance- Community organizations begin contacting schools early in the school year, with referral deadlines typically occurring in October. Some organizations offer food boxes, while others offer basic necessity gifts for Christmas. To arrange for holiday resources, please contact the School Counselor at (208) 855-4345.

• Love & Logic-Quick Parenting Tips 

• Growth Mindset-How Parents Can Instill a Growth Mindset at Home

• West Ada SchoolShelf-Student Success Resources for Parents & Students

Processing Grief and Loss