It has been such a wonderful few weeks getting to know your students. I know how hard transitions can be on families. Knowing that we are all dealing with different struggles in our lives. Anxiety is high for many of our students. I hope that this article gives you some tools when dealing with your children at home. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Kindly,

Heather Johnston

(she/her/hers)

Riverdale School Counselor

hjohnston@riverdale.k12.or.us

(503)262-4843 ext. 3213

 

How Parents Can Be Emotion Coaches

Anxiety Books for Children

A Little Spot of Anxiety by Diane Alber watch

Wilma Jean and the Worry Machine by Julia Cook watch

The Don’t Worry Book by Todd Parr watch

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes watch

Don’t Feed the Worrybug by Andi Green watch

What to do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner watch

Is a Worry Worrying You by Ferida Wolff watch

Hey Warrior by Karen Young watch

The Worry Glasses by Donalisa Helsley (fast forward video to 2:05) watch

Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival watch

Jack’s Worry by Sam Zuppardi watch

When Worry Takes Hold by Liz Haske watch

The Worry Box by Suzanne Chiew watch

I Have a Worry by Tanya Balcke watch

David and the Worry Beast by Anne Marie Guanci watch

What to do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner watch

Published Aug. 26

Dear Riverdale Families and Community,

Welcome back to a new year! I am thrilled to be returning as the Interim Principal for the 2021-2022 school year. Our staff has been working through the summer to ensure a successful year full of learning, community, and traditions. 

We will begin this year by celebrating being together full time under one roof. While adhering to safety protocols, friendships will be rekindled and made, new staff will join our family, students will meet new teachers, and parents will enjoy a 1st day picture and drop-off at school. What we have done for years, now feels special and appreciated while we slowly return to normal. 

I know there is still nervousness to stay healthy and uncertainty of what is next, but together we are here for one reason, our students. Through this lens, all decisions are made as we move through each day, getting to work with your children. You will hear me refer back to this many times this year as I plan, make decisions, support staff, and participate in our community. 

This year, we will still have some events virtually, but will continue to look for opportunities to participate and be part of the community. I will be holding monthly meets as well as offering some new events to share more about what your children are doing at school. Working closely with the PTC, events will be planned to bring us together as a community.

Riverdale has my heart. Being in the district for several years, I have witnessed a community full of kindness, strength, and solidarity. Last year was difficult, but we are resilient, and again we are here for the children. I am grateful to lead us into a year of academic success and community growth. Together we can do amazing things. 

Please don’t hesitate to email or call anytime. I am thrilled to hear successes as well as problems that need solutions. 

Looking forward to an amazing year, 

 

Jen McDonald 

Interim Principal