New Year New Blog

Hi all,
In keeping with my dog theme I am changing my blog to "Paws-itive School Counseling". I will update the URL to: pawsitiveschoolcounseling.blogspot.com hopefully with in the next 48 hours so please get ready for the change and follow the new blog!

Thanks.
Laura

Donor's Choose Grant

I am thrilled to announce I have written my 1st Donor's Choose Grant for next year. I am hoping to incorporate a document camera into my classroom guidance program since I am in the rotation again.

You can read all about it here.

www.donorschoose.org/msfiltness

Please consider donating $1 and sharing with as many people you know. Give to my classroom by August 4, 2014 and your donation will be doubled thanks to DonorsChoose.org. Just enter the code INSPIRE on the payment page and you'll be matched dollar for dollar (up to $100).

If you chip in to help my students, you'll get awesome photos and our heartfelt thanks.

Adopt-A-Pet

Some time ago I pinned this cute doggie birthday party idea. I am excited to mix it up and make it part of my program this year.

Adopt-A-Pet Program:



When a student is going through a very rough time (perhaps they have lost a close loved one, had an extended illness, had a fire at home, etc.) I will invite them to my office to adopt a pet. At first I was going to do all dogs, but here's a secret I adore cats too (shhh don't tell Brooklyn.)

I'll let the student pick out a dog, fill out an 'adoption certificate' and give them a  sheet on being a responsible pet parent. Hopefully it will brighten their day.





I got the basket at home goods, which I adore. The "pets" came from my local Good Will. I got 23 stuffed animals for $7!! Thank you Good Will!!

What do you think?

#classroomsetup2014

You know I love office decor and organization. I day dream of my next job being a classroom consultant/designer. If I did ever get to live that dream job I would partner with the AMAZING Angela Bunyi! Her combination of a little OCD and more energy than my Brooklyn, means that every year she creates the perfect classroom. So here is a little sneak peak (because I keep begging  her for more pictures) of her brilliant nautical themed room:

I LOVE her mood lighting.  I am always trying to recreate it in my office.

It's not actually wallpaper, it's contact paper from Target.

My new favorite picture ever

Fun times.

Here are a few fun reads and videos for your summer day.



Are you sick of high paid teachers?












Word Crimes! (guilty as charged)

This sweet letter from one school district to their students.

Quiz Quiz Trade Cards

Hi all,

Many of you have asked the QQT cards. I am working on a better set for my TPT account, but until then I have uploaded a good icebreaker set here!

Enjoy.

New Movie

Have you guys seen the trailer for "Rich Hill?" It looks very interesting. My favorite part is when the principal tells one of the boys the most important thing is his education and is quickly corrected that actually the most important thing in his life is family! I think it's important to find out what really matters  to our students and use that as a door into their lives, rather than force them down a tunnel we created.