Self esteem and self confidence.
A positive self image is critical to not only success in school, but in life. Below are some articles focusing on ways to build confidence in children.

• Self-esteem: How to Help Children & Teens Develop a Positive Self-image
  Here is a great place to start when looking for ways to build self esteem in your child.

• Five Easy, Powerful Ways to Validate Your Child's Feelings
  Validating children's feelings ups their self esteem and lowers defiant behavior. Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D., writes about how validate the feelings of your child even when their behavior is unacceptable..

• Homework Tips
  Homework can be stressful for parents and kids alike. Here are 10 tips to help make homework time pass smoothly.

• Strategies to make homework go more smoothly.
  Here are some more general strategies to ensure success during homework time.

Ms. Kelsey Mirabella
Anti-bullying Specialist
Guidance Department
Central Avenue School

Phone: (973) 593-3193 x
Email: mirabellak@madisonnjps.org
Location: Room 13 

As the school social worker at Central Avenue School, it is my job to be sure that the social and emotional needs of our students are met. Here at CAS we are lucky to have a group of creative, dedicated, and highly effective teachers. It is a pleasure to work with the staff and parents here at CAS in a variety of ways to ensure the social/emotional well being of our students.

Nowadays students juggle many different responsibilities. At any given time, a student might feel stressed out because of a variety of reasons. Some reasons students might want to talk to the school social worker are:

• "We're moving and I’m sad about it."

• “There is a kid in my class bullying another student."

• "My parents argue all the time and it makes me upset."

• "My grandfather just passed away and I’m really sad."

• "I’m having trouble concentrating in class and getting my work done.”

• "A friend and I had an argument, and no he says we aren’t friends anymore.”

Much like students, parents also feel overwhelmed at times. Some reasons parents might want to talk to the school social worker are:

• “We just moved to town and my son is having trouble adjusting."

• "My wife and I recently separated and or child is having a hard time understanding this." "I think my son is being bullied at school at recess."

• "My son used to be excited about school, but lately he doesn't seem to care."

• "My daughter does not want to come to school."

Please feel free to call the Guidance Office if you have any concerns at 973-593-3173 x.