Vice Principal Nicole Collins shared that school counselor Alexandria Pedersen launched “Fun Fridays with the Counselor,” a weekly opportunity designed “to nurture students’ social-emotional learning in a relaxed and welcoming environment.” Sessions are off to a “fantastic start,” shared Alexandria, as many students have turned out to participate.
Each session begins with a “thoughtful” Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) question, Nicole said, to spark reflection and conversation. These questions encourage students to explore topics such as feelings, friendships, problem-solving, confidence, and kindness. Nicole continued, “Sometimes the discussions naturally grow into meaningful conversations where students connect and learn from one another.”
Other times, after sharing and reflecting, students participate in interactive games centered around counseling-related themes. Nicole added, “While the games are certainly fun, they also serve an important purpose. Through teamwork and collaboration, students practice communication skills, emotional awareness, and positive peer interaction. These activities create opportunities for students to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop important life skills in an engaging and supportive setting.”
She concluded, “Fun Fridays with the Counselor has quickly become a highlight for many students. The program provides a safe space where students feel heard, valued, and empowered.”
