Hello and welcome to H.O. Whitehurst Elementary. My name is David Robertson. I graduated from Tarleton State University with my Bachelors degree in Social Work. I have been working in schools for three years now. I am very excited for this school year at H. O. Whitehurst. If you need any resources or information from me please don't hesitate to contact me by email.

This year we are launching a new Social and Emotional Learning initiative called the Choose Love Movement. Choose Love Movement Please click on the link to get more information on this exciting new program.

You may also wish to visit the links below for additional resources and avenues for assistance:

• “Tip 411”- When a student or parent makes a report, it is sent to the Groesbeck Police Department. This allows students/parents to make anonymous calls regarding problems that they or their friends are having that could be harmful to their health and safety. The Groesbeck Police Department works with GISD to help support students and maintain the safety and security of our community. With the app, residents submit anonymous tips by texting the keyword GPD followed by your tip to 847411.

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline - We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

• Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids about Being Online - Net Cetera is a guide for parents, teachers and other mentors with practical tips to help kids navigate the online world safely. Net Cetera covers a variety of topics – from cyberbullying to file-sharing – as well as where to go for more information and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online

• Military OneSource, a Department of Defense program, provides free help and information, 24/7, to service members and their families on issues that affect them, including parenting and child care, the concerns of families of children with special needs, budgeting and finances, consumer purchases, education, relationships, the cycle of deployment, and overall health and well-being.

• The Dangers of Prescription Drugs - As communities around the country renew their focus on the dangers of prescription drugs, parents are not alone and there are many free resources available. Learn why teens are abusing prescription drugs, the signs and symptoms of abuse, and which drugs are more frequently abused Partnership for Drug Free Kidshare.

• The Family Abuse Center: Everyone deserves a violence-free, safe and healthy life. This resource offers a 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-283-8401. The services are free and confidential. The Family Abuse Center exists to eliminate domestic violence in Central Texas by sheltering victims of domestic violence and by preventing abuse from occurring through intervention and education. Want to volunteer sign up at: Volunteer Family Abuse Center.

HOW Elementary School provides comprehensive guidance, support services, and social and emotional learning services.

Intrapersonal Effectiveness

• Positive student self-concept

• Effective executive functioning skills

• Appropriate behavior to the situation and environment

Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Effective interactions with diverse populations

• Effective and appropriate communication skills

• Effective conflict resolution skills

• Development of healthy relationships

Post-Secondary Planning and Career Readiness

• Motivation to succeed in personal endeavors

• Demonstration of career exploration skills

• Possession of the knowledge and skills to gather information for the purpose of post-secondary education and career planning

• Demonstration of awareness of the importance of postsecondary education

• Understanding of the relationship of academics to the world of work and to life at home and in the community

Personal Health and Safety

• Incorporation of wellness practices into daily living

• Demonstration of resiliency and positive coping skills

• Possession of assertiveness skills necessary for personal protection

Social and Emotional Learning

• Self-Awareness

• Self-Management

• Social Awareness

• Relationship Skills

• Responsible Decision-Making

• Future Self