National School Counseling Week
February 2–6, 2026

This year’s theme—School Counselors Amplify Student Voice—beautifully reflects the heart of our work at BF Day. Every day, we partner with students, families, and teachers to support the whole child through an instructional equity lens. Learning isn’t just academic—it’s cognitive, social, emotional, and relational. Productive struggle, mistakes, and feedback are all part of learning how to learn, but when students are carrying big feelings or stress from other parts of life, that struggle can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to help students feel safe, supported, and ready to engage so they can grow into confident, independent learners. Addressing worry through intentional small-group work is an equity move—it creates connection, normalizes emotions, and helps lower stress so students can re-engage with learning.

One powerful way we do this is through our small counseling groups, especially our worry groups, which have emerged as a top need based on student voice, counselor data, and teacher referrals. Amplifying student voice is an important part of our small group work and occurs as students share their experiences and shape group conversations. Small groups often create a supportive space for students to open up, especially for children who tend to internalize their feelings. Inspired by Zaretta Hammond’s Rebuilding Students′ Learning Power: Teaching for Instructional Equity and Cognitive Justice, I realized that this work is also rooted in cognitive justice—the belief that every child deserves access to the thinking skills, strategies, and emotional supports needed for deep learning. Worry and anxiety are treated as barriers to learning, not personal weaknesses. When students can name their worries, learn calming tools, and connect with peers, their brains are better able to focus, problem-solve, and take healthy academic risks. 

I am proud of the thoughtful, compassionate work happening at BF Day and grateful to be part of a community that truly supports students’ learning power! With care and partnership, Counselor Tobi

Jan. 23, 2026 Dear Families and Caregivers: We reach out today with care and compassion as many children and families may be impacted by or hearing about immigration enforcement and ICE. Even when children are not directly affected, news and conversations in the community can create fear, confusion, and many wonders. It is important for children to know they are not alone, that their feelings matter. Calm, honest conversations—paired with reassurance and connection—can help children feel safer during this difficult time.

When talking with your child, the following supports may help:

• Start with curiosity: “What have you heard?” or “How are you feeling?”
• Name feelings: It’s normal to feel scared, confused, or upset
• Offer reassurance when truthful: “You are safe right now, and I’m here with you” “It is not okay for children to be harmed or separated from their families.”
• Practice self-care together: deep breathing, drawing, writing, or quiet time
• Emphasize community care: being kind, listening, and checking in on neighbors’ friends
• Encourage civic values: it’s okay to say “that’s not fair,” ask questions, and stand up for others .Remind them of support: parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors, and trusted adults are here to help

Please know that our school community is here to support your child and your family. If you would like additional guidance or support, do not hesitate to reach out. With care and partnership, Counselor Tobi

January 5, 2026: I am excited to share that we have begun skill-based small groups at B.F. Day! Along with lunch bunches and responsive supports such as one-on-one check-ins, and classroom lessons, it has been wonderful to focus on school counseling interventions that help children learn and practice important skills before challenges potentially grow bigger or arise.

Students in grades 3–5th completed a short self-survey to share social-emotional topics they were interested in exploring in a small group. While not all students are participating in a group during this first six-week round, I plan to offer additional rounds and a variety of topics throughout the year. Currently, I am supporting over ten groups across grade levels—very exciting! If your child is in a group this round, I have already reached out to you to request permission. Groups are always optional and are a great way for children to connect with others who might experience similar feelings. 

These groups focus on building skills such as managing big feelings, handling worries, problem-solving, and developing confidence in a caring small-group setting. They offer extra support beyond classroom lessons and are a positive, normal part of school life. Participating in a small group does not mean there is an urgent concern. Rather, it provides an opportunity for students to explore an area where they may benefit from a little extra support, ask questions, or learn more in a safe and supportive environment.

The goal is to support children early, so they feel successful, connected, and ready to learn at school! Thank you for your continued support as we build a comprehensive school counseling program.

Your proud school counselor; Tobi

December 2025: As we head into winter break, I want to thank you for welcoming me into your school community. It has been such a joy to support the students at B.F. Day!

Winter break can offer a chance to pause, breathe, and restore in ways that feel most nourishing—whether that means cozying up with a favorite book or movie, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a quiet moment between activities. Even small moments of rest send a powerful message to our minds and bodies that our well-being matters.

This season can invite us to strengthen our connections—with others and ourselves. I hope you find what brings you joy and notice small moments of delight woven into everyday routines and shared smiles. The winter holidays can also bring up big feelings for children and families—excitement, worry, disappointment, or overwhelm. Here are a few gentle ways to support your child during the break.

Three Tips to Help Children Manage Big Feelings during the break:

1. Keep simple routines when possible. Regular times for meals, sleep, and movement can help children feel grounded and safe, even during busy days.
2. Name and normalize feelings. Let your child know that all feelings are okay. Saying things like, “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated—want to tell me about it?” can help them feel understood.
3. Offer calming choices. Deep breathing, drawing, stretching, listening to music, or taking a quiet break can help children reset when emotions feel big.

Wishing you a peaceful, nourishing, and joy-filled holiday season. May your days be restful, your connections meaningful, and your days full of warmth.

~ Happy Winter Break! Your Proud School Counselor, Tobi

November 2025: I am so excited to share an update from our school counseling program. Thank you for all the generous support for our food pantry—your contributions have meant so much to many of our families during the loss of SNAP benefits.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the joy of visiting every classroom to complete the ZONES curriculum, teach responsive lessons and groups, and support weekly SEL in 1st grade. We’ve launched lunch bunches for every grade level and began our Changing Families group. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know your children and supporting your families.

I’m also thrilled to introduce a new soft-start mindful morning time: Tea Time with Tobi!

This is a calm, cozy way for students to begin their day with mindfulness, gratitude, and connection. It’s open to any student who may need a gentle start to the morning, a little extra support, or simply enjoys a mindful moment (and tea!).

Tea Time with Tobi Schedule:
• Mondays, 7:50–8:05 a.m.— Ms. Banta’s Room (207, Grades 4–5)
• Tuesdays, 7:50–8:05 a.m.— Office Meeting Room (Grades K–1)
• Mondays, 9:45–10:00 a.m. — Tobi’s Office (Grades 2–3)

I look forward to sharing warm tea, peaceful moments, and a joyful start to the day with our students! Please contact me at tlnussbaum@seattleschools.org if you need more information or have any questions.

Small Groups “Changing Families”

October 2025: I’m excited to share that I’ll be starting our first K–5 small groups of the year on Changing Families (Divorce, Separation). Groups will likely be split into K–2 and 3–5, depending on interest. There has been strong interest from staff, parents, and students to support kids navigating family changes. These small groups will provide a supportive space to build social-emotional skills through weekly lessons and activities over the course of 6 weeks.

Group Focus: The Changing Families group will help students:

• Recognize and express feelings around family changes
• Understand and accept different family structures
• Connect with peers experiencing similar transitions
• Learn healthy and supportive coping strategies

We’ll use books and creative activities to support learning in a developmentally appropriate way. Please contact me at tlnussbaum@seattleschools.org if you need more information or have any questions.

Thank you for your ongoing support — I look forward to partnering with you!