As we wrap up the school year, we want to shine a spotlight on our dedicated new counselor, Izzy Kimber, who has been going above and beyond to ensure our students are equipped with the tools they need for a healthy, happy summer. Izzy joined the Mount Morris BOCES elementary program this year and has already made a significant impact on our community. Izzy has created personalized summer binders for each student, packed with valuable resources to support their emotional well-being during the break. Here's a glimpse of what each binder includes:

Resources for Caregivers:

• Limit Setting: Guidance on how to set healthy boundaries for children.

• Co-Regulation Tips: Techniques to help caregivers and children manage emotions together.

• Reflecting Feelings: Strategies to guide caregivers with helping their children express and understand their emotions while ensuring their children feel seen and heard.

• 988 Handout: Information on accessing mental health crisis support.

• Tailored Strategies for Summer

• During their last session, students fill out strategies that are specific to their needs, ensuring they have a personal plan to follow.

• Positive Affirmations for Older Students

• Older students choose from a list of affirmations to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

• Feeling Chart

• A chart tailored to each student's abilities to help them identify and articulate their feelings.

• Counseling Certificate of Completion

• A special certificate recognizing their hard work and progress throughout the year.

The primary aim of these binders is to provide a go-to guide for caregivers and students to navigate the challenges of summer. They are designed to help manage big feelings and behaviors, ensuring continuity of care and emotional support even when school is out. An essential part of the binder is helping students identify their "safety team" – safe adults they can turn to for help over the summer. This network of support is crucial for students as they transition from the structured environment of school to the more relaxed summer months. Izzy Kimber’s thoughtful and comprehensive approach demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and dedication. Let's give her a big round of applause for all she does to support our students and their families! Welcome to Mount Morris BOCES, Izzy!

Janet Green, a seasoned LPN instructor for the Adult Education Nursing Program at Genesee Valley (GV) BOCES, is a pillar of both knowledge and compassion in the medical field. With a decade of dedication to GV BOCES and an extensive background in nursing, Green's career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to healthcare.

Before transitioning to teaching, Green spent an impressive 35 years at UR Medicine Noyes Health in Dansville, NY, where she worked in the maternity ward and the emergency department. The wealth of experience she gained there laid the foundation for her role as an instructor, where she imparts her wisdom to aspiring nurses. For an astounding 33 years, Green has devoted her summers volunteering at the Genesee Valley Rotary Camp, which provides a free, week-long overnight camping experience for children aged 8 to 21 with special needs. What started as a friend's invitation to assist as a camp nurse in 1990 became a lifelong commitment for Green. By 1995, she had assumed the role of health director for the camp, overseeing the well-being of the campers throughout the week. With a team of dedicated individuals, Green ensures that the campers, ranging from those in wheelchairs to those requiring tube feeding, experience a week filled with various activities every summer. From swimming and archery to music and adaptive physical education, the camp offers a range of opportunities for the children to explore and enjoy.

"We have a motto," Green said. "If you knew where and when a miracle was going to take place, wouldn't you want to be there? Every single year we see that.” Recognizing the importance of practical experience, she encourages her LPN students to volunteer at the summer camp. This camp holds a special place in Green's heart. For Green, the camp is not just a volunteer opportunity; it's a chance to make a difference in the lives of these children. 

"My favorite part is the kids. I love the kids; they're my kids," she said with a warmth that reflects the genuine connection she forms with each camper. Green's dedication to the camp goes beyond her individual efforts; she transforms volunteering into a family affair. Her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and even her grandchildren, all join in the noble cause, contributing their time and skills to create a memorable experience for the campers. Green continues to convey her nursing knowledge to future healthcare professionals during the academic year. She eagerly awaits the summers, knowing that amidst the trees and laughter of the Genesee Valley Rotary Camp. Green believes that miracles are bound to happen, and she wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The Genesee Valley Rotary Camp, located in Portageville, NY relies on fundraisers and donations to operate. The Rotary Clubs in Genesee Valley sponsor the children and support from other community organizations and members is welcomed.  For more information, contact info@gvrc.org.