With All Good Intentions...

Good Morning Everyone!

Welcome!  It's not quite Fall yet, but it sure feels like it today!  With temps only in the 60's this morning, it sure makes it easier to get back into the routine of work.  Teachers and staff are sliding into day two of in-service in preparation for students to return to the building on September 8th.  

I regret to say that my good intentions to do some blogging over the summer, did not happen.  Sorry!  After my last post, I needed a mental break, as I am sure you all did, and I got busy just taking care of myself, being a mom and a spouse, and wearing all kinds of other hats too...gardener/landscaper, chef, organizational guru, activities organizer, personal shopper, etc...I guess it was just hard to find the time, and I quickly got out of the habit.  

A couple of weeks ago, however, I started listening to a podcast where, during one episode, the hosts had a long discussion about journaling and it's emotional and mental benefits.  While listening, I realized that when I was blogging last spring, in hopes of supporting you all, I was also doing something helpful for myself.  Much of my blogging was a result of my internal musings about what was going on in the world around us.  I was hoping to help you all make sense of it, and I was also making sense of it for myself too!  

Journaling allows us to explore our emotions, make sense of the world and our personal interactions, organize our feelings, and even possibly heal wounds.  Because blogging felt good to me, and it seemed to have some positive benefits for others, I had already decided I would continue with it in the fall regardless of our mode of schooling.  Listening to the podcast confirmed that it was the right decision!

So let's jump in!  I am here to say hello, and to remind you all of who I am and what I do at Crossett Brook.  My name is Jen Hempey.  I am a School Counselor.  I am giving you my first name because sometime back, an adult - I don't remember who - asked if we should allow kids to use our first names at CBMS.  Our former art teacher went by just, Nan, which was cool, and I also used to work in a school, where all the kids called me Jen or Jennie, and I appreciated the connection it brought with those students.  I give you permission to call me whatever feels good to you. 

A little bit about me...I don't live in the Waterbury-Duxbury community but I live in a neighboring town close by with my husband and two kids.  (One of my kids is almost a middle schooler, which is hard to believe!)  Besides hanging with my family, the things I like to do in my free time are skiing, mountain biking, running, coaching, reading, organizing, and just generally keeping busy.  I don't really care to sit still, and am always planning out my next project or adventure!  

I have been working at CBMS for 15 years!  This year will be number 16!  The Crossett Brook community feels like a family to me, and I've been here long enough to know a lot of the in's and out's of the town and its people.  I love that feeling!  I love to feel a sense of belonging both in my personal and professional environments, so I thank you for allowing me into your little world.  My hope is that this year, which will continue to be strange, weird, and different, we will continue to develop our relationships as students and teachers.  I hope that we learn and continue to trust one another and that you will trust me enough to let me support you as needed.  I am here to support you in good times and in the difficult ones. 

For those of you returning students, welcome back, I am happy to reconnect!  For all of you new students and fifth graders, a sincere welcome to our little community!  I can't wait to get to know you.  Please get in touch with me via email or by stopping by my office.  I am here for you, and can't wait to say hello. 

Be Well,

Mrs. Hempey (Jen)

Here are a few ways we can greet each other when we are back in the building!