STUDENT SUCCESS RESOURCES
Welcome to our Student Success Resources page, where students, parents and educators can find materials to support and enhance learning both in and out of the classroom. Together, we aim to empower each of you with the resources you need to succeed.
#GrowthMindset #StudentLed
At Accelerated Schools, we believe growth is always possible.
Many of our students come to us after experiencing academic and social-emotional challenges. This ”Growth Mindset” worksheet is a simple but powerful tool for parents and educators to help teens reframe setbacks, challenge all-or-nothing thinking, and see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
We’re here to remind our students every day: you are resilient, you are capable, and you can do hard things!
April 13, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#EventAlert #TeenMentalHealth #ZeroReasonsWhy
Check out the opportunity below from Zero Reasons Why, a storytelling and community mobilization campaign to remove the stigma of mental health and prevent teen suicide.
"Please join Zero Reasons Why for an evening of conversation, connection, and hands-on learning at Let’s Talk: Stress, Burnout, and Finding Balance.
"Hosted by the Johnson County Teen Council, this community forum is designed to help students and adults better understand stress and burnout—and explore what it actually looks like to find balance in everyday life.
"Through honest, judgment-free discussion, we’ll talk about the pressures teens face, what burnout can feel like, and how to recognize when it’s time to pause and reset.
"This isn’t just a conversation—we’ll also be trying things out together. Throughout the event, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different mental health coping strategies, from simple grounding techniques to creative and practical tools you can use in your daily life.
"Whether you’re feeling burnt out, curious about mental health, or just looking for new ways to take care of yourself, this space is for you."
✦ Location: Olathe Indian Creek Library — 16100 W. 135th St., Olathe, KS 66062
✦ Date: April 30, 2026
✦ Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
April 13, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL
The skills that matter most aren’t always graded. At our school, we intentionally teach students how to
✦ regulate emotions,
✦ navigate social challenges, and
✦ build confidence in themselves.
Because when students feel safe, supported, and understood, learning naturally follows. Social-emotional learning isn’t an “extra” here, it’s the foundation.
Research from CASEL shows that students who develop social-emotional skills not only improve behavior and well-being, but also perform better academically.
Check out the article: “Fundamentals of SEL”—CASEL
April 3, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL #CBTTriangle #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy
Sometimes the smallest concepts can have the biggest impact for students.
Recently at ASOP in one of our counseling small groups with students, we watched this short video together about the CBT Triangle—a cognitive behavioral therapy tool. It’s a simple idea that shows how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. When our thoughts change, it can shift how we feel and how we respond to situations.
After the video, students practiced applying this idea to real situations they experience at school. Things like
✦ “I failed this quiz, I must be bad at math.”
✦ “My friend didn’t sit with me today, they must be mad at me.”
✦ “This assignment is too hard, I’m going to give up.”
Together we practiced slowing down and asking: Is there another way to think about this situation
It was powerful to watch students begin reframing their thoughts and noticing how that shift could change how they felt and what they chose to do next.
Moments like these are exactly why small group counseling opportunities are such an important part of our support system at Accelerated Schools of Overland Park. They give students a space to learn skills, share experiences, and practice new ways of thinking in a supportive environment.
We love seeing students realize that while they can’t control every situation in their day, they do have more power over their thoughts and responses than they might realize.
Take a look at the video that sparked the conversation: “The CBT Triangle”—SEL Sketches
February 25, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#LiteracySkills #ReadingMatters
Literacy has shown to be a determining factor in a student's future success, both while they are in school and after they graduate. Unfortunately, many of our students have underdeveloped literacy skills that need to be bolstered now. Here at ASOP, we stress building literacy skills across our curriculum by engaging in the process of read-think-write, regardless of subject matter.
The below article offers advice on how to improve literacy instruction through personalization.
“How to personalize literacy instruction for COVID-era kids”—SmartBrief
March 10, 2026: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#SocialMedia #DigitalWellbeing
Social media use is a struggle for many of today's students as they learn how to use appropriate communication—both online and offline. Helping students navigate these sometimes murky waters not only assists their building of communication skills, but also helps them develop tools they can employ to protect their mental health.
The below article addresses steps educators can take to assist their students in communicating viewpoints on issues that may provoke a strong response—a necessary skill in our increasingly online world.
“Social Media Use Is Toxic When It Comes to Tough Issues. Schools Can Help Kids Cope”—The 74
March 3, 2026: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#Mindfulness #DBT #DialecticalBehaviorTherapy #DBTSkills #SEL
"Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword. It’s an evidence-based skill that builds emotional resilience."
This excellent piece by Andrea Gold, PhD, clinical psychologist and faculty at Brown University, breaks down how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a research-supported therapeutic approach, teaches practical mindfulness skills that help people pause, notice emotions without judgment, and act in ways that align with their values.
In SEL work, we often talk about self-awareness and self-management. DBT makes those competencies concrete:
✦ Recognizing your state of mind
✦ Slowing down before reacting
✦ Observing emotions non-judgmentally
✦ Engaging with intention.
This reframes mindfulness from something “soft” or abstract into a trainable skill set that strengthens resilience, emotional regulation, and wise decision-making—the very competencies at the heart of strong SEL systems.
Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, therapist, or SEL practitioner, there is real value here in helping students strengthen their “wise mind,” that balanced place between emotion and reason.
Read the full article here:
“Fostering Mindfulness Skills with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)”—Brown Health University
February 25, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#TeenAnxiety #MentalHealthSupport
Teen anxiety continues to be one of the most common challenges impacting students today, both academically and emotionally. We recently came across an insightful article written by a licensed clinician that highlights practical, evidence-based approaches for supporting teens through anxiety, including therapy options, family involvement, and skill-building strategies.
Conversations like these are important as we continue working together as educators, families, and mental health professionals to create environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. Mental health support is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and resources that provide clarity and guidance can make a meaningful difference.
We are always committed to prioritizing student well-being and encouraging open dialogue around emotional health in our school community.
“Understanding and Addressing Teen Anxiety: Types of Therapy Available”—Anxiety Institute
February 16, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#ReadingComprehension #LiteracyResearch
Reading comprehension is a crucial skill for students to build. In a world that inundates us with a seemingly nonstop flow of information, boosting our students' comprehension and honing their ability to assess different texts helps prepare them for the future, no matter what career or college path they may take.
The below article addresses one aspect of reading comprehension: recognizing tone and how it can affect the meaning and reception of a text.
“Teaching Tone to Deepen Reading Comprehension”—Edutopia
February 12, 2026: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#Anxiety #AnxietyAwareness #ChallengingAnxiousThoughts
Worksheets that focus on identifying and reframing anxious thoughts can be a practical tool for both caregivers and educators supporting teens. This ”Challenging Anxious Thoughts” worksheet introduces the cognitive-behavioral concept of unhelpful versus helpful thinking patterns and provides guided examples alongside space for students to reflect on their own experiences.
Because anxious thoughts are not always easy to recognize at first, this worksheet is most effective when adults walk through it collaboratively with the student and revisit it across different real-life situations. Used consistently, tools like this can help young people build awareness, strengthen coping skills, and develop more balanced ways of thinking when anxiety shows up.
February 10, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#ClassroomDesign #HyggeClassroom #LearningEnvironment
Education encompasses more than just the 3 R's. The classroom and environment in which our students learn can be just as important as the content they're learning. At ASOP, we make extra efforts to maintain a culture of calm, positivity, and accountability, which helps many of our students become more receptive to actively learn.
The below article lists some good tips for building a culture of calm and comfort with your class during these chilling winter months.
“15 Ways to Bring Hygge to Your Classroom This Winter”—We Are Teachers
February 4, 2026: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#Event Alert #CampEncourage #AutismAwareness #ActuallyAutistic #Neurodivergent
We want to spotlight an organization doing truly meaningful work for autistic youth and their families in the Kansas City area: Camp Encourage.
Camp Encourage’s mission is to provide youth on the autism spectrum with empowering, growth-centered experiences that build confidence, independence, and connection. Through overnight camps, peer-supported programming, and inclusive community events, they create spaces where autistic youth are seen, supported, and celebrated as individuals.
This Saturday, Camp Encourage is hosting a powerful FREE community event: Through Our Eyes (2026)
✦ Saturday, January 31
✦ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
✦ Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, MO
This event features a panel of autistic adults sharing honest, real-life perspectives on growing up on the spectrum, relationships, work, identity, and lived experience. It’s an incredible opportunity to listen to autistic voices directly, deepen understanding, and expand how we support neurodivergent individuals across schools, families, and communities.
If you are an educator, clinician, parent, advocate, or community member, I highly recommend attending or sharing this event.
Learn more & register: https://campencourage.org/event/through-our-eyes-2026
About Camp Encourage: https://campencourage.org
January 28, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#ExecutiveFunctioning #Neurodiversity #BoardGames #StudySkills
Executive functioning (EF) support doesn’t need to feel corrective or compliance-based.
These board games build EF skills through connection, creativity, strategy, and play—honoring different learning styles while strengthening planning, emotional regulation, and flexible thinking.
A strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach I love.
“25 Board Games That Promote Executive Functioning Skills”—Life Skills Advocate
January 22, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#Gratitude #StudentMentalHealth #ThreeGoodThings
A simple practice. Powerful impact for students.
The “Three Good Things” exercise is a well-known gratitude practice that supports emotional regulation, positive mindset development, and overall well-being. It invites students to reflect on three things from their day that went well, whether big or small, helping them build awareness of positive moments even during challenging days.
This ”Gratitude Journal” worksheet is designed with caregivers and educators in mind. It provides three short, accessible prompts per day for seven days, using sentence starters such as:
✦ “One good thing that happened today was…”
✦ “I had fun when…”
✦ “Something I appreciated today was…”
The purpose is to gently introduce students to gratitude journaling without it feeling overwhelming or forced. With consistent use, students begin to internalize the practice and can continue identifying “three good things” each day without relying on prompts.
This activity can be used at home, in classrooms, or in counseling settings as a brief daily check-in or closing reflection to support emotional awareness and resilience.
January 13, 2026: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#MathEducation #MathVocabulary
Mathematics consistently ranks among the chief reasons students report for struggling in school. Using research-based practices to assist students allows educators to try and bridge knowledge and application gaps, which can also help provide students with the extra assistance needed to learn through productive struggle.
The below report looks at one research-based practice in particular: utilizing math vocabulary.
January 6, 2026: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#SEL #SocialEmotionalLearning #Neurodivergence
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is often misunderstood as “extra” or behavior-focused, when in reality it’s about teaching the foundational skills students need to regulate their emotions, navigate relationships, and engage meaningfully in learning. This article clearly explains why SEL skills don’t always develop automatically and why intentional instruction and support matter, especially for students who experience anxiety, stress, or neurodivergence. A helpful read for educators and families who want to better understand how SEL supports both student well-being and academic growth.
“What Is Social and Emotional Learning?”—Child Mind Institute
December 19, 2025: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#EmotionalWellness #SEL #SocialEmotionalLearning
Helping students name and navigate their emotions is one of the most powerful skills we can teach, and simple tools often make the biggest impact.
This “How I Feel” worksheet is a favorite of mine because it breaks emotional awareness into three accessible steps:
1. Identify the Feeling using a visual menu of emotions like happy, worried, excited, scared, annoyed, or nervous (shown on the worksheet).
2. Understand the “Why” by reflecting on what led to that emotion.
3. Choose a Response—both what they did and what they could have done—with kid-friendly coping options like asking for help, taking deep breaths, walking away, or talking to a friend (all illustrated on the page).
What makes this tool so effective is that it supports emotional vocabulary, self-reflection, problem-solving, and self-regulation all on one page. It’s developmentally friendly, neurodivergent-inclusive, and easy for teachers, counselors, and parents to use with students of all ages.
The purpose is simple: Help students slow down, understand themselves, and practice healthier responses, turning everyday moments into opportunities for emotional growth.
If we want emotionally resilient kids, this is where it starts.
December 11, 2025: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#ClassroomStrategies
As we near the midway point of the traditional school year, it's important for educators to "be the thermostat" in their classroom. At this point, some students are going to start showing signs of mental fatigue that can be addressed by maintaining a consistent, engaged culture (while also allowing room for grace).
The below article has a few strategies on how to help maintain a positive classroom culture throughout the year.
“Maintaining a Tight-Knit Classroom Throughout the School Year”—Edutopia
December 9, 2025: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#ClassroomTechnology #DigitalClutter
New and emerging technology should be incorporated in the classroom in a responsible manner, not through haphazard initiatives. Here at ASOP, we do our best to evaluate technological tools to ensure they fit our students' needs before implementing them in the classroom.
The below interview is a great reminder that what our classrooms and students need are less distractions, not more digital clutter.
“Schools Don’t Need Efficiency—They Need Focus”—ASCD
December 5, 2025: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#Mindfulness #MindfulnessExercises
Helping students learn how to pause, notice, and regulate their internal world is one of the most impactful skills we can teach in education. Mindfulness practices support emotional regulation, strengthen focus, and create a sense of groundedness that many of our learners, especially those navigating anxiety or neurodivergence, deeply need.
This simple ”Mindfulness Exercises” worksheet offers accessible, age-appropriate exercises like mindful breathing, body scans, and five-senses grounding—tools students can use anytime they begin to feel overwhelmed or dysregulated. These strategies don’t just help in the moment. Over time, they build self-awareness, resilience, and the capacity to return to learning ready and regulated.
If you’re looking for practical ways to integrate mindfulness into your classroom or counseling work, this is a great place to start.
December 3, 2025: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#DigitalWellbeing #MindfulTech #MentalHealth #ExecutiveFunctioning #Anxiety
If you’re invested in student well-being, this is a powerful read. A more recent study from Iowa State University found that simply reducing daily social media use — even without sticking to a perfect limit — can significantly lower anxiety, depression, loneliness, and FOMO (fear of missing out) while increasing positive emotions.
At ASOP, we understand how closely digital habits are tied to emotional regulation, executive functioning, and overall mental health. This research reinforces why our school prioritizes intentional, balanced technology use and supports students in developing healthier digital routines. For families, educators, and supporters who care about nurturing resilient, well-regulated learners, this article offers valuable insight into one small shift that can make a meaningful difference.
“Cutting back on social media reduces anxiety, depression, loneliness”—Iowa State Education
November 28, 2025: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#TeachingTips #ExecutiveFunctionSkills #ClassroomExecutiveFunction
At ASOP, executive function isn’t just a buzzword, it’s one of our core pillars in helping students grow into confident, capable, and independent learners. We intentionally teach and reinforce executive function skills across settings—organization, emotional regulation, task initiation, flexible thinking, and more—
so students can thrive both academically and socially.
This “Classroom Checklist Supporting Executive Function” is a fantastic resource for educators anywhere who want practical, easy-to-implement strategies to support executive function development in their own classrooms. We hope sharing tools like this strengthens our collective efforts to create supportive, skill-building learning environments for all students.
November 21, 2025: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#TeacherWellbeing #SelfcareTips
In schools, we often remind students that they can’t pour from an empty cup, but the same is true for the adults who support them every day. Teachers, caregivers, and counselors all play critical roles in helping students regulate, connect, and grow. Doing so requires intentional care for our own mental health and balance
This ”Self-Care Assessment” worksheet is a great starting point for reflection. It helps identify which areas of wellbeing—physical, emotional, social, or professional—might need extra attention and offers simple, realistic ways to strengthen those habits.
Taking a few minutes to pause and check in with yourself is not only good for you, it also models healthy emotional regulation for the students we serve.
November 10, 2025: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#DigitalLearning #DigitalTechnology #ClassroomManagement
Widespread use of digital technology brings different challenges to the techniques of classroom management required of today's teachers. At ASOP, keeping our class size small helps our teachers be able to effectively use these digital tools while also minimizing distractions.
The below article provides helpful tips for teachers to manage their students' use of digital technology in their classroom.
“Taming Tech Distractions to Keep Students on Task”—Edutopia
November 4, 2025: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions
#EmotionalRegulation #Mindfulness #SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL
Emotional regulation is a skill that develops over time, and it starts with awareness and practice. At ASOP, we focus on helping students bring conscious thought to how they handle their emotions. Through modeling, mindfulness, and opportunities for reflection, we teach students that every feeling is valid and can be managed in healthy, productive ways.
The article below highlights why this skill matters so much in school and beyond.
“Emotional self-regulation: Importance, problems, and strategies”—Medical News Today
November 3, 2025: Hollyn Smith—ASOP Director of Counseling
#Neurodivergent #NeurodiversityInEducation #ADHD
Neurodiverse students have behaviors and needs that require individualized attention. This is one of the reasons ASOP provides personalized instruction to help our students with ADHD in ways that best support them.
The article below has good advice for teachers who are needing to adapt to ADHD needs in their classroom. We can attest to their effectiveness—they are measures we've been taking with our students for decades.
“ADHD Is Punished in Schools. How Teachers Can Flip the Script”—Education Week
October 21, 2025: Travis Thompson—ASOP Director of Admissions