January's Project Cornerstone book is When Sophie gets angry: Really, really angry by author Molly Bang. The book, about a young girl who is searching for ways to cope with "big feelings" like anger, is a Caldecott Honor Book 2000. During Project Cornerstone class readings, students are being taught that they are the directors of their own emotions. In other words, strong emotions are going to happen, but everyone can direct those emotions in positive ways, and make good choices about behavior even when feeling very strong emotions. There is always a choice point between an emotion and an action, and we are encouraging students to anticipate that choice point and plan to actively deescalate before reacting in anger.  Examples of adaptive coping mechanisms include taking five, deep breathing, and counting to 10 before reacting. Students are working to develop their own personal tool box of options, including identifying personal triggers for anger, and personal game plans for how to manage that anger. Ask your students what their game plan is, or ask them to describe to you the emotional and physical aspects of anger. Or, just ask them how much they liked the soda pop can demonstration!

Project Cornerstone's Asset Building Champion (ABC) is a YMCA of Silicon Valley initiative. All LASD schools, including Covington, are implementing the program, which is designed to teach and foster developmental assets in local youth. Taking a proactive, positive approach, Project Cornerstone works to instill empathy, resilience, and self-esteem in students. It also encourages community involvement and collaboration to build a respectful, connected, and nurturing climate for Silicon Valley children. For further information, please visit the Project Cornerstone website (www.projectcornerstone.org) or contact Kasey Saltzman, PC Lead for Covington (kasey.saltzman@att.net).