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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

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Increasing the number of school counselors a priority for Hamilton County Schools

Classroom guidance counselor Heather Townley, top left,  tells first grader students to "pat yourself on the back," Thursday during a counseling lesson in Miss Dews' classroom at East Ridge Elementary.
Classroom guidance counselor Heather Townley, top left, tells first grader students to "pat yourself on the back," Thursday during a counseling lesson in Miss Dews' classroom at East Ridge Elementary. Classroom guidance counselor Heather Townley, top left, tells first grader students to "pat yourself on the back," Thursday during a counseling lesson in Miss Dews' classroom at East Ridge Elementary.

“Can you show me how to take a belly breath?” says Heather Townley to the classroom of first-graders circled around her.

The students, some resting their hands on their bellies, take deep breaths and let the air pass slowly out of their mouths.

“When do we need to take a belly breath?” Townley asks.

Little hands dart up.

“Whenever we are mad, when we get angry and want to throw stuff,” the children answer.