Your School Counselor
Who is your school counselor? (What is her name?)
Mama Hargrove
What are some reasons you can visit the counselor? (Name some reasons you have visited the counselor)
1. A problem with a friend
2. feeling sad or frustrated
3. Messy hair day
4. exploring careers and colleges
5. Need a break
School counselors help kids solve their___________
Problems
True or False: Students are deserving of confidentiality even if they are children
True
Affirmations
How many years have I been a counselor?
3 years
How do you get to see the school counselor?
Many ways:
1. Ask permission from your teacher to see me (come with a hall pass);
2. Write a note and leave in the counseling mailbox
3. Your family member or teacher can reach out to me on your behalf
True or False: If you are sent to the counselor's office, that means you're in trouble.
False. I do not deal with discipline. My job is not to get you in trouble or punish you.
True or False:
If I am close friends with a person, the counselor has permission to share what they talked about with me
False. Counselor cannot disclose what they talked about to other people UNLESS absolutely necessary (For example: for safety reasons)
What's something that helps you feel better when you need a break?
Any answer is correct
What college did I attend to get my degree to become a school counselor?
The Ohio State University
Who can I see if the counselor is not available?
The School Social Worker
The Principal
Your teacher
The Nurse
Another trusted adult
I do more than just work with kids on problems in my office. Name 2 more things a school counselor may do or 2 other people I work with? (or you can name something you have seen your counselor do in the past)
1. Classroom lessons
2. Small groups
3. People I work with: families, teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, family ambassador
4. Work on committees (for example, in the past I was on the PBIS committee that helps run the school store, create Falcon Bucks, and do fun building initiatives)
5. Plan school programs, like anti-bullying prevention month; college-career month; and more!
6. Meet with people in the community (Future Possibilities, St. Vincent, PBJ Connections, etc.)
7. Birthday initiatives
8. Find ways to make the school community better for you and for everyone
What does the word "Confidentiality" mean? OR what does it mean when information is "Confident"
To keep something "confident" means to keep that information private. A counselor practices "confidentiality" by keeping your information and what you talked about private.
Unless it's an emergency, you are not allowed to request a "break" with the counselor before what time?
10AM. If you have a legitimate issue, you may see me. If you need a "break," you must wait at least an hour after school has started.
What city did I grow up in?
Cincinnati since my mama had me!
What are some things in the counselor's office that can help you feel better when you need a break?
1. Puzzles
2. Breathing owl / Breathing tools
3. Playdough/Kinetic Sand
4. Coloring pages/Writing tools
5. Books
6. Pillows
7. Snickers
8. Music
9. Scents
10. Fidgets
More to come!
What 3 main categories do all school counselors work with to help students?
1. Academics (how to study, how to improve your grades, transitioning to middle school, etc.)
2. Social-emotional (feelings, personal problems, people problems, behavior, growing as a person)
3. College-Career (what do I want to be when I grow up? What can I learn about life after high school?)
What does it mean for me to have an open door policy?
If the door is opened, you can come in. If not, return to class
Respect is being considerate of other peoples'
-Time
-Dignity
-Well-being
-Property
I know one other language. What language is that?
American Sign Language
What are some of the agreements of the counselor's office?
1. I agree to have a hall pass to come in
2. I agree to return to class after the time communicated by the counselor
3. I agree to stay in the open areas designated by the counselor. For example, do not go behind the blue curtain
4. I agree to clean up after myself and leave things the way I found it.
5. I agree to use kind language and be respectful of others in the space
6. I agree to be gentle with items to avoid breaking them and only leave with items I arrived with.
What essential items can you find in my office if you need them?
1. Lotion
2. Hair products
3. Body wash
4. Deodorant
5. Menstrual products
What are 4 reasons why a SCHOOL counselor would break confidentiality
1. If you want to harm yourself
2. If you want to harm others
3. If someone is harming you
4. If it benefits your education
What are my new rules for eating with me during lunch? (points given if you can name at least 1 rule)
4 people at a time
Must sign up, first come, first served
Specific day
If I have a lunch group or obligation, Lunch with the Counselor will be cancelled
Clean the tables when you are finished
You can only sign up once a week
Inside voices
Walking feet
When it's time to go, leave!