Counselor Who?
What is the name of the 6th grade school counselor?
Ms. Torcaso
Who is a trusted adult who helps students with academic, social, and emotional issues at school?
Your school counselor!
Is it okay to feel a lot of different emotions at once?
Yes! It is okay to feel angry, mad, and sad all at the same time.
Are cell phones allowed at school?
Yes....but it needs to be "off and away" or it will be sent to the front office.
Keep it in your locker unless it is lunchtime.
If I get a pass to see the counselor, does that mean I am in trouble?
Absolutely not!
"I need to talk to my counselor!" What do I do?
Come to the front office!
-If an emergency, you can talk to me right away
-If it can wait, I will call you out of class
If I talk to the counselor, will she share my information with other people?
No! It is confidential.
Unless...
Harm to self is reported
Harm to others is reported
You report that someone is harming you
If a student is feeling sad or anxious, who can help them with these emotions?
Ms. Torcaso
*BONUS - is it normal for a person to feel anxious?
Name how you can be a good friend.
Be a good listener, be kind, help when they are in need, support them, report to a trust adult when you are worried about them
Does Ms. Torcaso love to talk?
Actually, no. But she loves to listen to YOU talk!
What days of the week is the counselor in school?
Every school day!
What does the counselor, Ms. Torcaso, do to help students?
My role is to help students with academic, social, and emotional issues.
Can Ms. Torcaso force anyone to get along or be friends?
No, sorry. But I can help by:
-Teaching you strategies, boundaries, self-worth
-Mediate the conflict with the peer
What are some safe choices you can make while at school?
Keep your hands and feet to yourself, push in your chair, report suspicious activity, stay in designated areas, listen to staff directions, etc..
Ms. Torcaso is a trusted adult and I can talk to her about my feelings and problems.
Yes! That is what I am here for.
Does a school counselor keep all of your secrets?
Yes! However, we have to break confidentiality when....
Harm to Self is reported
Harm to Others is reported
You report that someone is harming you
What is the difference between someone being mean and someone being a bully?
"Mean" behavior is saying or doing something that hurts a person's feelings once or twice.
"Bullying" is intentional, and it is aggressive behavior repeated over time. The bully is trying to be more powerful.
How can you (students) show kindness towards fellow students?
Give them a compliment, smile, help them, be an upstander
How can you demonstrate responsibility in the classroom?
Pay attention in class, take ownership of your words and actions, do your classwork, ask questions when you don't understand, turn in your homework on time, etc..
Does Ms. Torcaso have a magical wand that can fix anything?
Unfortunately, no. I can't fix your problems, but I will help, support and guide you through them.
What is Ms. Torcaso's favorite color?
Green
If a friend tells you a secret that they are being hurt, should you keep that secret?
No.
*BONUS - What should you do?
Is accountability a good skill to learn?
YES! It is important to take responsibility for your actions and to learn from your mistakes.
"Mistakes are proof that you are trying."
Name 2 or 3 ways you can manage stress better.
Deep breathing - slow, deep breaths can help to calm your mind and body.
Mindfulness - focus on the present moment without judgement to increase self awareness.
Positive talk - replace negative thoughts with positive ones to help improve mood and outlook.
What does "confidentiality" mean?
What you share with me is just between us.
This helps students feel comfortable and safe sharing feelings and thoughts with me. Unless.... there is a safety concern.