Your School Counselor
What is Mrs. G's job called?? What is her job title? Example- nurse, 3rd grade teacher, principal
Mrs. G is your School Counselor!
Why might a student ask to talk with their school counselor?
A student might come see me if they are dealing with a tricky feeling or problem that is getting in the way of being a learner.
How often will Mrs. G come to your class to teach??
Every other week! Mrs. G calls her classes PeaceMakers class.
I work closely with our school social workers. Name one of Pond Cove's social workers.
Ms. Hannon
Chip
Which students does Mrs. G work with? What grade levels?
Mrs. G is the go-to school counselor for 3rd grade and 4th grade. Mrs. M and Mrs. Spilt 2nd grade.
Name two problems that a student might have that they might want to see the School Counselor about.
Examples- feeling lonely at school, arguing with friends, feeling stressed about school or a specific subject, a tough situation at home that a student is thinking about while at school, having trouble with their behavior.......
Name two things that we might work on when I visit your classroom.
Problem Solving
Being an Upstander
Emotional Regulation
Being kind, safe, respectful, and responsible
Having a growth mindset
If you are having a big problem at Pond Cove school, which adults can you go to for help?
ALL adults at school are here to help students. If you are having a big problem and you, or someone else, is feeling unsafe go to the nearest adult.
Why do you think Mrs. G became a school counselor?
I love working with kids, talking with kids, helping kids, encouraging kids, problem solving with kids, etc..
Being your school counselor is fun!!!!
How do you get to see the school counselor?
Talk to your teacher first. Often teachers are able to help students work through problems or tricky feelings without leaving the classroom. If you and your teacher decide it would be helpful for you to check in with me, your teacher will send me an email and I will come by.
Parents also reach out to me and ask me to check in with students.
We will use our class time together to promote our 3 school values. What are they?
Respectful, Responsible, Safe
School Counselors do more than just work with children. Name two things that you think that a school counselor does in addition to working with kids.
Talk to Parents, Problem Solve with Teachers, Principals and other staff members, Work on Committees, Run Programs, etc..
Name two tools that I use as a School Counselor.
Fidgets, puppets, books, games, art materials, etc.
Why does Mrs. G invite students to come for lunch?
To get to know students better, to help students make new connections, to practice being a respectful classmate, to work on specific skills such as- handling worried feelings or self-regulation
Lunches are usually group time. Mrs. G invites 2-5 students.
When Mrs. G wants to get everyone's attention she says, "take breath if you can hear my words. Have your whole group show what that looks like and sounds like.
Deep breath in through your noes that goes to your belly. Deep breath out through your mouth that people around you can hear but is not loud or distracting. Calming for you and doesn't bother others.
What does it mean to be inclusive? Name one way we can be inclusive at recess.
Inclusive means including other people and making sure they feel wanted and a part of the group.
What does confidential mean? What does that have to do with school counselors?
What you say to me in private is confidential, which means that I do not tell anyone else what you say. The only exceptions are if someone is getting hurt or if you say it is okay to share with your teacher and/or parents.
If I have a problem and go to talk to Mrs. G, what should I expect?
First: I try to understand what you are feeling and experiencing. We may talk, draw, or use fidgets to help us communicate.
Second: I will ask about your goal. What would you like to see happen? How would you like me to help you?
Third: Make a plan to move forward. We might come up with strategies or practice a new skill. We may role play.
What you say to me in my office is confidential!
Describe the difference between a small and a big problem. HINT- Think Kelso's Choices.
Small Problems- Students can try to solve themselves. No one is being hurt but can be annoying or frustrating.
Big Problems- Someone is being hurt or is in danger of being hurt. Someone is feeling unsafe.
You see someone being hurt at school (either hurt feelings or hurt body). What are 2 of the 3 ways to be an Upstander at Pond Cove?
Be a friend.
Speak up.
Get adult help.