Meet the Counselor

Ms. Pinkard

100

Favorite color

What is pink?

200

Ms. Pinkard is in her __ year of counseling

What is first?

300

Favorite type of food

What is Mexican/spicy food?

400

Favorite holiday

What is Christmas?

500

How do you say Ms. Pinkard's first name, Tajah? Hint: There is a silent letter

Tajah

Meeting Me

100

True or False: You should only meet me if you have a BIG problem

FALSE!

It's actually better that we meet before a problem gets too big.

200

True or False: If Ms. Pinkard pulls you out of class you're in trouble

FALSE! 

You are never in trouble when you're with me.

300

Can you visit Ms. Pinkard anytime you want?

Not exactly. If you are in class and feel you need to talk to me right away, you may ask your teacher for a pass. If I'm not available or you can't come, you can leave a note under my door. I will follow up with you as soon as possible.

400

True or False: Ms. Pinkard can be my therapist

False! While school counselors are highly trained, we are not able to diagnose or treat mental illness as a therapist would in a private practice or outside agency. If a student needs long-term, intensive services, school counselors can refer them to a therapist in the community who can help.

500

Ms. Pinkard shares information with other adults for this reason only.

What is when we or someone we know is unsafe?

To include:

You want to hurt yourself

You were hurt past/present by yourself or someone else

You want to hurt someone else

Random

100

Can I visit even when I don't have a question or concern?

Yes! I enjoy spending time with students and having fun. With your teacher's permission, you can request to visit me for lunch or after completing work to play a game, hang out, etc.

200

Is it okay to visit with a friend?

Some students may prefer to have a supportive friend with them to make them feel more comfortable. While I LOVE the support, once we identify what is going on I may ask your friend to go back to class. It's important they're not missing too much of class and that you have the opportunity to freely share.

300

I need my parent's permission to meet with Ms. Pinkard

False

400

If I see Ms. Pinkard I have to talk about what's wrong

False! Students can color, blow bubbles, play a game, or just relax if they don't feel up to talking. However, it is best that you advocate for yourself and express that to me so I don't probe.

500

I should email Ms. Pinkard if I have an emergency

FALSE! 

You should inform your teacher that you need to speak with Ms. Pinkard right away. If I'm not available, ask to speak with Ms. Butler or Ms. Thompson.