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The COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Show respect Take responsibility Act in excellence Remain safe
Linsday Elementary is proud to have STAR students!!!!
What is a School Counselor?
A school counselor is a type of helper in the school. The primary focus of a school counselor at the elementary level is prevention. The main objective is to help all students learn basic life skills and help your child have a successful school year. Often times, non-academic issues can get in the way of a student’s learning (especially during these early developmental years). Addressing these issues can help your child to succeed in school!
Some of the things counselors address with students, parents, and staff are:
Feelings, self esteem, behavior, death/loss, safety, friendship, homework, bullying, conflicts, listening and following directions, transitions, healthy behaviors, honesty, accepting others, separation/divorce, and much more!
School Counseling is a short term resource. If there are greater issues that need extensive attention, the School Counselor will be glad to assist you in finding an outside counselor to work with your child. The school counselor in turn can maintain contact with your student’s counselor or therapist to ensure that therapeutic goals are supported here in school.
How does a student meet with a school counselor?
• Parents/Guardians may request their child see the counselor (call me directly or notify the teacher)
• A staff member may refer a student to the counselor
• The counselor may invite your child to talk
• Your child may request to talk with the counselor
If a student meets with the school counselor, it does not mean that the student is in trouble!!
It’s very important that students understand that the Counseling Office is a safe, and non threatening place.
What types of services are provided?
Individual Counseling – I talk with students on a short-term, confidential basis on either an issue that has been brought to my attention or what the student feels that they need to discuss. I do not force a child to communicate. It is their choice to communicate or not. With younger children, other forms of expression are allowed, such as art. On our first individual meeting, it is disclosed to the student that my primary concern is the safety and well-being of the child. If I feel a child is in danger, another professional adult must be notified.
Response Services – I am here to assist students with coping when there is a crisis. I also respond to immediate issues that have occurred during school hours that prevent the student(s) from actively participating in class.
Guidance Lessons – Here at Linsday, we provide character education lessons that are developmentally appropriate and preventative in nature. Character Education covers topics such as (friendship, bullying, respect, responsibility, and much more).
Systems Support – A counselor is available for consultation with parents/guardians, teachers/staff, and other professionals as needed. This intervention can take place in individual or group conferences, or through staff development. In addition, referrals are made to outside agencies when needed.
Here are some reasons a student may want to see the counselor:
• “I’m getting picked on at the bus stop and I don’t know what to do about it.”
• “My best friend isn’t talking to me and it makes me feel sad.”
• “I want to show you what I just made in art. I’m very proud of it.”
• “I’m new to this school and I’m very scared.”
• “My dog died over the weekend and I am sad.”
• “I just want to talk to someone who will not laugh at me.”
• “My mom and dad just told me they are getting divorced.”
• “Tim, Sam, and I had a problem at recess. Can you help us work it out?”
Here are some reasons a parent might want to talk to the counselor:
• “My husband I are getting divorced and we think our kids could benefit from talking about it with other kids. Is group counseling available?”
• “Sarah just doesn’t want to go to school in the mornings.”
• “I’m concerned because Allen tells me he doesn’t have any friends.”
• “We recently had a death in the family, and I’m not sure my child is handling it well.”
• “Kevin is having difficulty paying attention in the classroom.”
• “It’s almost impossible to get Jason to do his homework at night.”
“I’m looking for some resources (books, websites, videos) on how to deal with a certain issue regarding my child”
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!!!
Character Education
We will continue to focus on expanding our world view, and developing character in children that encourage self awareness, diversity, cultural awareness, respect, responsibility, values, and appreciation. We are doing this by encouraging societal contributions, infusing character education with these projects. We call it....
Kids Care
Students designed works of art and Get Well Cards for children receiving long term in patient hospital care. These beautiful works of art and tokens of affection were sent to the following facilities:
- Hurley Foundation - Flint
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute - Detroit
- C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital - Ann Arbor
- Childrens Hospital of Michigan - Detroit
December 9, 2010 we received a letter from The Hurley Foundation thanking your children for their donations. They were greatly appreciative and the childrens generosity will be publicly acknowledged in an upcomming edition of Hurley Publications!!!!
Our next Kids Care project is a BIG one!! We will be participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's School & Youth Program, Pennies for Patients, a service learning program in which kids collect spare change to help those afflicted with blood cancer. You can expect to see a letter coming home in the next few weeks detailing our efforts as well as your childs very own colorful collection box to assist in the search for spare change. In addition to the self satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause, the class with the highest earnings will win a pizza party! How fun!
To donate online... please visit THIS website.
Are you interested in getting your child a Big Brother or Sister? The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is an effective system in making positive differences in the lives of children and youth through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with mentors who assist them in becoming confident, competent and caring individuals. Click below for an application!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Application
Ms. Shepherd