Mrs. Spackman's Counselor's Corner

This website was created during our Coronavirus episode to help provide families & students with resources that can help them not only now but ongoing as we return to school. My hope is that this will be a fun & informative resource. I will continue to update this with new information. Thank you for your support!!

Life of Mrs. Spackman

My name is Gina Spackman and I am the School Counselor here at Summit Elementary. I live in Smithfield and have been married for 18 years to Brandon and have 5 children ages 17, 16, 14, 11 & 7. I love being involved in my kids’ lives especially coaching them in sports and love spending time outdoors in nature. Some of my favorite hobbies include paddle boarding, working out, hiking, playing volleyball & running.

We have reached a landmark in Cache County School District last year! In approximately 2011, there were only 6 elementary schools that had School Counselors because of a Mental Health Grant that was received. Starting last year we have a School Counselor or Social Worker in every elementary school in Cache County School District. As a School Counselor, I have the opportunity to visit each class in the school and present a 30 minute lesson each month. This lesson is focused on one of the 7 habits and then also ties into life skills, coping skills and/or character education (topics include respect, honesty, emotions, gratitude, service, mindfulness, etc.). I also have the opportunity to visit with students on an individual basis or small group if there is a need for extra support especially in the area of personal, emotional or social success of the student. This is short-term help to address concerns that parents or teachers may have that will help overall with the student’s academic success. If there is a need for ongoing treatment, then a referral to the resources needed can be provided. To meet with students individually, there is a parental consent form that needs to be signed by the legal guardian.

I love working with students and seeing their growth as they strive to overcome some of life’s obstacles. I am excited for another year here at Summit Elementary where we strive to help each child find their strengths and help them learn how to do hard things because life provides many opportunities for all of us to step up to do hard things! If you have any questions about school counseling services, I can be reached best by email (gina.spackman@ccsdut.org) or in the school Monday through Wednesday. Thank you for letting me be a part of your child’s life--”It takes a village to raise a child”