Rim Rock School Counseling

Hello from the Counselor…

Dear Rim Rock Families,

Welcome to a new school year at Rim Rock Elementary! I am starting my 11th year at Rim Rock. As an elementary school counselor, my role is to provide support to students, teachers, and parents with the overall goal of student success.

I have a variety of fun lessons and activities planned during the year that will teach important life skills to all students as well as support and encourage them to have a successful year. I have the opportunity to meet with each class (Kindergarten – 5th) once a week. My lessons this year will mainly be taken from the Second Step curriculum which teaches skills for social and academic success (skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, and problem solving).

Along with these lessons we will have ongoing class discussions that focus on showing respect, using kind words, being a good friend, dealing with conflict or bullying situations, learning and practicing calming techniques, having a growth mindset, personal safety, and career awareness. In August, the counselor lessons will focus on ROAR behavior, an introduction to what the school counselor does, and "getting to know you" activities. Please check the monthly newsletter, parent emails, and papers coming home with your student to find out more about what your student is learning in their counseling lesson.

Peer mediation services will be available to all students through the counseling office. Students are always welcome to drop in to visit or eat lunch with me (these activities are not considered "counseling" and don't require parental consent). 

Any student may come to the counseling office to speak informally with me about an issue that is bothering them, once or twice. If I need to meet with a student more than once or twice on an individual basis, about a specific concern, I will contact parents/guardians or send home a consent form. Please understand, school based small group and individual counseling services are not a substitute for community based mental health services. The focus of a school counselor is to support students' academic and social success in a school setting. I am happy to provide referrals to community based services on request. 

In addition, I will offer small groups where students will work with others who may be dealing with similar life issues.  These groups will focus on topics such as grief, changing families, social skills, feelings, friendship, etc. Participation in small groups will happen as students are identified and referred by their classroom teacher, parent or guardian, or by a personal request. Small group activities for students will happen during a time that is least disruptive to classroom learning, and will happen only with parent permission.  I believe that small group workshops can be a powerful way for students to connect and share similar experiences in a safe environment. 

  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child please do not hesitate to call me at 254-6770 ext.    58119 or email me at kristen.walke@d51schools.org. I look forward to sharing a wonderful year with your family!

Kristen Walke- School Counselor, Rim Rock Elementary