Hello CTC Students and Parents,
My name Is Michele Bennett,
I am the Elementary School Counselor for CTC. I am excited to get to know all new parents and students in this capacity, as well as, follow up to the next grade level with the students that I got to know from last year!
My goal every year is to meet with students of all grade levels and learn each students unique backgrounds, strengths, and families. Bringing the goal of addressing the "whole child" concept into the CTC program.
Every year I coordinate with the other counselors to bring some exciting programs to all of our students throughout the school year. As we go on this journey I hope to post exciting news and information on my website. I will post career counseling materials, and information pertaining to programs for the school year, etc.
I hope your son/daughter has a wonderful school year and I look forward to being as involved as possible.
Who Is Mrs. Bennett ?
A Little Bit about Myself........
I hold an M.Ed. from The Citadel, a B.S. in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, and a Global Career Development Facilitator Certification, with over 20 years working with children and adolescents. Before joining the school system, I worked as a Mental Health Counselor. I’ve served in both middle and high school settings and now in elementary which has given me a deep knowledge of students’ of all ages and their mental health needs.
I work from the Whole Child Approach to education which is the philosophy that prioritizes a child's holistic development, focusing on their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs alongside academic learning. In fact our school has been awarded this to our school for the strides that we make with this concept. I also am a huge advocate for better understanding and research around the Gifted child and the 2E (Twice Exceptional understanding for the Gifted). I love the school that I am currently in because it is unique and it addresses a wide spectrum of different students as well as a wide range of ages K3-8th grade.
Helpful Resources for Parents To learn more about Gifted Talented and/or Twice Exceptional, or better known as 2E.
If You and Your Family have incured any life changing situations and need some help with housing, job assistance, food assistance, etc. Please Use these Websites For any of these needs:
Tiffany Whitney (Social Worker) and Social Services for Greenville County
https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Departments/main.asp?titleid=perssws
United Way 211 OF Greenville SC
https://www.unitedwaygc.org/impact/financial-stability/2-1-1-resource-line
Want to Learn more about your child and what it means to be Gifted Talented? Please see some Reading Materials and Websites to join/read to learn more.
Websites:
**NAGC.ORG
**SCgifted.org
BOOKS:
-Advance Children in Early Childhood By Bronwyn Mac Farlane and Ellen Honeck
-Raising Twice-Exceptional Children by Dr. Emily Kircher-Morris
-Disconnected Kids by Dr. Robert Melillo
-Regulation and Co-Regulation by Ginger Healy
- Anxiety Worry, Stress, and Fear by Leigh Bagwell
-Behavior Interventions Strategies for Educators, counselors, and Parents By Amie Dean
-Executive Functioning Workbook for kids by Roy D. PH. D
-Anger Management workbook for Kids by Andrew Hill PhD.
Think your son/daughter may need counseling, but not sure what steps to take next? Here are some helpful websites to utilize for tips and help:
Below are some other trusted websites to look through for more information to help you navigate what you think your child may need. We also suggest looking into PACE Therapies if your child is 2E or Twice Exceptional if they struggle from executive functioning issues, sensory issues, etc.
Mental Health Resource Guide for the Upstate of South Carolina List provided by NAMI
Community Resource Guide for the Upstate of South Carolina List provided by The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
**Not sure if your child may or may not be depressed, maybe he/she is angry, not socializing, there grades have dropped, etc. ..........
Mental Health America of Greenville can be a start. This website is a wonderful place to get information, resources, and help you on your journey with your son/daughter.**
Website to visit: mhagc.org
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK). Or Text (864-77- TEENS)
Resources for Talking with your child about School Shootings