Beliefs & Benefits
Mrs. Nelsen-DeFalco
Make a Difference!
Make a Difference!
Belief Statements
*We believe schools, families, and community are partners in the education of all children
Phone conferences and/or individual conferences with students and parents when needed
Work study in the community
*We believe learning is a life-long process
Encourage leisure time activities that students can enjoy throughout their lives
Provide opportunities to learn new techniques and strategies
Continue adult education and parenting resources
Stress skills of wellness, friendship, and cooperation
*We believe each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her own choices, actions, and learning
Require students to be respectful to self and others
Encourage students to do their best work at all times
Accept responsibility for their own actions
Be prepared for classes
*We believe that the school and community will provide a variety of positive educational opportunities for students to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally, and physically
Promote diversity in one’s curriculum
Promote cross-cultural relationships
Promote conflict resolution skills
Promote sensitivity among all staff and students
Recognize and treat teachers as professionals
Newsletters and information to parents
Course outlines and expectations
Students are made aware of goals, expectations, deadlines, and consequences
*We believe in the curriculum that stresses content and methods to promote problem solving, risk-taking, adaptability, thinking skills, and application
Implement the use of portfolios and creative teaching methods
Use curriculum which requires and enhances problem solving and critical thinking skills
*Increase number of students able to participate in the counseling process
*Increase opportunities for consistent counseling services throughout the school year
*Increase opportunities for counselor-student interaction
*Improve classroom performance
*Increase knowledge of the changing world
*Increase knowledge of self and others
*Develop decision-making skills
*Promote knowledge and assistance in career exploration and development
*Increase leadership skills and opportunities to become leaders in and out of school
*Increase effective communication skills and problem-solving strategies
*Improve conflict/resolution skills
*Promote accountability and responsibility
*Empower youth to utilize other resources
*Encourage a positive self-concept
Parent Benefits
*Increase an awareness of the nature and scope of the guidance and counseling program
*Improve communication between home and school
*Increase opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between parents and school staff
*Increase knowledge of what assistance parents and their children can receive from the counselor and the school
*Further involve the parents in their child’s educational development and long range academic goals
Staff Benefits
*Encourage positive, supportive working-relationships with other staff
*Provide a team effort to address student needs and competencies
*Increase the likelihood of academic success
*Promote a positive and healthy school environment
*Provide support and serves as a resource for students who need extra guidance