Counselor Classroom Curriculum

What is the Second Step program?

Second Step is a program that has been used at the elementary school for many years in grades K-5.  There are four units of focus: goal setting, empathy, emotional management, and problem-solving.   Grades 3-5 receive an additional unit on Bully-Prevention.  All grades may receive additional lessons as requested by their teachers. 

Career Education

At KES we talk about careers at every grade!  In K and 1st grade, students are introduced to the idea that there are careers in our community and that they work together to get things done.

In 2nd grade, we start to explore the idea that things we like could become careers when we get older.  

In 3rd grade, students have the opportunity to invite a parent/grown-up to take our "Flat Stanley" Career Cougar to work with them.  The day's adventure is then shared with the class and helps students learn about careers in our community as well as skills needed for different jobs.

3rd -  5th Grade students work on their evidence portfolio through Smart Futures (the state requires 6 pieces of evidence at this level).  This engaging program takes students through activities that help them learn about themselves, careers, and the world of work.  Students earn badges as they complete the activities in each of the four strands in the career education and work standards (career awareness and preparation, career acquisition,  career retention and advancement, and entrepreneurship).   They learn about the everyday skills employers value, reflect on their likes and dislikes, take an interest inventory, and explore careers that may be a match for them based on their interests.   This portfolio becomes more defined as students move through middle and high school, and becomes a basis for post-secondary decisions.  More information on Smart Futures can be found here.

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