On occasion, I will make it into the classroom to deliver lessons to large groups of students on topics to help them socially and emotionally. Some examples are Digital Citizenship (online safety & guidelines), anti-bullying/empathy, and coping skills.
Some students will check-in with me on an agreed-upon basis. This could be for attendance incentives, academic checks, morning greetings, or many other reasons to make their day easier and more enjoyable.
Working with families who are experiencing homelessness, or other forms of irregular housing. This includes transition housing, substandard housing, and/or students whom are displaced from parents/guardians. Working with the district liaison, we help find resources for families to ensure that students can be successful and have full-range of participation opportunities.
Individual - Students may meet with me one-on-one for a variety of reasons. If a student is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally they can setup a time to meet with me in my office. I am also open to concerns from parents, teachers, and administrators regarding a student who may need assistance.
Group - Small-group counseling will include a group of students of about 4-8 who have a common issue or obstacle. These groups will run for approximately 6-8 weeks at a time and will be on a rotating schedule to ensure students do not miss the same class. Before students are able participate in groups there will be a permission slip sent home for parents/guardians to sign.
Thanks to generous donations from community members, I am able to provide snacks to students who may need a boost to keep going. When a student misses breakfast, or goes hungry their learning is also negatively impacted.
Intervention Team- I will be working closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to acknowledge students who may be struggling in a given area. This team will discuss issues of concern and determine the best interventions to put in place for the student. The student will be checked on to determine progress or to reevaluate the interventions.
Referrals - If I believe a student would benefit from receiving outside services for mental health I will make a recommendation for mental health counseling to parents.
6th Graders- I will be doing my best to make all 6th grade students feel welcomed and supported as they enter their new school. I will work with teachers to inform students on strategies to stay organized and ready to take on this new adventure. I will also be assisting our LCMS Leadership students with the transition presentations to current 5th graders.
8th Graders - I will be working with the high school counseling staff throughout the school year to ensure a smooth transition for students entering high school next year. In the Spring I will enter the classrooms to help students begin selecting classes for the next year. We want to make this jump feel as comfortable as possible.