Bio:

Counselor

My name is Ellen Gann, and it is both an honor and a privilege to be your child's school counselor! I have been a school counselor for 19 years, including 13 years at the elementary level. My family and I have lived in Cleveland for over 21 years. I look forward to getting to know you and to working with you and your children. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached at 706-865-5000 ext. 5104 or by email at: ellen.gann@white.k12.ga.us.

Mission Statement of the Counseling Program

The mission of the Mossy Creek Elementary School counseling program is to ensure the academic, social/personal development, and career success of each student. By providing resources and support, each student will be given the chance to flourish academically in the classroom and also, socially in their future endeavors. The counselor will advocate for the students in every way possible as a means of maximizing their level of achievement in these areas.

In order to implement this mission successfully, we follow the developmental model of guidance and counseling:

• The basis of a developmental guidance program is that the social and emotional development of children is a process of growth that changes all the time.

• The program is available to all students.

• It believes that all students have a capacity to learn and to be supported academically.

• It believes that children who are aware of themselves and their needs will make responsible choices for themselves.

• It believes that every child is unique and special!

As the school counselor, I will work within the school to provide:

• Classroom guidance lessons on a variety of topics such as getting along with others, making choices, safety, following school rules, study skills, career education, and much more.

• Individual counseling with students if the concern is very private. Students requiring more in-depth assistance are encouraged to find an outside agency for a more therapeutic approach.

• Group counseling with small groups of children with similar concerns such as self-concept, anger management, peer relations, etc.

• Assistance to parents and teachers when students are having academic, behavioral, emotional, or social difficulties.

• Referrals to school and community agencies.

• Parenting resources available for check-out in the Parent Resource Center in the MCES media center.

• Backpack Buddies Program

Guidance and counseling newsletters are sent home regularly. We encourage you to share family concerns that might be affecting your child at school. Please contact me at 706-865-5000 ext 5104 or via email at: ellen.gann@white.k12.ga.us if you have any questions or concerns.

Coronavirus Help:

Parenting articles:

How to Help Kids Cope with Disappointment (PBS Kids for Parents): https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-help-kids-cope-with-disappointment

Handling your Kids’ Disappointment When Everything is Cancelled: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/parenting/coronavirus-kids-events-cancelled.html

Books to help children cope with disappointment and to foster resiliency:

• Night time books with Dolly Parton (Miss Dolly reads some comforting and old favorites such as The Little Engine Who Could, Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon, and The Coat of Many Colors https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a32018011/how-to-watch-goodnight-with-dolly-parton/

• Ick’s Bleh Day ( in MCES eBooks collection, and on EPIC and AR!)

• After the Fall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUKt1a6I3yw&t=27s

• Sticks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-ojwfPCwnE

Resources to help families:

https://www.white.k12.ga.us/parent-resources : Links to White County Parent Resources to help with: Counseling Requests, Meal Distribution, Family Assistance Links, Instructional Continuity Plans, 15 Days to Slow the Spread

https://mailchi.mp/fae98126354f/resource-newsletter-520235: Family Connections Resources Newsletter: Food, Financial, Employment, Mental Health resources and much more.

Coronavirus Resources : This is an excellent document that lists how to talk with children about Coronavirus, tips on working and schooling at home during the crisis, and links to tools to help us with virtual learning-- math help, virtual field trips, etc.

White County Nutrition Department Food Distribution Sites (M-F):

• Click on the School Nutrition link, and you can see the breakfast and lunch pick up sites and times. www.white.k12.ga.us/departments/school-nutrition

Additional Food Distribution Information:

• Mount Yonah Baptist Church food distribution is held the first Saturday of each month at 8:30AM sharp. Open to White Co. The church is located off Highway 75 North on Asbestos Road, about one mile past White County Park YMCA For more information call the church at 706-865-5044

• Cleveland 7^th Day Adventist Church Life Changing Ministries Food Distribution is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 2:30PM Volunteers welcome to help sort food at 2PM. Located East Kytle Street in Cleveland across from TMC in the building behind the Chevron Station

• Helen First Baptist “Bread of Life Food Ministry” is held every 3rd Saturday, This is a FREE food distribution program for area residents. Registration for the food will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the church located at 53 Edelweiss Strasse in Helen (between the Jamison Inn and Econo Lodge). Call 706 / 878 – 2089 for more information.

• Shoal Creek Baptist Church 3^rd Saturday of each month at 12 Noon for Shoal Creek community residents. Located off 115 West 6 miles from Cleveland

• White County Food Pantry provides food to families in White County. The pantry is open Tuesday and Thursday 10AM to 12 noon. Hwy. 115 East to red light at Leaf Grocery, Turn right on Duncan Bridge, turn right at Macedonia Methodist Church and pantry is on property of Pioneer RESA. Volunteers and donations always welcome. 706-348-6225

Community Helping Hands Clinic provides access to quality healthcare for residents of White County who otherwise would not have access. For more information about the program, make a donation or volunteer, check out their website. http://www.caringhandsclinic.org/ 706-865-1223

Helpful Websites for Parents:

www.choa.org - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta site providing health and nutrition information for parents.

www.commonsensemedia.org - Provides trustworthy information including reviews and ratings for family movies, TV shows, games, apps, and more so that parents can make informed decisions.

www.connectwithkids.com - Supports students, educators, and parents by providing multimedia programs and services on student behavior and achievement.

www.gacollege411.org - Provides useful tools to help your child navigate their way to college. Includes career, high school, college, and financial aid planning. Includes a useful video tour of the website.

www.greatschools.org- Site includes parenting and advice articles grouped by grade level of your child. Topics range from homework help to parenting dilemmas.

www.kidshealth.org - Physician-reviewed information and advice on child and teen health and parenting issues.

www.netsmartz.org - On-line safety tools for parents, kids, and educators.

www.trustyguides.com/study-skills - Helpful study skills advice for students.

www.wondergrovekids.com - This site contains videos that teach social skills and life skills using engaging animated characters to model appropriate behavior for children.