guidance


Idlywild Elementary School Counseling Beverly Edwards, Ed. D./M.Ed./Ed.S. edwardbb@sbac.edu The most formative school years are during the elementary grades. Children build a foundation for lifelong learning, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. As children progress through elementary school, they move from childhood to preteen stages, changing from being self-focused to developing an awareness of others. They begin learning how to cooperate, solve problems, develop responsibility, and form friendships. The elementary school counselor is trained in understanding child development and in offering comprehensive programs to enhance success in school. Counseling services are provided through classroom guidance, small group and individual counseling. Classroom guidance is offered to all grade levels and is scheduled according to the needs of the classroom. Some students may need additional support through small group or individual counseling. Small group and individual counseling allows the student an opportunity to discuss problems, learn new skills, consider alternatives and consequences, and take responsibility for their choices. Counseling services are delivered through collaboration among students, parents, teachers, and administrators. School counselors are advocates for children. The goal is for every student to reach his or her educational, personal, and social potential. Updates from the Guidance Counselor 2006-2007 School Year Throughout the school year in classroom guidance classes, we will be learning skills to develop good character. Each month we plan to cover a different character trait. Thus far this year, we have covered respect, perseverance, tolerance and compassion. Each month, our students learn a pledge or a song that helps to remind them of the qualities that are representative of that character trait. It is amazing how well our students have memorized and demonstrated their mastery of the material that we have covered. After Christmas break, our guidance classes will focus on teaching personal safety to our students. Our guidance classes will be introduced to "Charlie Check-First". The puppet, Charlie Check-First will help the school counselor to reinforce rules to help keep our children safe. The curriculum will cover lures, safety persons/places, and code words. The counselor will also share safety points with parents so that parents can reinforce the skills that our students are learning here at school. My e-mail address is edwardbb@sbac.edu Please contact me with concerns or comments. Beverly Edwards School Counselor Classroom Guidance Topics DUSO the Dolphin Anger Management Career Awareness Conflict Management Drug and Alcohol Prevention Decision-Making Study Skills Character Development Individual and Small Group Counseling Topics Academic Development Anger Management Behavior Modification Conflict Management Divorce/Changing Family Grief Friendships CONFIDENTIALITY The privacy rights of students must be respected. However, counselors shall inform parents of information that may jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of student. Such information will be shared with parents even if the student objects to the disclosure. If parents have any concerns regarding confidentiality or any counseling services, they are encouraged to contact their child's counselor. RIGHT TO REFUSE COUNSELING SERVICES Parents have the right to refuse counseling services for their child. If parents do not want their child to access counseling services, they simply need to write a letter or stop by the school to notify the counselor of their preference. Refusing counseling services will not exclude students from meeting with a counselor for concerns about scheduling, academics, or the classroom curricular component. How Can Parents Promote Student Success? Parents play a key role in ensuring that their child or adolescent achieves school success. When parents, students and staff work together, the student will obtain their academic goals. Some of the actions that parents can take to promote school success are: * communicate with school staff to be aware of homework assignments * review your child’s homework * encourage child to be friends with positive role models * try to do something enjoyable with your child at least once a week * set clear expectations for students about homework * get acquainted with your child’s teachers * monitor where your child goes / information keeps your child out of trouble * communicate with school staff when there is a concern with the school * attend school functions such as conferences, programs and athletic events * encourage students to participate in school-related after-school activities * consistently enforce household rules * set aside a time when the whole family reads * encourage students to talk about school, social activities and their interests * teach standards of right and wrong and demonstrate these standards * provide a quiet place where your child can study * support school discipline policies * talk to your child about tobacco, drugs, alcohol, gangs and violence * monitor your child’s choices of TV programs, video games and music Community Resources: Alachua County Division of social Services, (352)264-6750 http://www.alachua.fl.us Alachua County Health Department, (352)334-7941 http://www/doh.state.fl.us/chdAlachua/ Alachua County Healthy Kids/Kid Care, (352)955-7671 hughesp@sbac.edu Big Brother Big Sisters of Mid Florida, (352)375-2525 http://www.bbbsmidflorida.org Child Advocacy Center, (352)376-9191 http://www.childadvocacycentergainesville.org Children's Medical Services, (352)334-1400 http://www.doh.,state.flus/cms/index.html Corner Drug Store, Counseling Services, (352)334-3800 http://www.cornerdrugstore.org Family Crisis Intervention Team, (352)374-5600 http://www.mbhci.org Partnership for Strong Families, (352)3993-2740 http://www.pfsf.org Have a Wonderful School Year!!!