"CHILDREN DON'T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE!"
Mrs.Washington. School Counselor
Hi! My name is Mrs. Washington. I am the school counselor at Francis Patton Primary School. I am here as an advocate for your child. I am also here to help you in any way possible. My job is to help students feel good about themselves, deal with their environment in positive ways, and have a good school experience.
As the School Counselor I am required respond to the needs of the children by providing them with comprehensive and developmental school counseling programs. Primary school is a time when students develop attitudes concerning school, self, peers, social groups, and family. It is also a time when students develop decision-making skills, and character values. Our counseling program is based on prevention, providing goals which are integrated into all aspects of children lives. Early identification and intervention of children issues are essential to change some of the current statistics regarding self-destructive behaviors.
Who is the School Counselor?
The school guidance counselor is someone who wantsyour child to get the most out of school and life! As the school counsellor, I am specially trained to help your child:
* Find solutions to problems.
* Meet the challenges of growing up and developing socially.
*Better understand andappreciate who yourchild is.
What can my child talk tothe school counselor about?
You child can talk about anything that bothers them. Students have been made aware that they can talk to the counselor when they are sad, mad, scared, or even happy. Your school counselor can help your child with:-
*Personal Problems-which can affect your child's attitude and performance at school.
*Social Issues-such as how to deal with their peers.
*Academics-finding ways to improve study or listening skills.
*Plan for your child's future-because their future begins TODAY!!!
Counseling Services Provided at Francis Patton Primary School
Individual Counseling: A personal and private interaction between a counselor and a student in which they work together on a problem or topic of interest. I will help students develop more positive attitudes and obtain skills to better succeed in school. I will work with children on problem solving skills, coping with expected and unexpected circumstances, managing feelings, gaining confidence, and getting along with others. Individual counseling referrals can be initiated by the student, a staff member, or by parents.
Small Group Counseling: Involves a counselor working with two or more students together. Areas for small group include: grief, family, friends, anger, and study skills. When a group of students have similar concerns, they may meet weekly for help from the counselor. Some of the topics may be self-esteem, group behavior, conflict management, study skills, changing families, stress management, peer pressure, and relationships. Referrals for small group counseling can be initiated by students, staff, or by parents. Contact is made with parents of these students to ensure a cooperative effort.
Large Group Counseling: Offer the best opportunity to provide guidance to the largest number of students in a school.
Problem Solving Team (PST): A team that discusses academic and/or behavior issues that are a concern to a teacher or parent. The team discusses interventionservicesto increase the ability for success for the student in the classroom.
PARENT CONFERENCES: Parents may reach me by phone or set up an appointment to discuss concerns you may have regarding your child. I am at Francis Patton every day except Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. I also encourage you to set up a time during parent/teacher conferences if you have any concerns.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any time on (441) 293-8778. If I am unable to answer your call please leave a message. I check my messages frequently and the voicemail is confidential.