Guidance News

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Our school counseling program is preventative and geared towards all students.  I visit classrooms every other week and the activities we do revolve around the monthly guidance themes.  Guidance themes are as follows:

September- Cooperation
October- Managing Conflict
November- Solving Problems
December- Solving Problems
January- Setting Goals
February- Growth and Wellness
March- Connecting Family, School, Work, and Community
April- Making Decisions
May- Understanding Diversity

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Friendship groups are beginning in grades 1-5. 

How does a student become involved in a friendship group?  Students can ask to participate, be referred by a teacher or a parent.

If my child was invited to participate in a friendship group, does that indicate he/she is having a problem?  Absolutely not!  Students of all skill levels are invited to take part in friendship groups.

My child said that what happens in group is secret, is that true?  Not at all.  We do have a confidentiality rule in group which means that a student is not to share what someone else has said during group time.   All students are encouraged to share friendship group activities with their parents.

Will my child be taking part in a friendship group without my knowledge?  No,  although the guidance counselor's services are for all students, she likes to get a parent's permission for friendship groups.

Can my child be in a friendship group more than once?  Of course!

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The guidance theme for the month of February is Integrating Growth, Development, and Wellness.  The rationale behind this theme is as follows:
Students need  to understand how their personal strengths and capabilities relate to their achievements.  In addition, students need to understand personal, physical, mental, emotional, and social growth in order to develop a positive self-concept that is accepting of change in both self and others.

Guidance activities will cover a broad spectrum of issues from study and listening skills to identifying strengths in self and others.  Students will understand how they can utilize work, rest, exercise, play and nutrition to promote their well-being and self-concept.

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_{February 5-9 is National School Counselor's Week!!}

_{Thank you to all who recognized me in some way.}  

_{Your thoughts were very much appreciated!}