It's amazing what children learn from the time they begin Kindergarten to the time they complete their 5th grade year. They go from Learning to Read to Reading to Learn in a very short amount of time...to me, it is truly mind-boggling!! It is my genuine privilege to have the opportunity to be able to watch this growth and development from a "front row seat" in the role of their Elementary School Counselor. Here are just a few services and events that I am lucky enough to carry out and/or be a part of at the Elementary level:
Classroom Guidance
At the Elementary level, I have the pleasure of working directly with every child who attends our school.....this is done through my regularly scheduled Classroom Guidance classes. I visit each classroom approximately once every 3 to 4 weeks and get to see the classes up to eight times a year (I schedule around long holidays and the ILEARN testing window). Topics include, but are not limited to: Conflict Resolution, Anger Management, Effective Communication, Demonstrating Respect for Self and Others, Personal Responsibility, and Stopping Bullying behaviors.
Individual and Small Group Counseling
Counseling is conducted with students individually or in a small group when requested and determined appropriate. It is short-term, voluntary, and confidential (though, before any discussion begins, students are told that if anyone's health, safety, or general well-being is in danger, I must inform adults who can help). Parental verbal or written permission is obtained prior to any extended counseling sessions. A student can be seen on a counseling basis when:
*parents requests and indicates a need for their child
*a student requests counseling
*teachers, administrators, or other school staff refer a student
Counseling provided at the school is not clinical or in the realm of "therapy", but can offer support to a child or children and give them the opportuntiy to express their feelings/concerns in a private, confidential setting.
Response to Instruction (RTI)
RTI is available to any student who exhibits a need for extra academic or behavioral support and who is referred by their classroom teacher. I am on the "team" that consists of our Principal, School Psychologist, RTI instructor, Title One Instructor, and Classroom Teacher that meets on a weekly basis to discuss the needs, most appropriate interventions, and progress of the children referred. I am sometimes one of the "interventions" when the concern is regarding a child's behavior. I help set up behavior plans with the teacher, administrator, and parents.
Transitional events
Kindergarten Round-up is offered in April and we invite all children who are eligible to enter Kindergarten the following school year and their parents to attend. This is a wonderful event in which children get the opportunity to participate in a series of activites such as a few "readiness screenings", a school tour, and a bus ride!! You can contact the Elementary office at (219) 996-4771, ext. 103, if you have any questions or would like to sign up for our next "round-up"!
5th Grade Orientation to the Middle School: In May, during a school day, Mr. Beahm (the Middle School Principal) and Mrs. Hunzelman (Me!) meet with each 5th grade classroom in the Middle School library.
We begin with the whole group to discuss relevant information pertaining to the Middle School; we then divide that homeroom class into two smaller groups and each of us takes a group on a tour of the building.
5th grade students and their parents are also invited to attend an evening Orientation to the Middle School. This event that takes place in the Spring before they enter 6th grade...anyone interested in attending this event can keep watch for the announcements that will be posted in the school flyers and website that include details such as the date, start time, and location.
Recess Rescuers
Our 8th grade Recess Rescuers spend two recesses a week with students K-4 to help as many student as possible have an opportunity to participate and be included. Our recess rescuer motto is, "No One Plays Alone".