THE COUNSELOR'S CORNER

MOOERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Debbie LaBarge, School Counselor

email:  dlabarge@nccscougar.org

(518) 236-7373

MISSION

Mooers Elementary School's Counseling Department is dedicated to providing counseling services to all students to assist in the development of skills necessary to be academically, socially, emotionally, and personally successful.

GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

We offer individual counseling to students who are experiencing difficulties that interfere with their learning.  Students meet with a counselor once a week for 30 minutes.

We also offer group counseling because we believe that students can create their own solutions with understanding and support from their peers and counselor.  These groups usually meet once a week during lunch or recess.  Through a series of games and other carefully researched activities, children share their feelings and experiences with one another.  Students are taught skills that enable them to cope with their concerns and  challenges.  Students can only participate with parental permission.  The groups will be organized according to the needs of the students, parents, and teachers.  Feel free to contact me if you feel your child could benefit from participating in counseling.

DEVELOPMENTAL CLASSROOM LESSONS

Another component of Mooers Elementary School's comprehensive school counseling program is developmental classroom lessons.  Many topics are covered through these lessons including but not limited to:   Character Education, Friendship, Manners, Tolerance, Cooperation, Anti-Bullying, Self-Awareness, Career Exploration and Diversity.  Each classroom receives five weeks of classroom guidance and more lessons may be conducted based upon the needs of the classroom teacher.

ELEMENTARY BUILDING-WIDE PROGRAMS

 S.T.P. (Stop, Think, and Proceed) - teaches children impulse control and problem-solving skills.  All school personnel are encouraged to participate in encouraging students to practice STP when everyday problems arise.

Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Program (Character Education) - School personnel give gold slips to students in order to encourage and reward students for making appropriate choices and for performing good deeds.  Gold slip drawings are held during our SPIRIT  monthly assemblies.  In addition, we recognize students for good behavior on the bus and in the cafeteria.

Word of the Month (Character Education) - School Counselor focuses on Word of the Month in the classroom setting and encourages students and school personnel to be active in modeling appropriate Word of the Month behaviors and deeds.

Student Citizen of the Month (Character Education) - Students are nominated by classroom teachers for the following:  attitude/behavior, service to school, outside activities, academic achievement, maximizing his/her potential, and citizenship/peer relationships.  The student of the month receives a certificate and their picture is posted on the school bulletin board during the month.

Safe School Ambassadors Program (Character Education) - This program consists of a group of committed and trained 4th and 5th grade students who are leaders, display tolerance, model respect and help keep our school safe by reducing bullying behaviors. 

Career Day (4th & 5th grade students) - Students gain knowledge of a wide array of career options through presentations and interaction with various professionals in the community.

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) is an organization supporting individuals with ADHD.  They provide resources, support and encouragement to parents, educators and professionals working with persons with ADHD. http://www.chadd.org

Angries Out is a site that helps people find alternatives to violence and conflict.  Provides resources for parents coping with a child with anger struggles.  http://www.AngriesOut.com

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools is a resource center for strengthening the well-being of children and youth.  http://www.healthinschools.org/home.asp

Kids Health - Dealing with Feelings is a site to help children learn about and cope with various feelings.  http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/

This site offers study tips and organization tips to improve students' grades.  http://www.how-to-study.com/