Referral Process
1. Can I, as a parent, refer my student to see you?
Yes. You can either call me or send an e-mail, and I will schedule a time to meet with your child.
2. Can students refer themselves?
Yes. Referral forms are available on the wall across from the computer lab. Also, all 2nd through 5th grade students were given a form at the beginning of the year.
3. Can teachers refer students?
Yes. If a teacher hears about something going on in a child’s life, or just sees changes in the child, they will suggest that I speak to them.
4. Are parents contacted when you meet with a student?
Yes and No. This really depends on the situation. If I feel that it is serious and the parents need to be informed, then I will let the student know that I will need to call their parents to talk to them. Many times the parents or teachers are already aware of the situation.
Individual Meetings
1. What do you talk about?
During our sessions, we can talk about anything that the student needs to discuss that is going on at school or at home. Many times, just having a quiet space where they can bring up a concern can help the problem.
2. How often do you see students?
If a student wants or needs to meet on a regular basis, I start out with every other week for 30 minutes. Each time we meet we re-evaluate and decide if the student needs or wants to meet again, and when that should be. The number of times I meet with a student changes depending on the situation.
3. How do students know when their meeting is?
When I meet with students, we will schedule their next meeting time before they leave. I will give them a piece of paper to help them remember. I will also put a note in the teacher’s mailbox a few days before their meeting. If the student does not show up at their scheduled time, or if they are in K or 1st grade, I will go to their classroom to pick them up.
4. How long does it take for you to meet with a student once it has been requested?
This really depends on what else is going on. I try to meet with the student the same week, preferably the next day. I do sometimes have situations come up that need to be dealt with immediately, and that could potentially delay the time when I could meet with your child.
Small Groups
1. How do you get students for small groups?
This year students are referred by parents. Small group permission forms will go home to every student in the school in the Wednesday folders. There will be two topic specific small groups this year: Divorce (Fall Break-Winter Break) and Social Skills/Friendship Skills (Winter Break-Spring Break).
2. How do you decide who will be in the group?
If the parent returns the form, then the student will be placed in the group. No new members are added after the second group meeting. Students may be removed from group if they are not following the rules decided on by the group.
3. Are the groups separated by age? Gender?
The groups are separated by grade level. If there are enough students, I will also separate them by gender.
4. How do I know what is being talked about in group?
I will update the Group page to reflect the activities that go on each week.
Classroom Guidance
1. What do you teach?
I follow the Tennessee Standards for Comprehensive School Counseling, but I also incorporate what is currently going on in the county and school. This year I have focused on the 8 Keys of Excellence, which goes along with Quantum Learning. I also try to teach lessons that address issues that are happening in certain grades or classes.
Other
1. What is the best way to contact you?
E-mail is the best way to get in touch with me. I am in and out of my office during the day. If you need to call to discuss a situation in more detail, please call the front office and leave a message.
2. How long will it take for my phone call to be returned?
I try to return phone calls the same day if possible. If this is not possible, I will return the call the following day.
3. Can I set up a time to meet with you?
Absolutely. Feel free to call and e-mail, and we can find a time that works for both of us.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions!
