Mrs. Gotfried's Counseling Corner
News from Findley Elementary's Counseling Department
A note from the counselor...
It's been a winter full of learning for Findley students. In counseling, we have been focusing on bullying prevention and peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. Student have been reflecting on how they can make a difference in their school and what it means to be a "Power Person". Students learned that a Power Person is someone who realizes the power within themselves to prevent bullying. They are people who don't stand by and watch when they know someone is being bullied. Instead, they take action by telling an adult, saying stop, and being a friend to the person who is being bullied. Students learned they can also be a Power Person for themselves by choosing to ignore mean comments, using positive self talk, and getting help from an adult. Look for Power People Posters around the school that the fourth graders made to share their learning!
Thank you for your support of the counseling program. Please visit my website for more information (http://emilygotfried.weebly.com/) and as always, if you have any questions, you can call or email me anytime.
Stay healthy and safe!
Sincerely,
Emily Gotfried
Guidance Lessons
Here is an overview of what students have been learning by grade level:
Kindergarten: Kindergarteners have been learning all about Kelso's Choices. They are learning that they can solve conflicts peacefully and all by themselves using Kelso's Choices. Ask your child to share a strategy with you! See Kelso's Wheel Below!
First Grade: First graders are learning that they have the power within themselves to solve problems by trying different strategies if one strategy does not work. They are becoming experts on using Kelso's choices to solve small problems. When one Kelso's choice doesn't work, they can try another one before getting help from an adult. They also know the difference between a big problem and a small problem, and know that if there is a big problem, they can get help from an adult. See Kelso's Wheel Below!
Second Grade: Second graders learned how to use an "I message" when they are choosing to solve the problem by "talking it out". An "I message" allows students to say how they feel, what's bugging them, and what they'd like to see happen differently to solve the problem. Practice using "I messages" at home for respectful communication!
Example: "I feel sad when you call me names, I'd like you to stop calling me names please so we can get along".
Third Grade: Third graders continued practicing "I messages" and also learned that being a communicator also means being a good listener. Third graders wrote "I messages" then practiced saying them to a partner. They then had to listen and write a response to the "I message" they heard and respond back to their partner. Students learned that it's important to listen when you receive an "I message" and that reflecting on our behavior allows us to make positive changes.
Fourth Grade: Fourth graders heard the story "Weird" about a girl who learns how to be a Power Person by standing up for herself and choosing to be around people who treat her with kindness and respect. Students continued working on their Power Person Posters, showing their learning about what it means to be a Power Person. Students reflected on how they can be kind and stand up for others, as well as stand up for themselves.
Fifth Grade: Fifth graders learned about how kindness makes a huge impact in people's lives. They were able to reflect and talk about how being kind to others is the ultimate action to prevent bullying at our school. Students watched a short video clip from George Sanders, who told the story of the time he didn't take action to be kind to someone when he was in grade school--and how he still thinks abut it and regrets it many years later. Students listened to the story "Each Kindness" and made connections between the video and the story about how the actions we take every day are important in creating a safe, welcoming environment for all.
Lunch Bunch!
Mission and Vision of the Counseling Program:
Mission:
The mission of Findley Elementary School’s counseling program is to support the academic, personal/social, and career development of all students. Building on the strengths and diversity of our students and in collaboration with families, staff, and the community; the counseling program will use data-driven best practices to ensure that students acquire the skills necessary to become confident, caring, creative, life-long learners.
Vision:
As a result of the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program, students of Findley Elementary will:
· Engage in caring and kind interactions with their peers, using problem solving skills to manage conflicts
· Engage in respectful interactions with adults using appropriate communication skills
· Gain awareness of college and career opportunities
· Value diversity through diversity awareness and acceptance education
· Feel connected to their school through positive teacher, staff, peer, and community interactions
Counseling services are based on the American School Counselor Association guidelines and the Oregon's Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Framework and are designed to be preventative in nature.