The Counselor's Corner
October Counseling Newsletter
Meet the Counselor
My name is Amanda Schmid, and I am the new school counselor at Olmsted Falls Intermediate School! I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from John Carroll University in 2009. Post graduation, I joined Teach For America and taught pre-kindergarten in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for three years. While teaching, I received a Master of Education in School Counseling. I am a member of the Ohio School Counselor Association, American School Counselor Association, and I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I was an elementary school counselor for six years before coming to Olmsted Falls. I am beyond excited to be working in Olmsted Falls City Schools!
A few things about me...
- I LOVE traveling!
- I run long-distance races, and coached Olmsted Falls Middle School Cross-Country this fall.
- I love to garden, and Cacti are my favorite plants - you'll see them all over my office decor.
- I love coffee, too!
I look forward to getting to know everyone this year!
What does a School Counselor do?
- Works with ALL students
- Helps students develop socially, emotionally, and academically
- Connects with students through individual counseling, small group counseling, and classroom guidance lessons
- Promotes individual differences among students
- Works in collaboration and consultation with parents, teachers, and administrators
- Provides families with support and assistance as needed
- Students and parents are ensured confidentiality. That is, all conversations will stay between the student and the school counselor. Exceptions to this confidentiality include: a student is in danger of harming himself/herself, a student is in danger of harming someone else, a student reports abuse or neglect, or when a judge orders disclosure of information.
Guidance Lessons
All teachers and students completed a survey during my first classroom visit in September to guide the school counseling program in order to meet their needs. All students will have a counseling lesson in their homeroom each month. Topics will include internet safety, self-regulation, conflict resolution, test prep, and more!
Group Counseling
Our school counseling program is responsive to individual student needs as they arise. With parent, teacher, and student input, small groups are formed throughout the year. These groups are approximately 8 to 12 sessions and each session lasts about 30 minutes. Some small groups that will be offered this year are building social skills, managing uncomfortable feelings (anger, sadness, anxiety), self-regulation, building focus and self control, transition to a changing family, and boosting self esteem and confidence.
Individual Support
Teachers and parents can refer students for individual counseling. Students might see me for individual counseling to work on decision-making, anger management, family changes, friendship skills, or another concern. You can email me, call me, or stop by my office if you would like to refer a student for individual counseling. Additionally, there is an online counseling referral form on the OFIS website located under the Counselor's Corner tab. Students can self-refer by writing me a note in the office. I do not provide long term therapy for students, but I would be more than happy to give you a list of counseling centers in the area.
October Counseling Lesson
Your Digital Footprint
Students imagined what their digital footprint may look like 10-15 years from today. They included images, symbols, and words to create their digital footprint. Some topics included goals they would like to achieve, their future job, going to college, traveling the word, volunteering, and other hobbies and activities they would share online to POSITIVELY promote themselves and others.
Home Connection
There are many benefits of technology devices such as computers and cell phones. However, while technology offers many benefits, there can be many dangers.
As described above, the 4th and 5th graders have been discussing internet safety at school. Some topics included: apps, copyright, privacy settings, cyber-bullying, and connecting with others on the internet.
Parents must be aware of what their children are doing online to protect them from internet predators and cyber-bullies. One survey found that nearly half of parents never look at their teen’s social networking sites and a third have never seen it. In addition, 71% of parents stop supervising after 14 years old. The purpose of this lesson is to educate and protect our children from the dangers of technology. Please support our efforts by talking about this topic at home.
If your child has a phone, access to the internet, and/or apps, I highly recommend the following resources:
“The Boogeyman Exists And He’s In Your Child’s Back Pocket” (Second Edition)
Websites: Smart Social, CommonSenseMedia
Want to Connect?
School Counselor
Olmsted Falls Intermediate School
Email: aschmid@ofcs.net
Website: https://www.ofcs.net/3/Department/80
Location: Olmsted Falls Intermediate School, Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls, OH, USA
Phone: 440-427-6520