Meet Our New Counselor
August 26, 2020
Please welcome Mrs. Kindra Johnston to the staff of St. Joseph Catholic School!
Welcome, Mrs. Johnston.
We are happy to have you on board! Please read her letter to you below.
Dear Families,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Kindra Johnston and I am the School Counselor for 3 Diocesan schools: St. Rita Catholic School, Cassata High School, and St. Joseph Catholic School. I completed my Master’s degree in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Heath this past spring at Creighton University. I began my career in the Diocese at St. Rita Catholic School as a middle school teacher. I am excited to begin my 8th year in this new role for the Diocese. I have 2 sons that attended Nolan Catholic High School, my youngest graduated this past May. In my spare time I enjoy working out at the gym, reading, cooking, and spending time with my family.
My involvement with the students will takes place in several ways. One function of a school counselor is to implement whole-school programs, such as, conflict resolution, character education, mindfulness, and career education. These lessons will generally take place with the entire class.
Another function of the counselor is to facilitate student groups. Groups usually consist of 3-7 students that meet with the counselor weekly. Each group is focused on one topic, such as, grief, social skills, friendship or coping with family changes. Focus groups will be developed according to the needs of the students on each campus. I will evaluate the needs on each campus and if needed Groups will be conducted on Zoom until further notice.
All students have the opportunity to meet with me, as needed. Students are instructed to communicate with teachers, and I will schedule with their teacher to meet with them during their non-instructional time. In addition, I also meet individually with students whom would benefit from weekly/ bi-weekly counseling. Parental consent is required for weekly/bi-weekly meetings, whether in person or through Zoom. Forms will be sent home when weekly/bi-weekly meetings are requested. I will also provide academic support for students .
As we begin this unique school year, please know that I am here for all of our families and students, whether in-person on campus or distant learning at home. Please feel free to contact me at Kjohnston@stjosephtx.org or please contact the front office. You may also reach out to your homeroom teacher, and he/she will connect me to you.