Counselor Corner
Indian Hills Elementary
A Message from Mrs. Akin
We are in the swing of things although this school year will be like no other year we have experienced. We all know that there are many things that are different than they have been in the past but many things still remain the same. As the school counselor, my goal is to promote a safe, caring and supportive learning environment in which every student is provided equal access to programming and services in order to be engaged in successful, lifelong learning focused on social-emotional, academic and career goals through the utilization of data-driven decision making and evidenced-based program and practices.
Allow me to introduce myself as your school counselor, Mrs. Akin! I have many awesome things in store for Indian Hills Elementary this year and I want to make sure you stay connected. The goal of this newsletter is to offer an additional mode of sharing information. You will now be able to access the Counselor's Corner from any mobile device from anywhere. The newsletter will continue to be published every month. My contact information is below; feel free to reach out anytime. Even though times are uncertain, my commitment remains the same to our students.
Counseling Activities at a Glance
Counseling Services Available
Core Curriculum Lessons
- This year I will be in classrooms on Tuesday and Thursday
- Topics are different for each grade level. Topics this year will include, building community, gratitude, managing strong emotions, kindness, goal setting, coping skills, self-esteem, college/career, and personal safety.
- This topics are subject to change as needed to best meet the needs of the students
Small Group Counseling
- Small groups will meet for 30 minutes approximately 6 sessions starting this month
- Small group counseling is for students who need a little extra support in a certain area
- Some topics may include self-esteem, friendship, academic success, and more!
Individual Counseling
- Teachers or parents can refer students for short term counseling to work through problems affecting them at home or school.
- Minute Meetings with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th grade have been completed. 5th grade will be completed this week. This is an opportunity for me to introduce myself to all students and get to know each student
- Core Curriculum Lessons have started with Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd grade have been completed. This month's focus has been building community among the school, classroom and students.
- Mindful Mondays- is a 5-10 minute mini-lesson first thing on Monday morning to help students focus, center and prepare for the week ahead. By teaching mindfulness, my goal is to enable students to react differently to stressors, helping their brains make wise choices about their words and actions.
School Counseling Advisory Council
- To make recommendations regarding student and community needs
- To make recommendations regarding the counseling programs response to those needs
- Advocate for and support the total school counseling program
Our first meeting was held using Google Meet on September 29. Thank you the following individuals who have agreed to serve on the advisory council:
- Danielle Robinson
- Chief Clayton Sumner
- Jamie Koehler
- Audrey Milligan
- Tonya Oakley
- Cassie Dougherty
- Christopher Bentzel
- Sheryl Ellis
- Dr. Damien Sweeney
Social and Emotional Learning: Strategies for Parents
Parents, are you wondering what all the talk is about SEL and social-emotional skills? Chances are you’re already doing a lot to support your child with these skills, so keep reading to make additional connections about what it is, why it’s important, and what resources you can turn to if you’re interested in doing more.
https://www.edutopia.org/social-emotional-learning-parent-resources
Important Dates to Remember
- October 13- School Pictures
- October 16- 1st 9 Weeks Ends
- October 22- 1st 9 Weeks Report Cards Sent Home with Students
Counselor Information
Email: sarah.akin@christian.kyschools.us
Website: http://indianhills.christian.kyschools.us/
Location: 313 Blane Drive, Hopkinsville, KY, USA
Phone: 270-887-7230