Camey Counselor's Corner
Brenda Schwartz- Counselor PreK-5
Special Back-to-School Edition!
Meet Mrs. Schwartz
This is my second year at Camey Elementary after spending the last ten years at other LISD schools, ranging from elementary to high school. I love kids of all ages and really enjoy talking with them and helping them to find successful resolutions to stressful situations as well as helping to build great skills for coping, learning and flourishing. I have four children of my own, ranging from age 12 to 19, so I am very familiar with many of the tribulations that kids face in the school setting as well as at home and in relationships with peers. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Biology and Spanish from University of North Texas as well as a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. I enjoy being outdoors, fresh air and sunshine but most of all I enjoy being with those I love and being grateful for every moment of life.
I welcome your questions at any time!
Why A Newsletter?
When Does My Child Need the Counselor?
Should I be alarmed if my child says, “I saw Mrs. Schwartz today"?
There is no need to worry. I spend a significant amount of time working with students in their classrooms, cafeteria, hallway and throughout the school setting. During scheduled counseling lessons I partner with teachers to make the school a great place for your child to learn. But sometimes kids like to see the counselor for "little" things. If a student has a problem they need help solving, has a conflict with another student or wants to share a special accomplishment they might ask to see me. However, I always encourage students to go home and share with parents when and why we met. If there is an ongoing issue or major concern, I always call or e-mail parents.
Who refers students to the school counselor?
Parents often ask “Who refers a child to the school counselor?” Sometimes kids self-refer by asking their teacher or completing a form, coming to see me directly or asking their patent or teacher to call or e-mail. Sometimes parents call the office or teachers to let them know of a concern or just that a student needs time to talk.
Here are some reasons a student might talk with the school counselor:
"I'm getting picked on on the bus and I don't know what to do."
"My best friend isn't talking to me and it's making me really sad."
"I want to show you what I just made in art. I'm very proud of it."
"I'm new to this school and I'm really nervous!"
"When am I going be in a Friendship Group or have lunch with you?
"I am having trouble concentrating at school."
"My classmate and I had a big problem at recess. Can you help us work it out?"
Here are some reasons a parent might refer to the counselor:
"Emma doesn't want to go to school in the mornings."
"I'm concerned because my child keeps telling me that he doesn't have any friends."
"We recently had a death in the family, and I'm not sure how to help my child."
"We’re going through a divorce and think our kids need someone to talk to about it.”
"Jose seems to get really frustrated doing his homework and nothing seems to help."
Here are some reasons a teacher or principal might refer to the school counselor:
"I need some ideas to help Lily develop relationships with peers in our classroom."
"Jeff has difficulty focusing on lessons in the classroom."
"Michelle is absent a lot."
"Maria is new to this school and needs some special attention."
"I've noticed that Josh seems anxious lately."
"Lindsey is very shy and doesn't seem comfortable asking others to play. Can she be in a Friendship Group?"
What We Are Talking About This Month...
We will begin learning about mindfulness, kindness and treating ourselves and others with respect. Use the link below to try it for yourself!
Brenda Schwartz- Counselor
Email: schwartzbm@lisd.net
Location: 4949 Arbor Glen Road, The Colony, TX, USA
Phone: 972-350-5247
Twitter: @lisdcounselors1