Counselor's Corner
#WLMSImpact
October 2019
The West Lake Middle School Counselors
From L to R:
Jill Knoeller, 6th Grade Counselor
Regina Watson, 8th Grade Counselor
Jennifer Vandenbrook, 7th Grade Counselor
Start with Hello Week
Start with Hello is a program from Sandy Hook Promise that teaches students how to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other. We were proud to coordinate wonderful activities for our campus. This is us. We Start with Hello!
The fun events from the week!
During all lunches on Tuesday, 9/24, students wrote positive affirmations onto "feathers" which were then placed onto a large display in our hallway as a reminder to all!
Writing Positive Statements
Greeting Students at the Bus Ramp
Greeting Students at the Front Entrance
October Minute Meetings
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
What are Minute Meetings?
- The opportunity for the counselor to make meaningful, individual connections with each student on her grade level.
- The meetings are an easy, school-wide screening tool to help address student needs as they pertain to our counseling domains of: Academic/Career and Personal/Social.
- Helping to assist students in planning for life beyond high school, to become college and career ready.
- Through this tool, the counselors also give the students the opportunity to express celebrations, concerns and needs.
Mentor and Me Time
Comprehensive Counseling Program
What is a comprehensive counseling program?
- Guidance - Classroom lessons through Advisory periods
- Responsive Services - Individual and small group counseling support
- Individual Planning - 504, course selection process, behavior plans, goal setting, etc...
- System Support - Support to WLMS staff and Parents: SMORE newsletters, website information, Counselor Chats, Trainings for Staff, Mentoring Program for Students, Open House, Community Outreach, School Counseling Advisory Council, and much MORE!
Advisory Lessons
Each nine weeks we are focusing on a different Great 8 Skill:
- Optimistic Thinking - Growth Mindset
- Self-Management
- Relationship Skills
- Goal Directed Behavior
Optimistic Thinking
Red Ribbon Week
October 28th - November 1st
Video for Parents
How Parents Can Help
Here are some parenting tips from the American Heart Association:
As a parent, you’re a powerful influence — even if your teenager seems to disagree with everything you say. Here are some of the most effective ways you can steer your kids away from tobacco:
- Maintain a dialogue. Start early — begin talking with your kids about smoking and vaping in kindergarten. Be honest and open to seeing things from your child’s point of view. And don’t stop. Keep the conversation going as kids get older.
- Think more than cigarettes. Explain that smokeless tobacco, hookah and e-cigarettes all have dangers, including nicotine addiction.
- Prepare your kids for peer pressure. Discuss what they might say if a friend offers a cigarette or e-cigarette.
- Establish a smoke-free home. Don’t allow family members or friends to smoke in your home or car. Make sure the places your child spends a lot of time are tobacco-free.
If your child has started smoking or vaping, try to learn why. This may help you talk with him or her more effectively. Instead of punishment, offer understanding and help to resist the dangerous lure of tobacco use and addiction.
Sources:
Youth And Tobacco Use, CDC website, updated June 2018 https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/youth_data/tobacco_use/index.htm
E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults, A Report of the Surgeon General, 2016 https://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/2016ecigarettes/index.html
Parenting Corner
Book Recommendations
Taming the Defiant Child
Referrals to See the Counselor
All students have access to the counselor through whole group guidance. In addition to guidance lessons, some students visit with the counselor in small group counseling sessions. Individual students may self-refer to the counselor using individual counselor passes. Click on the buttons below to link to the confidential counselor referral form for your grade level.
You may also click on the main counselor webpage and navigate to your grade level counselor's individual page.
Our Contact Information
Website: https://www.humbleisd.net/Domain/10669
Location: 11810 Madera Run Parkway, Atascocita, TX, USA
Phone: 281-641-5800