MV Elementary Counseling
September 2022
Maple Valley School Counselor
My name is Julie Kaspari, and I serve as the School Counselor for all grade levels at Maple Valley School. I live on a farm near Sheldon ND, have 3 grown children and am knee-deep in grand-parenting. I am beginning my 7th year at Maple Valley, and very much enjoy the school and community culture here.
What is the role of an elementary counselor?
School counselors develop and deliver a comprehensive counseling program to include the areas of social/emotional learning, academic success, and college and career readiness. We provide support to students experiencing difficulty during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations which disrupt student success. School counselors do not provide long-term therapy counseling in schools, but are able to make referrals when needed. The linked file at the right provides more information about the role of a school counselor.
Positive Discipline - is there such a thing?
Who doesn't want a well-disciplined child?
The word 'discipline' can sometimes make us think negatively - but really, who doesn't want a child that is confident in knowing how to act in various situations without losing control? I would argue most of us! But, let's face it, that takes some planning and work - even when we are tired at the end of the day.
Communication and consistency are key. Laying out the boundaries and standing firm (not losing control!) in maintaining the boundaries are key. Parents need to support each other and work as a team. Same goes for parents and teachers! Modeling desired behaviors is also important. Children who realize the adults in their lives are all working together and support each other quickly learn life is easier and more pleasant inside the bounds.
Some kids are more naturally prone to following the rules. But some always seem to feel the need to test the waters. :) Stay strong - recognize your role, and lead firmly with love. The linked article at the right by Jane Nelson gives some great practical examples and tips on this topic.
Pk-4 Elementary lessons
Social/Emotional - Identifying feelings and appropriate behaviors at school
Elementary counseling lessons take place in the classrooms once/every other week for 30 minutes.
At the Pre-K and K level, our emphasis is on being able to identify not only our feelings, but also be able to match our expressions and body language with what we are feeling. Through books, short videos, sharing, and modeling, students begin to understand how to express themselves in a way that is appropriate and easily understood.
Grades 3-4 begin applying those situational feelings to develop their self-control and appropriate school behaviors. Using stories, short videos and activities, students begin to show how to take ownership of their actions and take charge of their learning by demonstrating self-control, not just in the classroom, but in every school space.
Grades 5-6 Elementary Lessons
Academic Success
As true middle-school aged students, we being the school year setting up for academic success.
5th grade students are taught how to access and monitor their grades in PowerSchool, as well as begin accessing and using their Office 365 accounts to include email, and Office products such as Word and PowerPoint.
6th grade students will prepare all year long for their transition to 7th grade. Our first goal is to master proper email communication - learning the ins and outs of proper email etiquette. As 7th graders and above, they will be expected to email teachers and submit assignments electronically regularly, and mastering proper email etiquette is a great start.
Maple Valley Backpack Meal Program
Would a little extra in the pantry help over the weekends?
Maple Valley School participates in the Backpack program where students who enroll may receive a package of shelf-stable food on Fridays (or the last day of the week) in their lockers to take home over the weekend. This program is anonymous and confidential.
To learn more and/or enroll, please click the image at right. You may also email me directly at julie.kaspari@k12.nd.us.