COUNSELOR'S CORNER
February, 2017
CLASSROOM LESSONS:
Classroom lessons in December & January concentrated on College & Career Readiness. For these lessons we accessed the Missouri Connections Website. This site is one the students will use throughout their middle and high school years. One other thing about the site is that students can continue to access their information after they graduate.
Also, anyone can use the site and log in as a guest. It is a great resource with information and requirements for over 500 occupations. The link to Missouri Connections is www.missouriconnections.org. (Only works on Google Chrome.)
- Fifth grade discussed things they like to do and how that relates to the type of career they would like. They also explored a specific career of interest.
- Sixth grade discussed qualities they have, such at "Likes challenges" or "Helpful" and how those qualities can be used in the work force. They also completed an "Occupations Scavenger Hunt" to help them understand information available to them on the site.
- Seventh Grade completed an IDEAS survey on interests and then selected occupations based upon those results. This inventory helps students look at careers from the perspective of personality types, such as Realistic or Artistic.
- Eighth grade classes were co-taught by Mrs. Hulbert, the freshman/sophomore counselor. She discussed high school differences and expectations as well as the many clubs and organizations available to students. She also answered many questions the 8th grade students had about high school. The eighth grade also took the IDEAS survey and a Career Cluster Survey. We will use the results of these surveys in completing four year plans in April.
National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6th - 10th, 2017
L.E.A.D. Groups - Developing Leaders for the 21st Century
Random Acts of Kindness Week, Feb., 13th - 17th, 2017
WARNING FOR PARENTS.......
I want parents to be aware of a "challenge" going around the middle school. Challenges like the one below are usually started from something a student sees on You Tube or Facebook and shares with others. Many of these behaviors can have serious consequences.
The one that we are seeing now is where students are "burning" their hands with erasers to see who can take the pain. Several students have had to go to the nurse because of the sores on their hands. This challenge is dangerous to students because of the possible scars and infection it can lead to, as well as the beginning of more risk-taking or self-harm behaviors. Please check with your child if he or she is participating in this behavior and discuss the risks.
A more serious type of behavior that some students participate in is "cutting". This is when a person makes cut marks on the arms that are parallel with the wrist. Most of these marks are not very deep, but it is easy for someone to harm themselves seriously, even if he or she doesn't intend to. This behavior is a more serious cry for help and parents should check with a mental health care provider to assist their child.
If you have any questions about these behaviors or need resources, please contact me at the number or e-mail below.
Julie Perkins, School Counselor
Email: jperkins@cuba.k12.mo.us
Website: http://www.cuba.k12.mo.us/
Location: #1 Wildcat Pride Drive, Cuba, MO, United States
Phone: (573) 677-2519