Counseling Connection

Live ~ Laugh ~ Love ~ Learn

............. Stephanie R. Gable ............. Elementary School Counselor

............. Stephanie R. Gable ............. Elementary School Counselor

Having 14 years of experience working in public education, I hold an expectation of success for every learner entering the classroom. In my experience, both parental and community involvement are essential to a successful classroom and school environment. It is my belief that students are to be given opportunity for development into lifelong learners through promotion of creative and critical thinking. As a professional school counselor, supporting students and staff in this endeavor is of utmost importance. I am dedicated to the highest standards of learning by creating and working within a comprehensive school counseling program where relationship-building with students and families, school personnel, and community members serves to benefit all students in academic, career, and social/emotional domains.

I teach to learn.

I learn to live.

I live to love.


~ They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. ~


*I encourage parents to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding their students via email (stephanie.gable@cfisd.net) or by phone (281.213.1200).

............. Stephanie R. Gable ............. Elementary School Counselor
A Comprehensive School Counseling Program

A Comprehensive School Counseling Program

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has created the ASCA National Model as the framework of a comprehensive school counseling program. This planned, holistic approach to promoting and supporting achievement of all students has four major components ~


  • Guidance Curriculum: Structured lessons designed to help students attain the desired competencies and to provide all students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills appropriate for their developmental level.
  • Individual Student Planning: Coordinated ongoing systemic activities designed to assist students in establishing personal goals and developing future plans.
  • Responsive Services: Activities designed to meet the immediate needs and concerns of students. Services may include counseling in individual or small-group settings or crisis response.
  • System Support: Services provided on behalf of students through interactions with others, including referrals for additional assistance, consultation, and collaboration with parents, teachers, other educators, and community organizations.


*More information regarding the counseling program can be found on the CFISD website at https://www.cfisd.net/en/parents-students/academics/guidance-counseling/

A Comprehensive School Counseling Program

..... Swenke Elementary is No Place for Hate .....

Swenke Elementary is our KIND of place, and we believe EVERY MOMENT MATTERS! The No Place for Hate initiative provides PK-12 schools with a structured framework for combating bias, bullying, and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate. Swenke has earned its designation of being a No Place for Hate campus by...


  • building inclusive and safe communities where respect is the goal, and all students can thrive.
  • empowering students, faculty, administration, and families to take a stand against hate and bullying by incorporating new and existing programs under one powerful message.
  • sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place to belong.


Each year, we engage in various activities and challenges throughout the school year to support the No Place for Hate initiative. One activity that remains a constant is our newly renamed "Talk-to-a-New-Friend" Tuesday! On the first Tuesday of every month, we "mix up" at lunch! Students enter the cafeteria and are randomly placed at different tables, promoting the mixing up of students in order to meet and make new friends. Conversation starters are presented during lunch to facilitate communication and thinking about various topics. Students are encouraged to spend time at the next day's recess continuing to get to know their new friends!

Family and Community Involvement

We promote strong parent and community involvement here at Swenke Elementary! Be sure to stay connected by reading our weekly newsletter. The Paw Print is an electronic newsletter that is sure to keep you updated on the latest activities and events that can involve YOU!

CALLING ALL DADS!

Our Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program is a sure way for our students to be positively influenced by male role models! Fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, and other father figures are invited to serve one day a year in a variety of school activities by spending an entire school day on our campus. Please make note of the following procedures specific to our Swenke Watch D.O.G.S.:


  • For all dads/father-figures planning to serve in the program - Please be sure to create an account with our PTO volunteer system used to track volunteer hours for the campus. With an active volunteer account, we request that you go in and log the hours for the day you volunteer. To create an account and to access the system, go to https://apps.raptortech.com/Appy/MzYxOmVuLVVT. Contact our VIPS coordinator, Karen Thompson, at VIPS.Swenke@gmail.com if you have any issues or questions when setting up your account.
  • Due to high volume of involvement (which is AMAZING), participants are allowed to commit to only ONE day during the school year.
  • We can accommodate up to TWO dads per day. If all spots are filled for the day, you must choose another day. If a friend is signing you up, that friend must sign you up separately. Please do not "add" a dad in the comments section. It is also important that you not bring additional people with you, as they will not be allowed to volunteer at that time.
  • A reminder email for the day you serve will be sent to you two days prior.
  • Please do not come expecting to volunteer on a day other than that for which you have signed up. Much planning takes place ahead of your attendance in scheduling with teachers and preparing activities specific to your schedule. For this reason, we will not be able to accommodate those coming on unassigned days. If you do not receive a reminder email a couple days prior to your planned date, please email the school counselor at stephanie.gable@cfisd.net at least one day in advance so that the scheduling issue can be addressed.
  • Arrival time is 7:35, and the day ends at 3:35. If you must leave early, we understand; however, we do have you scheduled for the entire day, which includes helping with our car rider line at the end of the day.
  • Though it is not required, we do encourage all participants to wear a Watch D.O.G.S. t-shirt on the day of volunteering. A shirt of your choice can be purchased in the "DOGSTORE" at https://dadsofgreatstudents.com/. Simply purchase as a "guest" to the site. Also, your schedule will include active participation during recess and P.E., so be sure to plan your shoes and other attire accordingly.
  • You may take a "selfie" with you and your child(ren) and send to stephanie.gable@cfisd.net if you'd like to have it hanging on our WatchDOGS display in the main hall. Please note that you may not take photos of other students.
  • Every dad has a personalized schedule. This schedule allows you time with your child(ren) and also has you working in other areas of the building. It is important that you adhere to your schedule, as staff have made accommodations for you to assist them with specific activities at specific times. If you are in an area longer than the planned amount of time, schedules and routines can become disrupted. We appreciate your commitment and ask that you be respectful of the specified schedule. It is important that students maintain daily routines.
  • Please refrain from using cell phones when in the classroom. It is expected that no calls, texts, or any type of cell phone use will take place in the classroom. If you must be on your phone, simply step out of the classroom and move to the front office.
  • We have TWO Watch D.O.G.S. parking spaces reserved up front for you!
  • When you are in the cafeteria for lunch, we encourage you to eat at the classroom table with the students. You are here as a male mentor to all our students, and relaxing and eating lunch is a great way to interact with them.
  • Use only the adult restrooms located in the front office or in the back hallway. Student restrooms are for students only.


*For more information about the program, see the organization's informational page at

http://dadsofgreatstudents.com/media/wysiwyg/support/ALL_ABOUT_WD_Color_2017_Sept_RVSD.pdf


Our sign-up forum is now full, and no available dates remain for this school year. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list in the event of a cancellation, please contact the school counselor at stephanie.gable@cfisd.net.

GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION

GT NOMINATION WINDOW: Parents who would like to nominate their child for testing for the Horizons Gifted and Talented program may do so in the fall. The specific time-frame for nominations is October 1st through November 30th. To nominate, parents must complete and return a Parent Survey and Permission to Test form no later than November 30th. (Please note that this deadline occurs during Thanksgiving break, and referrals returned past the deadline will not be accepted.) This form is available from the Swenke front desk or can be requested through your child’s teacher or counselor prior to Thanksgiving break. In grades 1-5, testing is for services beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. For kindergarten, services will start in March, 2020. For more information about the Horizons program and referral process, please refer to the following link:

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