Counselor's Corner September
Ms. Margaret's Mumblings
Welcome Back!
School Counseling at Greenlee
Elementary school counselors...
- teach classroom guidance lessons on a variety of topics.
- counsel individual students as needed.
- consult with teachers and assist them in meeting individual student needs.
- counsel with small groups of children with similar concerns.
- coordinate referrals to school and community agencies.
- consult with parents in private conferences about their child.
- participate in curriculum development.
Counseling services are available to all students at Greenlee. Please feel free to call the new counselor, Ms. Margaret, if you have a concern or question!
Email: margaret_guinan@dpsk12.org
Website: http://greenlee.dpsk12.org/
Phone: (720) 424-6815
Meet Ms. Margaret
My name is Margaret Guinan and I am the new school counselor at Greenlee. I am excited to be here and already feel so welcomed. This is a great community! I will be at Greenlee all five days and look forward to meeting the students and families.
I grew up in Michigan and moved to Denver a year ago. So far I am loving the mountains and constant sunshine! As a school counselor, my responsibility is to promote the academic, personal, and social development of all students. I will be meeting with students individually and in small groups, conducting classroom lessons, meeting with parents, collaborating with teachers and staff, and consulting with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all Greenlee students and families. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns about your children. You may call, email, or stop by Room 103.
I look forward to a successful school year with the Greenlee Star’s!
Margaret Guinan
Email: margaret_guinan@dpsk12.org
Phone: (720) 424-6815
HOT TOPICS
How can parents promote student success?
Parents play a key role in ensuring that their child achieves school success. Students reach their goals when parents, students, and staff work collaboratively to support students.
Some of the actions that parents can take to promote school success are:
- communicate with school staff to be aware of homework assignments
- review your child’s homework
- encourage your child to seek friends who will be helpful to them
- try to do something enjoyable with your child at least once a week
- set clear expectations for students about homework; have a set place and time for homework
- get acquainted with your child’s teacher(s)
- monitor where your child goes; this will encourage them to stay out of trouble
- communicate with school staff
- attend school functions such as conferences, programs, and family nights
- encourage students to participate in school-related after-school activities
- consistently enforce household rules
- set aside a time when the whole family reads
- encourage students to talk about school, social activities, and their interests
- teach standards of right and wrong, and demonstrate these standards
- support school discipline policies
- talk to your child about tobacco, drugs, alcohol, gangs, and violence
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is the distress that children experience when their parents temporarily leave them. Insecurity is the main reason for this anxiety. Separation anxiety can be overwhelming for many young children, but there are some simple ways to make the first weeks of school an easy transition. Here are a few tips that can help prepare your student for the beginning of the school year.
- Meet the teacher—Parents should talk to the student’s teacher with their child to learn about activities for the year and to discuss any concerns the child or parent may have.
- Goodbyes—For younger students, separating from parents can be difficult. A goodbye ritual can help the student free these anxieties. The best way to establish trust is with a quick kiss, hug and cheerful, “goodbye, see you later.” The key is to remain calm and positive.
- Plan after school activities—Kids enjoy having something to look forward to at the end of the day to help push them through difficult days at school.
- Routine—Keep a routine for the student throughout the year to ensure happy mornings and happy school days.
Parent Meeting
Next meeting: October 9, 2013; 8:30 am
Wednesday, Sep 4, 2013, 08:30 AM
Greenlee Elementary School, 1150 Lipan St, Denver, CO
Big Wins for Greenlee!
Operation School Bell... provided KMart giftcards to families for Back-to-School shopping!
Math Fellows... 6 amazing math tutors here again to work individually with students!
Curtis Hotel... donated school supplies and continues to support Greenlee!