Counselor's Corner

Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution

An emphasis in many of our classroom guidance lessons during the last nine weeks was in the area of conflict resolution and expressing feelings appropriately. We have reinforced the importance of using I-messages to our students when they have negative feelings toward someone else. It can be an empowering experience and an effective communication tool when delivered with calmness, confidence and respect. We have encouraged them to state the I message with the other person’s name and then fill in the blanks of the following template: I feel_____________ ( angry, sad or whatever they feel) when you___________(the behaviors). Please________________(whatever the student would like for them to do differently). That is the basic one but we have also given some other variations of I statements. We have stressed the value of truly listening in order to get along well with others as well as in the instructional setting. We identified behaviors that aren’t helpful in dealing with conflicts such as name calling, blaming and making excuses. A rule offered for fighting fair was attacking the problem rather than the person.

            In our lessons on feelings and anger management, we have told the students that they can’t always help how they feel but they can control how they act. We further explained that there are healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with negative feelings. Several strategies on coping with anger and stress were explained and practiced such as taking slow deep breaths, counting slowly, exercising, taking care of our bodies through nutrition and rest, and changing the way we look at things to name a few. And of course, talking about it can definitely ease the tension one feels.

Classroom Guidance Topics:

3^rd Nine Weeks:

Kdg. – Uniqueness, Feelings, Honesty, I statements

1^st – Feelings, Trustworthiness, Anger Management

2^nd – Empathy, feelings, Anger Management

3^rd – Assertiveness, Feelings, Bullying/Teasing

4^th – Labeling/Self-Esteem, Bullying/Teasing, Diversity/Tolerance, Listening

5^th – Study Skills, Keys to Success/Accountability

Character Recognition September-February

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Davis Counselor's Mission Statement and Beliefs

Our Mission

The mission of the Davis Elementary School Counseling Program is to recognize and respect the unique qualities of each student and guide all students toward academic, personal, social, and career success. Our goal of providing students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to become effective life long learners and productive members of their communities will be accomplished using a comprehensive guidance program.

Our Philosophy

The Counselors at Davis Elementary School Believe:

 Every student has the right to an environment that is safe, creative and conducive to learning.

 The school environment should encourage self-worth and respect for self and others.

 Learning is a life long process.

 All students have individual abilities and are capable of learning with support from family, community and educators.

 The diversity of our student population should be considered in the planning and implementation of the counseling program.

 All students have the right to participate in the school counseling program.

Career Celebration Flyer

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CAREER WEEK CELEBRATION

On Monday May 19th to Wednesday May 21st Davis students will celebrate CAREER WEEK they will have the opportunity to hear over 2 speakers as they share the details of their careers, as well as participate in some Career focused activities. The week will mark the culmination of weeks of classroom guidance instruction which answered the essential question, "What do I need to learn at Davis to help me be successful?" We are so grateful to our parent volunteers who will share with our students. Please look for a newsletter in your child's folder with further details.

Summer Time, Home Alone?

Summer is quickly approaching and you may be tempted to leave older children at home while you run a quick errand. You may even be tempted to leave an older child in charge of younger siblings. The Cobb County Department of Family and Children's Services quotes the Georgia State policy on child supervision as the following:  "State policy states that children ages 13 and above can act as baby sitters for other children. Children the ages of 9-12 can occasionally be left unsupervised for brief periods of time. Children 8 years old and younger should never be left alone. Of course, a specific child's immaturity and behavior may necessitate adult supervision."  Should you choose to leave an older child at home, please remember that the home is the number one site of accidents to children. Other dangers include break-ins, fires, and chemicals! Additionally, it is important that your children know what to do in case of an emergency, important phone numbers, and what to do if a phone call or a knock at the door occurs when you are not home. Home is a place where children need to feel protected and secure. Here are a few safety tips!!

AT HOME

• Do NOT open the door for anyone whom you do not know and who is not supposed to be in your house.

• Keep your doors locked when you are home alone. Know how to lock and unlock your doors and windows.

• Refuse to open the door if someone asks to use the telephone or anything else. You can tell the person how to get to the phone booth or you can make the call for them while they wait outside.

• Do not talk to strangers on the phone. Do not tell unknown callers that you are home alone. Just tell them that your Mom and Dad cannot come to the phone just now and take a message. Ask the person for his name and phone number and tell your parents when they return home.

• Tell an adult if you see anyone hanging around near your home. If your parents are not home, have the telephone number of a neighbor to call for help or call the POLICE.

2nd Newsletter

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Character Education

December - Compassion

(Gratitude, Generosity, Kindness)

Showing concern or empathy.

January - Resilience

(Humility, Empowerment, Flexibility, Initiative, Self-reliance)

The capacity to successfully manage high levels of change.

February - Tolerance

(Acceptance, Forgiveness, Cooperation, Courtesy)

Respecting the individual differences, views and beliefs of other people.

March - Commitment

(Dedication, Respect for the Environment, Motivation. Leadership)

The obligation or pledge to carry out some action or to support some policy or person.

April/May - Accomplishment

(Perseverance, Courage, Patience, Wisdom, Character)

Appreciation for attaining one's goals.

Contact Information

Kathy Bernier kathy.bernier@cobbk12.org

Naderia Hartley  naderia.hartley@cobbk12.org

Counselor's Newsletter

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