Author: Technology Department

Counselor’s Corner

Greetings From McGarrah’s Counselor

Greetings,
I am Dr. Kena Bush and I am the counselor at McGarrah Elementary. I was a classroom teacher for six years before deciding to pursue a degree in school counseling. I earned my Masters of Arts in School Counseling from Clark Atlanta University and my Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University.
As a counselor my main goal is to help promote student success in academic, social, personal, and career development. I will be collaborating and consulting with teachers, parents, and community agencies to help achieve this goal. I will also be providing classroom guidance lessons every month in each of the classrooms.
As the school counselor I am able to advocate for all students and help assist administrators, staff, teachers, and families. I look forward to working together to help our students learn and develop. Please feel free to contact me at the school by phone or e-mail with any questions or concerns -- 770–968-2910, kbush@clayton.k12.ga.us.

Clayton County Public Schools

Volume 1, Issue 1

August 2012

Special points of interest:
School counselor’s role

Back to the Grind!

It is that time of the year again when the beach towels go away and the books come out! This can be a very exciting time for every member of the family, but it can also be very stressful. There are a number of things that you can do to help get your child back in the routine of academic success.
Setting goals is always a great way to start off the school year. Make sure these goals are reasonable and achievable. Once the goals are set, develop a plan. Set time aside each day to study and work on the plan.
Remind your child that it is important to pay attention in class in order to fully understand the curriculum.
Make preparation a daily routine. Check the backpack before bedtime to ensure that all tools are accounted for.
Lastly, stay committed to the plan. Make it a habit to sit back and go over the checklist of what needs to be accomplished this year, not only academically, but also personally and socially in order to make it a successful year.
Good luck and have a great 2011-2012 school year!

Inside this issue:

Greetings from the counselor	1
Back to the grind	1
Counselor’s role	2
Responsibility	2

Classroom, Small Group, and Individual Guidance

My primary role in the school is to offer guidance to ALL students. Guidance for all students is delivered through scheduled classroom guidance lessons. Classroom lessons allow me to provide grade level lessons, activities, and discussions relating to a particular topic or developmental issue.
Group guidance lessons are offered to a select group of students who share a similar need or concern whether it be academic, social or personal. Lastly, individual guidance is offered to students when the need arises. Individual guidance is available for students through a parent, teacher, or administrator referral process. Students also have an opportunity to refer themselves to the counseling office.
School counselors offer Brief Solution Focused counseling. The school setting does not allow time for intensive, ongoing therapy.

“The school setting does no allow time for intensive, ongoing therapy.”

Help Your Child Learn Responsibility

Responsible kids learn to have a healthy respect for the house rules. This translates into being responsible and respectful at school. So teach your elementary schooler to be more responsible by asking him to:
Get himself/herself up and ready for school each morning.
Fix his/her own snacks.
Pitch in with household projects.
Lend a hand with younger siblings.
Take care of family pets.
Pack his/her school lunch by himself/herself.
Make his/her bed and change his/her sheets.
Help with cooking and serving meals.
Source: Jose’ Bolton, Sr., Ph.D., L.P.C. and Stan Graeve, M.A. No Room for Bullies

Positive Thought:
"To often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” L. Buscaglia

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