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WGES Guidance Program
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The WGES counseling program provides education, prevention and intervention services in grades K-5.
Our goal is that through classroom guidance, small group and individual counseling, early identification and intervention of children's academic and personal/social needs are met. As a result we are removing barriers to learning and promoting academic achievement.
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Counseling Information
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Meet the School Counselors
Our WGES School Counselors are Becca Pierce and Katie Murray
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Individual Counseling
All students are welcome to talk to a counselor about personal concerns they may have. Students may be referred by teachers, parents, or self-referral.
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Small Groups
Small groups are organized to help students meet certain challenges they may be facing. These groups give students an opportunity to share and acquire specific skills in a confidential setting. These groups are comprised of four to six students. They usually meet once a week for four to eight weeks. Some examples of small groups include: social skills, anger management, grief, and changing families.
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Counseling Program
The school counseling program supports and complements the efforts of the classroom teacher to facilitate your child’s learning.
- Understanding of self and confidence in daily interactions.
- Positive attitudes toward self, family and community.
- Communication skills in relationships with peers, family, neighbors and school staff.
- Motivation for success in school and community activities.
- Decision-making skills involving exploration of alternatives and realization of consequences.
- Career awareness for future planning.
- Emotionally healthy school learning climate.
- Cooperation between home and school.
- Community resource programs for students, family and school personnel.
- Individually and in groups with their concerns, plans, goals and achievements.
- Understand themselves and others to strengthen cooperation and interactions.
- Learn decision-making and interpersonal skills.
- Model and practice positive Life Skills at school, home, and in the community.
- Learn more about their child’s growth and development.
- Encourage a home atmosphere for emotional security and personal growth.
- Participate in parent education to further enhance parent-child relationships.
- To appreciate their child’s abilities, limitations, and progress in school.
- Increase in knowledge and skills by sharing information.
- Understand the students and their behavior.
- Create a positive learning climate and personalized curriculum.
- Coordinate classroom guidance activities for greater understanding of self and others.
- Conduct consultations concerning students’ needs.
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Traits to Live By
Each month, our school counselors will focus on a different character trait with students. Children will learn about monthly traits through their classroom guidance lessons, hallway displays, and even reminders on the morning announcements.
- The word for September is RESPECT. Students will learn about resolving conflict peacefully and bullying.
- The word for October is RESPONSIBILITY. Students will learn the benefits of staying healthy and drug-free.
- The word for November is PERSEVERANCE. Students will learn important study skills.
- The word for December is CARING. Students will learn about giving from the heart and caring for others.
- The word for January is COURAGE. Students will learn about doing the right thing even when it is difficult.
- The word for February is CITIZENSHIP. Students will learn the importance of being involved in the community.
- The word for March is TRUSTWORTHINESS. Students will learn about being honest and acting with integrity.
- The word for April is COOPERATION. Students will learn about working with others to get something done/Careers.
- The word for May is FAIRNESS. Students will learn about practicing justice, equality, and equality.
Character Development
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Teaching character education is about creating a safe learning environment, a culture of excellence that fosters thinking, and creating a growth mindset. The basis of our character education program stems from our PBIS rewards. Our goal is to build leaders every day.
Role of the Counselor
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School counselors are licensed professional educators who are specially trained in counseling interventions, theories, and techniques. School counselors – as an integral part of the school’s total education program – work with students, teachers, administrators, parents and community leaders to help students become responsible and productive citizens. Our counselors promote educational success, interpersonal skills, and self-understanding. Students are educated in decision making, problem solving, goal setting, self-esteem, environmental concerns and educational and occupational opportunities. The school counselor helps create, organize and implement the comprehensive, developmental school counseling program. As an integral part of the school counseling program’s effort, the elementary school counselor extends a hand to all students, not just the problem or troubled child.
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Stop and Think
A Fairview Elementary school counselor is encouraging her students to stop and think, and the district is encouraging others to embrace the concept as well.
