Counselor's Corner

Septmeber 2011

Things are in full swing here at McCall!! Check out what is happening in September.

Student of the Month:

For the month of September, the following teachers will be announcing student of the month: Mrs. Sawyer and Mrs. Dills.

September Parenting Tip: Attendance

School begins at 7:50AM each morning and students can arrive at 7:15AM. This is early, so in order for your child to be well rested it is recommended that you put your child to bed by 8:00PM. This will ensure that your child gets plenty of sleep at night and is able to wake up with ease in order to arrive at school on time with no tardies.

Classroom Guidance Lesson:  "I Care Rule #1-Listening to Each Other"

This week in guidance, your child will be inroduced to I Care Cat and we will begin our first listening activity. Students will discuss why listening is important and ways they can show they are listening in the classroom and at home. Students will also practice listening by following a 10 step set of directions.

Partners in Education

For the 2011-2012 school year McCall Primary is very fortunate to have the following Partners in Education: Texas Roadhouse, Costco, Summit Baptist Church, Lake City Chiropractic, Publix @ Cedar Crest and City of Acworth. Please show you support to these businesses any way you can as a way of demonstrating appreciation for all they do for our students and our school.

 

Welcome Back

      The McCall Counseling Department would like to welcome back all parents, students, and teachers for the 2011-2012 school year.  Listed below is information about me and Brittany Lewis, my counseling intern.

Greetings,

     I am Mrs. Johnson. I am the only professional school counselor at McCall Primary School.  I have worked at McCall since McCall opened its doors six years ago. To share something personal about me, I am married with two children and two cats.  Just like my students, I am currently in school working toward my Doctoral degree.  Before being a school counselor I worked at an agency conducting in home therapy.

      I know I have one of the best jobs in the school because I have the opportunity to work with students, parents, and the community.  I enjoy being an advocate for our students and helping students resolve problems.  School counselors are very important because we provide counseling and guidance lessons that address career, academic, social/emotional areas. If any students are having a bad day, having difficulty adjusting to school, having conflict with their friends, or just feeling really sad, the classroom teacher can make a referral for me to visit with them. If you have any further questions or concerns, I can be reached at 770-975-6780 or Missy.Bradley-Johnson@cobbk12.org.

 

Hi! My name is Brittany Lewis and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to complete my internship here at McCall. In just a few short weeks will be graduating from Capella University with my master's degree in School Counseling and I am so lucky that I got the chance to work with such great teachers and students.

To tell you a little about me, I have been married for five years and I have a 2 year old daughter named Jordan and a 12 year old Dalmatian named Mollie. I have been working at McCall since January and prior to that I worked in the mortgage business and as a marriage and family therapist. I realized that working with students in the school is my true passion, which led me to return back to school in the fall of 2009.  My time serving as a school counselor has surpassed my expectations in terms of being a very rewarding and fullfilling way to spend my time, and I love what I do. I look forward to getting to know your children and working with them so that they can be successful personally as well as in their academics. My wish for them is they that are able to enjoy all that school has to offer.

We are excited about this school year and I look forward to working with you and your child. 

What are the three all-time greatest summer songs?

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Preparing for Summer

Counselor’s Corner

 

 

Students of the Month:  The students of the month for March were Regan Gallman from Ms. Dearborn’s class, Efrain Haron from Ms. Wallace’s class, Ivy Gachie from Ms. Garrett’s class and Charlie Nadeau from Ms. Henson and Ms. Tompkin’s class.  April Student’s of the Month were Eileen Kuria in Ms. Ciaccio’s class, Frank Serota in Ms. Bradford’s class and Chelsea Josue in Ms. Webber’s class.  May students receiving recognition are Emma Stoneman in Ms. Baker’s class, David Colmenarez in Ms. Taylor’s class, Samantha Julian in Ms. Hardin’s class and Gosafa Rodriguez in Ms. Simon’s class. 

 

 Congratulations to all of the Students of the Month this year! These students were selected because they exemplify excellent scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. 

 

CRCT Testing:

Thanks to all parents for your encouragement and support during testing week!  A special appreciation to all parents who ensured their students arrived at school on time every day. 

 

Guidance Lessons:

We finished our I-CARE Rules in March.  Then first grade practiced some test taking strategies and kindergarten got to meet Howard B Wigglebottom to learn about How to Handle Bullying. 

 

May is Career Month at McCall.  It benefits even young students to begin thinking about what they may want to be when they grow up.  This can help give school work meaning and purpose to students who struggle and it’s also lots of fun!  In April we all had an introductory lesson on career. 

 

May is filled with many exciting Career Activities!  We will have two weeks where Career Speakers come in daily to discuss their careers with our students.  Often they bring in props and do neat activities which allow your students to “try on” their career.  The students love it!

 

 We also have one additional week of Careers on Wheels in which students get up close and personal with some machines and vehicles used in various careers.  Be sure to ask your student what career they learned about each day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parenting Tip for May:

 

Summer is almost here!  We have successfully completed our school year. We are all ready for our much anticipated “Break”.  While summer is time off from the schedule of school, it shouldn’t be time off from learning.  Your student needs to practice the skills they have learned throughout the year in order to be successful the next year. 

 

 

The great thing about summer is that learning can take place everywhere!  There are many fun, inexpensive learning games you can purchase or even make with your child.  Another inexpensive but highly important way to maintain academics is by reading daily with your child.  Library membership is free and most Cobb Libraries have reading programs throughout the summer.   

 

In addition, parents of rising First Graders have the opportunity to learn about and even try out some games at the Academic Boot Camp on May 6^th.  Or you can approach your current classroom teacher to ask if they can recommend anything specifically for your child to bolster any area that they may need to strengthen.

 

Another great resource is a workbook titled Summer Bridge.  You can usually purchase these by grade level.  I have used these with my own children and they are excellent.  The book is organized for your child to complete one page per day and it even includes a suggested reward system.  There is a chart for your student to mark each day when they complete their worksheet page and finish their daily reading. There is even a section with experiments to do with your child.  I have always purchased them at School Box.  You can also look online for sample pages and ordering information.  

 

 

Students whose parents adopt the attitude that it’s a parent’s responsibility to ensure learning continues have been shown to have higher grades.  As parents, I know we want to do all we can to ensure our students are successful learners.  Continuing the learning process over the summer boosts their confidence and keeps them engaged so next year they can start the year off strong.

 

If you have any questions about where to find any of these resources, please feel to contact Mrs. Pearce-Tucker at 770)975-6775 or suzanne.pearce-tucker@cobbk12.org .

 

Hope you have a great May and Enjoy Your Summer!

~Suzanne and Missy  

 

February Update

Counselor’s Corner

 

Happy Valentine’s Day:  This month we celebrate relationships with those we love and care for.  Be sure to express your LOVE with kind words and deeds to all of the special people in your life!

 

Student of the Month:  The students of the month for January were Tyanne Topps in Ms. Stanfield’s class, Kelly Bautista, in Ms. Marsili’s class, and Jennifer Martinez in Ms. Dunn’s class.  The students of the month for  February are Ben Moran in Ms. Wehr’s class, Brooke McKinnon in Mrs. Harrison’s class, Kiara Hawkins in Dr. Cobb’s class and Ashley Garcia in Ms. Dixon’s class. These students exemplify excellent scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. 

 

Black History Month:  This month you have the opportunity to educate your child on the important role African-Americans have played in our nation’s history.  Every Monday in February we present a trivia question on the morning news about an important African-American who has made significant contributions to our country and/or history.  Ask your child about who this Mystery Person may be and together plan to learn more about these great American Heroes!

 

Attendance:  CONGRATULATIONS to the 30 students that received milk and cookies with the principal this month!  They have had perfect attendance with no tardies for the entire first half of the year! 

We know ”the weather outside is frightful…” many days this month and it’s easy to want to sleep a little later. Please remain mindful that it is very important to be present at school and on time every day.  By focusing on the importance of showing up daily on time, you are establishing lifelong patterns that will help your child succeed both now and in years to come.

 

Partners in Education:  Please support our Partners in Education which are the following businesses:  City of Acworth, Mayor Allegood; Publix (Governors Town Square, Cedar Crest Rd); Lake City Chiropractic, Dr. McCartney; Summit Baptist Church; RBC Bank; and Texas Roadhouse.  Thanks for all you do for the students at McCall!

*If you have a business or know of a business who would be interested in being a Partner in Education, please contact Mrs. Johnson @ 770-975-6780.

 

I-Care Rules:

Every month the counselors at McCall discuss a different I Care Rule.  Last month we discussed the importance of using I CARE Language. This month we wrap up: Rule 4: “We care about each other’s feelings.” and begin Rule 5:  “We are responsible for what we say and do.”  We will complete lessons to practice identifying and expressing feelings in an appropriate way.  We will begin discussing responsibility- doing what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed to do it. 

Parents this would be a perfect time to speak to your students about their responsibilities at home and school.  We will learn that we are responsible for our actions and words, even if others around us are not acting responsibly.

If your student doesn’t have regular chores at home, now would be a good time to introduce them.  Both Kindergarteners and First-graders can complete simple tasks like setting the table, picking up their toys, sweeping the floor and folding towels.  Doing chores gives children a sense of accomplishment and belonging, increasing their sense of self-worth and value as contributors to the family.

 

Thank you to all of the teachers, parents, students and staff for your kind words and gifts during Counselor Appreciation Week.  We love getting to be YOUR Counselors at McCall!

 

Enjoy your February!

Missy and Suzanne 

November Update

Welcome to the Counselor's Corner

There are many exciting events happening at McCall this month.  Please look at our many offerings to see where you might get involved.  We wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Tackle Hunger is ongoing through the Thanksgiving break.  We are partnering with the Acworth Parks and Recreation Department and The Joy Foundation to help those in need.  Each student is encouraged to bring in canned food items to share with local families who need a little help for the holidays.  The top three classes collecting the most cans will receive a pizza party to be announced on Friday, November 20th.  Donate your canned food items today and help us TACKLE HUNGER in our area!

 

Student of the Month:  The students of the month for October were DeJanae Patterson in Mrs. Smith/Stagich class,  Jillian Blakney in Ms. Marshall’s class, Logan Gashler in Ms. Guffin’s class and Ngere Kinyanjui in Ms. Mitchell’s class. These students exemplify excellent scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. Congratulations students on being selected Student of the Month!

 

Partners in Education:  Please support our Partners in Education which include the following businesses:  City of Acworth, Mayor Allegood; Publix (Governors Town Square, Cedar Crest Rd); Lake City Chiropractic, Dr. McCartney; Summit Baptist Church; RBC Bank; and Texas Roadhouse.  Thank you to our wonderful PARTNERS!

*if you have a business or know of a business who would be interested in being a Partner in Education, please contact Mrs. Johnson @ 770-975-6780.

 

Math and Music Program:  Congratulations to the 20 first grade students selected to participate in McCall’s Math and Music Program.  They will be working hard all year to learn to play songs on the recorder, develop academic skills, plan and teach lessons to other first graders and perform at three to four different venues…including the State Capital! 

Thanks to Jeff Glover, President of the Acworth Business Association for allowing us to share about this exciting program at last month's meeting.  Thanks as well to Governor's Family Medical Group and Dennis and Carmelitta Marrow for sponsoring students for performance uniforms.  

*If you would like to learn more about this program or act as a sponsor, please contact Mrs. Pearce-Tucker at 770) 075-6775 x 235 or suzanne.pearce-tucker@cobbk12.org.

 

I-Care Rules:

Every month the counselors at McCall discuss a different I Care Rule, last month we discussed the importance of helping hands: Rule 2: “Hands are for helping, not hurting.” We will learn what helping hands look like at home and at school.  We will also practice many different ways we can have helping hands with others.  Parents talk to your child about all the ways we use our hands to help others, our environment, and ourselves.

 

Parenting Tip for November: 

 

Thankfulness:  Many families are experiencing difficult times right now.  Often when times are tough, it is so easy to become anxious and worried about both the present and the future.  Gratitude is a trait that can really help change your perspective during difficult times.  No matter what our circumstances, we always have something to be grateful for.  This would be a great month to begin a family gratitude journal.  Each day you can discuss and write down 2-3 things your family has to be thankful for.  Some items may appear over and over and some just show up for the day.  This is a neat way to keep an account of all of the things that are going right in your life. An old proverb states, “Nothing lasts forever.”…that includes good times and bad times.  Choosing to focus on the positive and have a grateful heart can make the difficult times easier to bear.

 

 

Parents, teachers, partners and students have a wonderful November,

 ~Missy and Suzanne

Welcome to the Counselor's Corner

Welcome Back!

 

We are so excited for another school year to begin!  We hope you and your student have had a wonderful first few weeks of school and are getting settled into your new school routine.  We look forward to working with you and your students this year.  Together we will teach our students the A, B, C’s of McCall…to Aspire, Believe and Cooperate to become successful learners.

 

What does the Counselor do?

We know several of you may be new to McCall or have never had the opportunity to work with your Professional School Counselor.  Here are a few of the roles and responsibilities we assist with at McCall Primary.

Guidance:  We conduct bi-weekly lessons focused on I-CARE rules, which are all about how to be a good friend! 

 Small Group:  When students need extra support, we provide small groups on various topics.  These groups usually run for about 4-6 weeks.  You are contacted before your student is considered for small group.

 Student Consultation:  We meet with students on an individual basis when they need help figuring out how to handle new or difficult situations at school or home. 

 Parent Consultation:  We meet with parents as well if you have a concern about your student that you would like to discuss.

 Referrals:  For students and families that may need a little extra support, we offer referrals to appropriate local resources.

Partners in Education:  We facilitate partnerships with the local community businesses that want to help our students through donating either volunteer time, resources or money to McCall. 

 

Along with these duties, we also help with Tackle Hunger and Giving Tree, programs that offer assistance to families during the holidays.

 If you have questions or comments about what the Professional School Counselors do at McCall, please contact us.  We’d love to hear from you!  Missy Johnson or Suzanne Pearce-Tucker

A Great Big Thank You to McCall's Official 

Partner's in Education!

City of Acworth Texas Roadhouse 

Summit Baptist Church RBC Bank

Lake Point Chiropractic

We'd also like to thank our unofficial partner Publix!  If you would like to learn more about becoming a McCall Partner in Education contact us.  We'll be glad to tell you how!     

Guidance Focus:

 

During the month of August in guidance, we introduced ourselves and talked about what the counselor does at school.  We also went over rules and expectations during guidance lessons. 

 

In September, I-Care Cat goes with us to each classroom.  We begin learning our I-CARE RULES.  The rule we focus on this month is:

 We listen to each other.

We will talk about why it is important to listen and how to be a good listener.  We will also practice our listening skills during class. 

 

Listening is a critical skill for children to learn.  It promotes social growth and awareness by allowing the student to show respect and concern for others.  It also increases academic performance by teaching the student to hear and follow the teacher’s directions...a vital part of learning! 

 At home you may want to play some “listening games” to reinforce these skills.  You can go on a walk, stop at 2 or 3 locations and talk about all of the things you hear while you are walking.  You can also take turns at meal times telling stories.  Have the listeners retell the story to see how well they were listening.

Happy Listening!

 

Welcome Back!

The counselor's of McCall would like to welcome back students and staff for the remainder of the school year.  We hope you had a restful and safe holiday break.

I would like to thank staff and students who donated gifts for our Annual McCall Giving Tree.  Through your giving, you allowed a McCall family to have a bountiful Christmas.  

Students of the Month: We would like to congratulate our January student's of the month: Ahmed (Mrs. Wallace), Rose (Mrs. Garrett), Kennedy (Mrs. Dearborn), and Sean (Mrs. Tompkins/Mrs. Henson). These students were selected student of the month because they exhibit exceptional scholarship, leadership, and citizenship.  Way to Go Students!

Attendance:  Don't forget it is important for all students to be on time and at school daily.  We had 67 students who had perfect attendance and no tardies.  These students were selected to have cookies and milk with the principal and receive a free pastry at Publix.  

100th Day of School:  The 100th Day of School is Thursday, January 22.  Volunteers are still needed to kick off the celebration.  To volunteer, please see Mrs. Chris Roth, School Secretary.

Guidance World:  For the month of January I Care Cat has shared his fourth I Care Rule, "We Care About Each Other's Feelings."  Parents please talk with your child about the importance of communicating their feelings and respecting other people's feelings.  Practice using "I messages/I statements."  Using "I messages" allows the child to articulate their feelings without blaming others. 

Dr. Martin Luther King: January 15, is Dr King's Birthday.  However, we publicly celebrate his birthday on January 19.  We encourage parents to get involved in some type of public service activity with your family on this special day as way to give back to the community and to get involved.  Keep the Dream Alive.  

Jr Achievement:  Publix, McCall's Partner in Education will begin a enrichment program for selected classes starting January 26.

Flying Saucer Workshop:  Special Thanks to Winning Spirit Sports for allowing 80 students to participate in the Flying Saucer Workshop.  Students who were selected to participated found the experience to be very enriching.  Winning Spirit Sports funded the workshop.