FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do if my child is being bullied?
First, talk with your child about the situation. Have they tried standing up for themselves? It is always better to empower children to solve their own problems before rescuing them. If the child has tried numerous times to advocate for themselves, or if the bullying is severe, then adult assistance is needed. Contact the child's teacher to let him or her know of the situation. Many times, children have not made their teacher aware of what's going on.
Strategies could include (these are familiar strategies that we practice in classroom lessons frequently):
Begin with having a specific time and place where homework is completed each night. Develop a schedule with your child so that he or she feels a part of the "homework plan." Allow your child to begin activities independently. Remember, homework is extra practice and is not used to introduce a new skill. Your child should be familiar with homework activities. After independent work time, allow your child to ask for help.
Tired of the homework struggle? Try a behavior contract for completed work. Successfully attempting homework independently can be rewarded by extra TV time, family game night, or a game outside.
Are counselors available to assist students with grief or trauma?
Absolutely. Grief and trauma present roadblocks to the brain’s readiness to learn. We will work with students to process grief and will provide resources for families should the nature of the grief need further attention.
How does my child get to participate in a group?
We try to look at the needs with in the school as noted by the teacher and student need assessments. When there is a need, the counselor may ask the teachers for names of children who can benefit from a group teaching specific skills. Parents can also request that their child participate in a group, and it can be a recommendation from administrators as well.
How is a school counselor different from a therapist?
School counselors help students to be ready for learning by providing short-term assistance with particular issues that may be acting as road blocks to the child’s education. Therapists treat mental health disorders in an on-going, usually regularly scheduled basis. If a child is upset or distressed in school, we will work with the child in order to help the child be ready to learn. For issues that go beyond the scope of school counseling, we can provide community resources to the parent.
Will my child be embarrassed to leave the classroom with the school counselor?
No! Mr. Hicks believes in being highly visible throughout the school. Because of this, the counselor is seen as a normal part of the school atmosphere. Most of the time, kids beg to be picked up by the counselor.
What should I do if I dislike my child's teacher?
Ask the teacher to meet with you about your concerns. Remember, teachers are people too! Attack the problem and not the person. By working together, almost all teacher/parent/child relationship conflicts can be solved. If you feel that you still have concerns, contact an administrator.
First, talk with your child about the situation. Have they tried standing up for themselves? It is always better to empower children to solve their own problems before rescuing them. If the child has tried numerous times to advocate for themselves, or if the bullying is severe, then adult assistance is needed. Contact the child's teacher to let him or her know of the situation. Many times, children have not made their teacher aware of what's going on.
Strategies could include (these are familiar strategies that we practice in classroom lessons frequently):
- Ignore
- Avoid the student
- Make a joke
- Use an I feel statement - "I feel ________ when you ________, please _________."
- Stay in a group - stick up for each other!
Begin with having a specific time and place where homework is completed each night. Develop a schedule with your child so that he or she feels a part of the "homework plan." Allow your child to begin activities independently. Remember, homework is extra practice and is not used to introduce a new skill. Your child should be familiar with homework activities. After independent work time, allow your child to ask for help.
Tired of the homework struggle? Try a behavior contract for completed work. Successfully attempting homework independently can be rewarded by extra TV time, family game night, or a game outside.
Are counselors available to assist students with grief or trauma?
Absolutely. Grief and trauma present roadblocks to the brain’s readiness to learn. We will work with students to process grief and will provide resources for families should the nature of the grief need further attention.
How does my child get to participate in a group?
We try to look at the needs with in the school as noted by the teacher and student need assessments. When there is a need, the counselor may ask the teachers for names of children who can benefit from a group teaching specific skills. Parents can also request that their child participate in a group, and it can be a recommendation from administrators as well.
How is a school counselor different from a therapist?
School counselors help students to be ready for learning by providing short-term assistance with particular issues that may be acting as road blocks to the child’s education. Therapists treat mental health disorders in an on-going, usually regularly scheduled basis. If a child is upset or distressed in school, we will work with the child in order to help the child be ready to learn. For issues that go beyond the scope of school counseling, we can provide community resources to the parent.
Will my child be embarrassed to leave the classroom with the school counselor?
No! Mr. Hicks believes in being highly visible throughout the school. Because of this, the counselor is seen as a normal part of the school atmosphere. Most of the time, kids beg to be picked up by the counselor.
What should I do if I dislike my child's teacher?
Ask the teacher to meet with you about your concerns. Remember, teachers are people too! Attack the problem and not the person. By working together, almost all teacher/parent/child relationship conflicts can be solved. If you feel that you still have concerns, contact an administrator.