Guidance Lessons

I have been going into classrooms to work with the students. These lessons are focused around developing the personal/social, academic, and career domains. Today I worked with third graders to discuss bullying. We started off by drawing what a bully might look like - this was a great learning experience for the students as they realized all of their bullies they drew looked different. This allowed for us to discuss thT bullies can come in al shapes, sizes, and ages. This led into us talking about what bullying is, the different things that bullying include, and what to do if you are being bullied or if the students see someone being bullied. The other topics we have discussed are listed below.

Kindergarten (with Mr. Johnson)
Respect - treating others how they want to be treated
Anger management - learning how to respond to situations without hitting

First grade (with Mr. Johnson)
Sharing

Second grade
Caring/giving - We read the giving tree and talked about how we can. Be caring and giving to others. The kids came up with some great ideas and their ideas are displayed in my office door on their own giving tree!

Third Grade
We have discussed being a good kid of character and bullying, as talked about above.

Fourth Grade
We will discuss bullying to begin the year off.

Fifth grade
We have talked about cyberbullying.

Sixth grade
We will discuss bullying and responsibility to begin the year.

Thanks!

What do School Counselors do?

I often get asked, so what do you do? The question is better phrased, “How are students different because of the counseling program?”

A huge priority in my opinion, as educators is to encourage students to become excited about learning, and in return take responsibility for their own learning. However, when things are standing in the way of a child’s learning, he or she will be unable to fully benefit from the learning experience. My job is to help students overcome those barriers that are standing in their way from becoming successful learners in the classroom. I also am responsible in ensuring that every student benefits from the counseling program.

            This can be done in a variety of ways – as the goal of a counseling program today is to benefit ALL students. Counselors today can provide services to students through large-group guidance lessons, small group sessions, and individual sessions. Collaboration with teachers and parents is a huge component as well! As a counselor, I try to focus on the academic, career, and personal/social needs of the student. All of the topics I address will help the student become more prepared for the future both as a student and as a community member.

A school counseling program today is driven by standards – just like in an academic classroom. Using data also helps to decide what is working – and what’s not. While all things can’t be measured with pen and paper, there are other forms of assessment as well. A counseling program should be proactive and preventive, so students are equipped with the knowledge they will need in the future. I will act as an advocate for students to make sure that their best interests are being met at all times.

While all of the above is true… and that is how a counseling program is set up… the number ONE priority for me, as a counselor and at-risk coordinator, is to make sure that every student feels welcomed and comfortable at school.

“Our task…is not to fix the blame for the past, but to fix the cause for the future.”

-JFK

A little about me...

Good afternoon everyone! This is the blog I will use to keep everyone informed about happenings of the counseling program as well as at Jacobson Elementary. We are off to an exciting and fun start this year and are looking forward to the rest of the school year. Students and staff are getting adjusted to the new schedule, new school year, and new faces.

I am excited to be here in Belmond working with the students! I moved here from Cedar Falls, but am originally from a small town called Conrad (near Marshalltown). I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa (Go Hawks!) and my graduate program is through Buena Vista University. I recently got married to Beau Dielschneider in July, so am getting used to that new lloooonggg last name:). Beau is currently student teaching at Garner and will be student teaching at BK High School starting in October. He will finish up his degree in History Education with a Social Studies Endorsement in May, after he finishes his last year of running track for the Panthers!  My parents both work for BCLUW Community Schools and are an important part of my life! My mom is a middle school math teacher and my dad is a 5-12 counselor. I have one older sister, Lisa, who lives in Hudson with her husband, Brandon, and their three adorable daughters (Olivia, Ellie, and Aubrey). My younger sister, Kris, goes to school at Southwest Minnesota State where she is majoring in Elementary Education and plays softball for the mustangs. I also have a wonderful new family of in-laws! In my free time, I looovvvee watching sports, going to sporting events, and playing sports. I am an avid track and field fan. I also love watching football and softball. I love to read, spend time with my family and friends, and watch seasons of TV shows. I like to cook and visit my grandparents farm near Des Moines as much as possible as well.

I hope this lets you get to know me a little bit better! My office is across from the library - feel free to come and visit!  I'd love to meet you and talk with you. 

There are two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.  
-Albert Einsten