What a school counselor does do:

I serve ALL students at NMES, not just those struggling socially, emotionally, or behaviorally. I do preventative work by teaching social-emotional skills to all students through classroom guidance lessons. I assist students academically by teaching lessons on topics like study skills and executive functioning strategies such as organization and time management. However, I offer individual academic assistance in the classroom setting to those students requiring additional help with focus or behavior management. I collaborate with our teachers regarding whole classroom concerns and those pertaining to an individual student.

Since school and personal safety remain priorities at NMES, I do anti-bullying guidance lessons in all classes with our Resource Officer and address any reports of individual bullying. I also can meet with individual students regarding safety concerns in their home or neighborhood environments.

I communicate with guardians regarding any issues of which I become aware with their child. As a licensed counselor I do provide some short-term individual or group counseling with permission from the guardian. Regular updates are provided to the student’s grownups either through phone calls or Class Dojo. Students and guardians get to decide what information is shared with the respective teacher. Otherwise, the information is considered confidential.

What a school counselor does not do:

I do not determine disciplinary actions or punish students. While I work with students on making positive behavior choices and understanding feelings, I do not discipline children beyond the use of our Class Dojo point system. My role is to provide Restorative Practices in situations that might warrant a Minor Offense – in lieu of punishment when appropriate.

I do not do long-term counseling because of time constraints but will gladly assist families in locating appropriate services as needed.

I do not judge students and or families for what they are experiencing. I am here to help and support students and families and connect families with resources to eliminate or significantly reduce needs.

Lastly, I do not fix problems with a “magic wand.” However, I am committed to doing everything in my power to help every student become the best possible version of themselves.

As part of our effort to be readily and easily accessible to all of our Bearcat families, I have developed this Counselor Contact Form so that families can make me aware of any issues or concerns you may have about your child or children.

Counselor Request Form

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Mr. Taylor's Bitmoji Office (Please make sure to look at this in presentation mode so that you can click on the links)