Counselor Connections

Counselor Introduction
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to Belmont. I am the School Counselor and this is my fourth year in this capacity. I have over twenty years of experience in education as a PreK-5th grade classroom teacher and this is my fourth year at Belmont. Belmont is a great school, however that doesn't mean that our students won't face challenges. I want them to know that I am here to support and teach them to cope with concerns, worries or frustrations. As a school counselor, my primary responsibilities are to promote academic, personal and social development of all students. I have privilege to work with every single child in the school with development and preventative strategies.
Services Provided
  • Classroom Guidance Lessons- I facilitate Social Emotional Lessons every other week for 30 minutes, that align with Social Emotional Learning standards based on the Colorado Department of Education and American School Counselor Association. There are 35 mindset and behavior standards that identify and prioritize the specific attitudes, knowledge and skills students need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness and social/emotional development. 
  • Group Counseling are provided for small groups of students experiencing similar concerns. These groups may include keeping friends, anger management, coping with separation/divorce, loss/grief, getting organized, and improving self-esteem. 
  • Individual Counseling: Short term individual counseling support is available to all students. Students can self-refer or be referred by parent, teachers/staff. I have community resource list to help you make informed decisions for therapy. 
  • Consultations: I meet with parents, teachers,and/or administrators to discuss and meet the needs of individual students. I am here for all students and I want to ensure your child has a positive and productive school experience. Don't hesitate to,  in anyway, contact me if you have concerns regarding your child.    
SEL Programs 
No Bully
Second Step
7 mindsets 
Kelso's Choices
Parent Education or Resources
Kindness weeks
Peace Ambassadors



*** Confidentiality is respect however, please note that all information is confidential between me and your child, unless they are planning on harming themselves, hurting someone else, someone is hurting them or the give me permission to share. I highly encourage and help students formulate a way to share their difficulties with trusted adults.***

If you need support and the school is closed please remember

 SAFETY is #1.....

Safe2Tell Colorado provides students and adults in Colorado an increased ability to both prevent violence and report concerning behaviors by making safe, ANONYMOUS reports.
9Reporting Process
Download the App!

 


Counselor Think About
The beginning of the school year can be an exciting time! For most kids, it is fun to move into a new classroom, meet new teachers and friends, and reunite with buddies they haven't seen all summer. But for a few others, these same experiences can bring anxiety, frustration and fear. Because we want every child to have a good experience with their new adventure, I'd like to share a few tips to help the first few days of school go smoothly for both parents and students.

  • Keep a Positive Attitude! When you talk about school, focus on the positives. Share only the good memories you have about earlier school years and let students know that this is a good time for fresh starts. Kids can pick up on any fear or anxiety you have on their behalf very easily. 
  • Keep Goodbyes Brief! Farewells can be hard, especially those first few days, for both kids and parents. One thing that can help is to set up the routine right from the start. Talk to your kids about what to expect when it comes time to separate. For example, let them know you will be walking them to class, taking a picture or two, a hug and a kiss and then it's time for parents to go. Even if your kiddo gets emotional, the sooner you leave the sooner they can adjust to their new classroom and teacher. It's never easy to leave your children crying or upset but don't worry, they are in the hands of professionals who care about your little ones too! Most times, before you are out the front door, they'll be settling in just fine!
  • Make a Plan. If you expect your child to have a hard time, it might be a great idea to talk to his or her teacher or counselor to set up a plan and a routine to minimize any drama. Many of the teachers I have worked with have been happy to offer smart start incentives, greet a child at the bus or drop-off, or find a small job for students to help with before school starts to keep them busy until the bell rings. Counselors can help with these things too! 
  • Listen to your child's fears. Sometimes letting kids talk about what's bothering them can help them process through the what-if's. In the case of legitimate concerns, parents can help guide these scenarios focusing on practical things students can do. Remember to focus on teaching the coping skills and positive ways students can handle the different fears they may have. 
  • Maximize Resources. Talk to your friendly Professional School Counselor, yours truly, about Friendship Groups or Social Skills Groups that may be available to teach the skills they need to help make meeting new people, making friends, following rules, and keeping routines a bit easier. We can work in small groups or individually to meet the students needs. 
Please never hesitate to contact the school about any concerns you may have for your child. We are here to help! The best way to start the school year is with good communication and keeping the goal in sight. We all want the year to be fun and exciting for EVERYONE! Together we can make it happen. :) 

Seven Mindsets

7 Mindsets Poster


Here’s a quick overview:

  • Everything is Possible: Dream big, embrace creativity and expect results
  • Passion First: Pursue your authentic talents and deepest interests
  • We Are Connected: Explore the synergies in all relationships and learn to empower one another
  • 100% Accountable: Choose to be responsible for your own happiness and success
  • Attitude of Gratitude: Seek positives from every experience and be thankful for all you have
  • Live to Give: Inspire and serve others while maximizing your potential
  • The Time is Now:
  • Harness the power of this moment, and take purposeful action today

The 7 Mindsets are actions and attitudes that can literally change the course of a person’s life.  They represent the irrefutable, time-tested thinking at the heart of fulfillment, happiness and success on one’s own terms, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or socio-economic background. They have worked, and will continue to work, for all those who incorporate them into their lives.

As a school, we teach these simple principles to young people and adults through a daily mindset moment. 





Classroom Curriculum Resources
Second Step 
Becoming a successful learner isn’t just about academics. Second Step offers a social-emotional learning curriculum that supports the whole child. It teaches skills for resolving conflicts, working with others, forming healthy relationships, and making good decisions—so students can be more successful emotionally, socially, and academically. 
Kelso's Choice 
What It’s all about..
Kelso’s Choices empowers students to use skills of conflict management at school, in the community and at home.
Kelso teaches there are two types of problems.
 There are Two Types of problems…….
BIG PROBLEMS- Report BIG PROBLEMSto a trusted adult right away!!!* Scary*Cause Worry*Someone could or is getting hurt*Break the law ( stealing, damage property, etc.)small problems-Using Kelso’s Choices, YOU are big enough, smart enough and strong enough to solve small problems* Angry*Sad* Embarrassed*AnnoyedKelso’s 9 Choices Wait & Cool Off Go to Another Game Talk it Out
Share & Take TurnsIgnore itWalk AwayTell Them To StopApologizeMake A Deal

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