As the counselor at Isbell Elementary, I wear many hats and will be responsible for a variety of school activities. 

  One role of the counselor is teaching CLASSROOM GUIDANCE.  Classroom guidance takes place when I go to classrooms K-5 and teach lessons that develop the skills children need to help get along with others as well as make tough decisions confronting them daily.  Guidance lesson topics are planned based on the school counseling developmental guidance program and Health TEKS.   Each lesson is approximately 30 minutes and is introduced through a book, playing a game, activities, and/or group discussion.  My plan is to visit each grade level once a month except for STAAR testing months. 

Another role of the school counselor is to work with the students in a small group setting or individually if needed.  Small Groups or Social Groups are formed on referrals/recommendations from teachers.  Some topics for groups are social skills, dealing with feelings, and divorce.  We will run groups in the fall and spring.  Students are referred to me for INDIVIDUAL guidance if they are having emotional or social challenges that are affecting their education.  The role of the school counselor is to help that student cope with the current situation, so they will be able to be successful in the classroom.  In FISD, school counselors do not work with students one-on-one in a therapy/clinical role. Sometimes working with an individual student can take a couple of sessions, but I will notify the parents when I see a student more than one time and will obtain permission.  If you would like more in-depth counseling or therapy, FISD has a list of counselors/therapists that you may request from me.  When you make the request, I will send you a form to sign.  Once I receive the signed form, then I will send the list.  FISD or Isbell does not endorse or recommend any counselor(s) and we are not authorized to make such recommendations.   

One other responsibility is standardized and state testing. What this means is that I organize, coordinate, train, collect, and finally distribute the results from the testing that will be done at a variety of grade levels. (See Testing Dates)  The new state test, STAAR, will replace TAKS.  There are some major changes.  One the STAAR test will have a time limit of 4 hours.  Second, fourth grade will have two days of writing tests.  Each day will have questions and an essay.

 Throughout the year, we will have Red Ribbon Week, the Angel Tree Gift Collection, the Food Drive, and fundraisers. Details can be read in future newsletters.

 Each day is a new day.  We want our students to know that we care about them as a person; that they are valued.  I look forward to speaking and working with you.

Best Regards,