School Counselor
About Me!
Welcome! My name is Amanda Harris. I love being the School Counselor at Madisonville Primary School! My husband Jon, and I have two boys- Paxton and Wilder. I enjoy spending time in nature. Camping and hiking are a couple of things my family and I love to do often. I also love plants, being creative, and making new things. I earned a Master of Science in School Counseling from Lee University in 2014 and have been a School Counselor in Monroe County Schools since then!
Mrs. Harris is here to help!
School counselors strive to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students within the school. A counselor provides support and assistance to students through the use of classroom guidance, small group counseling, and individual counseling. In addition to these direct services, counselors also collaborate with parents, teachers, and other community stakeholders in order to ensure the needs of our students are being met. The role of a school counselor is to create a supportive, positive environment that fosters student achievement and growth.
Classroom Guidance
The use of classroom guidance allows students to learn important topics and skills that they will be able to apply outside of the classroom, following the national standards set forth by the American School Counseling Association. Some of these topics include, but are not limited to: Friendship, Bullying, Conflict Resolution, Coping Skills, Safety, etc. The order and duration of topics are based upon needs assessment data and teacher input.
Small Group Counseling
This form of counseling is used to target specific learning areas and allows for additional learning opportunities on certain topics in a smaller setting. They allow students the opportunity to develop relationships and support with other group members, learn new skills, and to apply what they have learned in a variety of settings in and out of the school. Group topics vary greatly dependent upon the needs of the students at that current time.
Individual Counseling
One-on-one counseling that is provided on a short-term basis for students.
Consultation and Collaboration
Another role of the school counselor is to collaborate with teachers, parents, administrators, or community stakeholders when appropriate in order to provide students with the proper resources and support. This is an integral part of the school counselor’s role in order to best support the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality during counseling is always maintained, UNLESS:
- Student poses a danger to self or others.
- There is a court ordered disclosure or subpoena.
- Student and/or guardian gives permission to share confidential information
- Suspected abuse or neglect.
Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at Madisonville Primary 423-442-2236, or by email, [email protected]
Helpful Websites and Resources
Talking with your children about COVID-19
https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/Docs/latest_news/2020/Coronavirus_COVID19__Children.pdf
Helping children cope while sheltering in place https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/Docs/latest_news/2020/Helping-Kids-Cope-While-Sheltering-in-Place.pdf
Supporting Children and Teens during the Coronavirus Pandemic https://www.mghclaycenter.org/hot-topics/7-ways-to-support-kids-and-teens-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
Parenting
https://confidencemeetsparenting.com/parenting-tips/
https://www.positiveparenting.com/
https://www.verywellfamily.com/school-age-kids-4157368
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-child-divorce.html
Self-Care and Mindfulness
https://myhealthchampion.com/health-and-wellness-mindfulness-resources/
https://childmind.org/article/self-care-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://www.brainpop.com/health/personalhealth/mindfulness/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awo8jUxIm0c&feature=youtu.be
https://www.headspace.com/meditation/kids
https://parentinfo.org/article/mindfulness-in-schools-a-parents-guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWxAiWo-jWc
Self-Esteem
http://kindergartenbasics.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-build-confidence-in-kids.html
https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/childrens-self-esteem-and-parental-influence-part-one-of-three/
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/self-esteem.html
Grief
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/death.html
https://www.covenanthomecareandhospice.com/katerpillar-kids-camp-grief/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255