August Counseling Lessons - 4th & 5th Grade Classes

Fourth and fifth grade students participated in their first counseling lesson of the school year this week. Swap classes came together to meet with me in the amphitheater for around 50 minutes to learn about me and my role as their school counselor. Fourth grade students listened to song clips to determine some times they might want to visit the school counselor.  Some of the song clips students listened to include Help! by the Beatles, Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin, Mean by Taylor Swift, Bad Day by Daniel Powter, and Happy by Pharrell.

Fifth grade students completed a poster rotation activity to review my role as a school counselor as well as to review the bullying unit they completed last year.

   

 

After completing the rotations, we reviewed what they wrote on the posters and all students should have left with a clear understanding of my role as their school counselor, procedures for making an appointment with me, strategies to use to stop a bully, and procedures for reporting bullying at Paine Intermediate.

If you have any concerns about your child or feel like your child needs to meet with me, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime at lauren.blake@trussvillecityschools.com or (205) 228-3387.  I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your children!

Club Day Information

Our students at Paine Intermediate are excited about Club Day but parents might be asking themselves what in the world Club Day is!  Take a look at the pictures below from our PowerPoint presentation to learn more about this exciting opportunity for all of our students.

Information about Club Day was sent home and e-mailed to parents on Monday, August 24th. If your child misplaced his or her form, you can print another one from my website by clicking here.

Instructions for Entering Club Choices Online
Click on your child's grade level below to enter their Club Day choices online. Remember, students need to turn their Club Day Selection Forms in to their homeroom teachers signed by a parent by Thursday, August 27th.

Students will know what Club they are in by Tuesday, September 15th. If you have any questions, please let your child's teacher or Mrs. Blake know.

Explanation of Counseling Program 2015-2016

We are off to a great start here at Paine Intermediate!  My name is Lauren Blake and I am the 4^th and 5^th grade school guidance counselor.  I am excited to be your child’s counselor and look forward to working with the students in various settings this year.  Below you will find a summary of my role at Paine Intermediate and how I will be working with your child.

Whole Group Guidance Lessons – Fourth and fifth grade classes will join me in the amphitheater monthly where they will participate in lessons on such topics as character traits, feelings and emotions, peer relationships, friendships, study habits, career awareness, communication skills, and decision making.  The lessons are engaging, interactive, and informative and are meant to help students become more successful in all areas of their daily life.

Small Peer Groups – Throughout the school year, I will be conducting small groups on a variety of topics such as dealing with anger, school success, behavior/self-control, divorce, grief, and self-esteem.  With parent permission, these groups meet weekly for 6-8 sessions.  During this time, students have discussions and participate in a variety of activities to develop the skills and strategies needed to help them become more successful personally, socially, and academically.  Groups offered vary as it depends on the needs of the students at Paine Intermediate.  Teachers and parents may recommend students for these small groups.  In addition, students can choose to participate in a Lunch Bunch when available.  During a Lunch Bunch, groups of students eat lunch with the counselor and talk about things relevant to their lives including broad topics such as friendship, homework, conflict resolution, concerns they have about school, etc. These groups are more informal and do not require parent permission.  

One-on-One Counseling Appointments – I am available throughout the school day to meet with students on a one-on-one basis and discuss any concerns they may have.  Students may schedule an appointment with me by completing an Appointment Request Form.  These forms can be obtained from their classroom teacher or from the basket outside my office.  Parents may also contact me and request that I meet with their student using the contact information provided below.

A peek into my office space!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your 4^th or 5^th grader, please feel free to call me at 228-3387 or e-mail me at lauren.blake@trussvillecityschools.com.  I look forward to a great year!