Guidance

Welcome to the ALES Guidance Page!

My name is Mary DesMarais. I am the Counselor for PK-5th Grade. My goal as your child's school counselor is to:

- assist them in promoting a positive attitude towards themselves and others

-identifying strengths and weaknesses

-coping with change in school, their surroundings, and themselves

-being responsible for their actions

I work with students in the classroom, small group, and individually.

In the classroom, we work together in understanding the importance of good character. There are 6 pillars of character. They are:

Respect

Responsibility

Fairness

Caring

Trustworthiness

Citizenship.

These Character traits are emphasized and practiced throughout all aspects of their school day.

Every 6 weeks, one student from each class is awarded a certificate and medal for exhibiting that particular character trait for that 6 weeks during morning announcements. With parent permission, their child's picture is displayed at the Food Lion in Mt.Jackson.

Their picture is also displayed in the main hallway and grade level hall.

I also offer individual sessions. The goals of these sessions are to assist the child in adjusting to school. This may include family, friendship, academic issues, and self-esteem issues.

I am able to also offer divorce, friendship, anger management, and study skills groups. These groups provide the children the environment to work with other children who are experiencing similar issues. These groups assist students in growing self confidence, meeting new friends, and developing more positive coping skills.

Parens, students, and teachers can make referrals to see me.

Kelso

Problem Solving Program

Kelso is a friendly frog who is the mascot for this program. The program assists children to:

-understand the difference between a small and big problem

-solve problems in a peaceful way

-teach them to report to adults those big problems where a child may be hurt or who could get hurt

Choices for solving problems:

*ignore (those being disrespectful)

*share and take turns

*walk away (from those being disrespectful)

*wait and cool off