ABOUT YOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR Presented by Mrs. Miriam Fay

Meet your School Counselor Mrs. Miriam Fay has been the counselor at Benton Elementary since 2001. She is a certified teacher specialized in kids's development and behavior. Mrs. Fay loves children. Mrs. Fay speaks both, English and Spanish. Mrs. Fay is married to J.R. They have two children currently attending college.

WHAT IS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR? The school counselor is an official kids' helper. The school counselor is also a teacher. The counselor is a good listener when children need to confide in someone. The school counselor will not betray the students' trust. The counselor is a trusted grown-up friend in school.

WHAT THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR IS NOT! The counselor is not an extraterrestrial spy. The counselor is not there only for kids in trouble. On the contrary, kids are never in trouble when they visit the counselor's office. The counselor is never out to get children or their families. On the contrary, the counselor helps kids find solutions or strategies to cope with their family issues. Their concerns are always treated with respect & confidentiality. The counselor's office is not there for for anyone to skip classes or waste time.

How can I set goals for my future? STUDENTS WANT TO KNOW... Who helps me and how? Who am I? What will I need to learn to get there? How can I change to be my best? How can I set goals for my future? Where am I going?

THE COUNSELOR IS A KIDS' HELPER The counselor may help answer all those questions, or help when I am sad or mad. The counselor may help when I am scared or worried. The counselor listens when I have trouble with friends or family. The counselor listens to me when I need to talk about something special. The counselor helps me find answers. The counselor cheers me up.  Again, I am never in trouble when I go to the counselor's office.

THE COUNSELOR IS ALSO A TEACHER The counselor teaches me about myself. The counselor teaches me about other people. The counselor teaches me about rules. The counselor teaches me about being nice and getting along with others. The counselor gives me tips to do my best in school.

THE COUNSELOR TEACHES GUIDANCE LESSONS

THE COUNSELOR IS YOUR FIRST CAREER COACH The counselor helps me clarify what I am good at. The counselor helps me learn about jobs grown ups do. The counselor helps me understand the importance of learning as much as I can from my teachers while I am young. ●The counselor helps me find my favorite ways to learn and have fun.

THE COUNSELOR WORKS FOR STUDENTS

THE COUNSELOR WORKS

THE COUNSELOR LISTENS AND HELPS ANSWER SOME TOUGH QUESTIONS Sometimes I am sad about my family. Sometimes I wish I could make new friends. Sometimes I wonder why I can't follow the rules. Sometimes I worry about what my teacher thinks of me. Sometimes I am just unhappy about everything.

THE COUNSELOR HAS OTHER WAYS TO HELP Sometimes the counselor gathers small groups of children so that we can help each other. Sometimes the counselor gives kids some tests to help find the best ways to educate them.  Also, sometimes the counselor works with parents.

ASK YOUR TEACHER TO LET YOU COME TO THE COUNSELOR IF YOU NEED TO TALK

ANY QUESTIONS For Mrs. FAY?