Dr. Estrella, School Counselor Welcome, students!!

Welcome to School !  I will introduce you to your School Counselor and the School Counseling Program.

DR. ESTRELLA IS YOUR School Counselor and that’s ME!!!

What is a counselor? A COUNSELOR is:  A good friend of all boys and girls at the school  A professional School Counselor helps students learn about feelings, being a good student, trying your very best, getting along with others, making good decisions, and solving problems peacefully.  The school counselor manages and implements the School Counseling Program.

All About Your Counselor, Dr. Estrella (Me!)  My background  I grew up in Cuba and Puerto Rico. I came to live in Miami when I was 20 years old.  I attended elementary and middle school in Cuba, and high school in Puerto Rico. I also went to the University of Puerto Rico, Florida International University in Miami, and Nova University in Ft. Lauderdale.  My experience  I’ve been a counselor for 24 years. I have worked in middle and high school, but elementary is my favorite.

My Family  I was raised by my mother and my father. I have 1 sister and 2 brothers.  My parents gave me lots of love! They taught me to be respectful, responsible and safe.  There are different types of families. Families can change too!

My Family (cont.)  My children and stepchildren are grown-ups:  2 sons, Nick and Joey  1 daughter, Amanda  4 stepchildren  When my children were growing up, we had pets:  Fish, Pinky  Hamsters, Chip & Dale  Dog, Sparky Dr. Estrella and Husband Investigator Figueroa Stepchildren: Frances, Fernie, Janette & Peter Children: Nick, Joey & Amanda Step Grandchildren: Janeicy, Adrian, Destinee, Brandon & Alex Grandchildren: Nicolas & Victor Dogs Stimpy & Zoey

Families are Very Important!  Our families give us things we need such as love, care, food, clothes, and a place to live.

Some of My Goals as Your School Counselor  To help motivate you and gain skills to do your best in school, get good grades and move on to the next grade level.  To help you learn ways to appreciate yourself and others, and get along with your peers.  To help you make new friends and discover new interests.  To discuss with you any concerns and help you solve any problems you may have.

Counseling Topics  Some topics we will cover during this school year are:  How to be the best student you can be  Establishing goals and making good decisions  Making new friends and keeping “old” friends  Feelings are important!  Getting to know yourself better  Solving conflicts in peaceful ways

How to be the best student you can be…  Be in school everyday  Practice effective learning skills: for example, listening and paying attention  Ask for help if you need it  Practice good study habits  Show a positive attitude  Have self-control  Do your homework every day

Making and Keeping Friends…  Treat others with respect  Help others  Smile and be friendly  Listen to others

Knowing yourself better…  You are special!  Recognize your special talents  Know what you are good at  Know what you like and dislike

As your Counselor, I want to help you to do well in school…so you can  graduate and find a good job that you enjoy!!!

The Dolphins Club  Some students may participate in the Dolphins Club!  We meet in small groups and do activities that can help students learn about feelings, get along better with peers, improve their grades or behavior. 

If you need to see your Counselor (me!):  Tell your teacher that you want an appointment with Dr. Estrella, or…  Write a note to me, Dr. Estrella, and give it to a lady in the school office. Make sure you write clearly your name and your teacher’s name, or…  Stop by my office and let me know.

What happens next?  I will give you an appointment!  I will write on a paper the day and time we can meet in my office and will give it to your teacher. She/he will give it to you and send you to see me.  When we meet, I will give you all my attention and we will talk. I can help!!!

Rules in Our School  Our school is a community. In our school community, we have rules to help us get along with each other and be safe.  Our school rules remind students to:.  Be safe  Be respectful  Be responsible

KBK8 Center SCHOOL RULES  Students are to show safe behaviors at all times by conducting themselves in an orderly manner in the hallways, in class, in the cafeteria, at assembly programs, and on field trips.  Students are to show respect with words and actions to fellow students, school personnel and volunteers; and be respectful of private and public property.  Students are to show responsibility by attending school every day, completing school work, and putting forth their best learning effort in all classes.

Key Biscayne K-8 Center Students are ALWAYS expected to be:  SAFE  RESPECTFUL  RESPONSIBLE

Class Rules  You may also have rules in your class that help you and your classmates to work together well and do your best.  What are some rules in your class? Raise your hand, stay in your seat, complete your class work on time…

Cafeteria Rules Our Cafeteria is the special place where we meet to have breakfast or lunch. We also use it for special assemblies. Students must follow our Cafeteria Rules so we all can enjoy a safe and nice time during meals: Stay in your seat, Keep you area clean, and Speak softly.

The MDC Public Schools Code of Student Conduct All students must follow the guidelines listed on the Code of Student Conduct. See it on line at Model STUDENTS are always…  SAFE  RESPECTFUL  RESPONSIBLE

MODEL STUDENTS ARE “STAR” STUDENTS KEY BISCAYNE K-8 CENTER STUDENTS WHO FOLLOW RULES RECEIVE… STAR TICKETS!!!

We do not allow BULLYING in our school

If another student says or does something that hurts your feelings  SAY “STOP”  WALK away  TALK with an adult if you need help

If you have said or done something that might have hurt someone’s feelings … And you hear the student saying “STOP”: You must…  STOP!!  WALK away  TALK with an adult if you need help (Saying “Sorry” to the student would be nice!!!)

More about bullying prevention… If someone is doing or saying something that makes you feel not safe…You should always:  Talk to a teacher, counselor, or administrator at school and with your parents  You may also complete a confidential report and put it in Dr. Estrella’s Mailbox in the Library. We will investigate the situation.

About Home Learning Assignments  You are assigned about minutes of homework every day. You also need to do 30 minutes of reading daily.  Your homework is due when your teacher tells you. Make sure you write your homework assignments on your agenda.  Talk with your teacher if you need extra time to work on a homework ( because of valid reason).

Attendance and Punctuality  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU COME TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY!  IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARRIVE AT SCHOOL ON TIME!  IF YOU ARE NOT IN SCHOOL, YOU ARE MISSING ON LEARNING!!!

Attendance and Punctuality  School starts at 8:20 A.M. for K and 1 st grades and 8:35 A.M. for 2 nd -5 th grades.  If you aren’t in the classroom by the time the bell rings, you are tardy. Please check in at the school office before coming to class.  If you are absent, you must bring a note from your parents or the doctor the next day.  If you are absent or tardy several times, the school will contact your parents.

Field Trips and Other Fun Activities  Your teachers have fun field trips and other activities planned for this year!  Remember you always have to show your best behavior at all times.  You should follow your teacher’s directions.  You should remain with the group always.  You should always treat guests and visitors with respect.  Show your best behavior during assemblies.

We’ll Have a Great Year at Key Biscayne K-8 Center!