1. Becoming a Winner when you are the team Rookie! Remember the 3 R’s! Relationships, Resources, Record Keeping

2. The Rookie has to build Relationships Being a winner starts with building relationships and earning the trust of your staff, students, parents and system personnel. The first impression and rapport can make or break your future at any level.

3. Staff Relationships Don’t expect your staff to automatically trust that you are competent to do your job….prove it! Often you face obstacles of prior problems from your predecessor and even “big feet to fill”.

4. Building Staff Relationships Don’t act as an administrator. It is often hard to find your “spot” in the staff. Make yourself equal and listen to the advice of others. Do needs assessments. Ask for other’s input on changes needed. If you have prior experience or classroom experience, share it….empathize with the teacher that spends all day in front of often unmotivated students. In building administrator relationships remind the administrator that you are an important part of the team that is striving for AYP and student success. Offer your help when needed. Be a team builder!

5. When all else fails…give Candy! Everybody loves chocolate!… place goodies in boxes or provide for a meeting! “Like Three Musketeers, we are in this together” “ Your welcoming me to XYZ “mint” a lot” “Catch the sensation…school counseling” (use chocolate peppermint)

6. Communication is Key! Email staff or print memos to inform them of your activities. Share your Plan of Action and Guidance Plan with the staff. Make sure you offer feedback on referrals and communicate your “completed” sessions and thanks for caring referrals.

7. Student Relationships First and foremost…remember that even at the high school level, they are still children – Have fun! It is ok. Let them know you care. Be different so they will want to come see you. Be a friend! Who needs another parent?

8. Building Student Relationships Hey, Kids love Candy too! Have a candy jar of mints or lifesavers or surprise them with a sucker. Speak to them and introduce yourself early. Your first impression in individual sessions gets around fast. Let them know how to access you in need. Roll out the “red carpet” when they come…drop the paperwork…these are your customers! Give customer service. You are never to busy to serve. Joke, and have a sense of humor – they respond so well to it. Get on their level! Be real! Talk their language! You will be surprised how it builds rapport! Again, communication.

9. Parent Relationships Get them on your side early. Let them know you care and are going to help their child to graduation. Have a webpage, business card and brochure of your services.

10. Building Parent Relationships USE EMAIL when available. Always ask if parents use email, and get an email address for the student’s file. Communication again is key! Return calls, emails and take time to answer questions – this is Public Relations (PR). Keep parents informed through newsletters and updated website information. Encourage “scheduled” parent conferences – but make time if it is a “drop in.” You may not can resolve the problem, but make contact! NOTE:Word travels fast of your counselor-parent skills.

11. System Support Get to know your system personnel and make sure they know you. “No man is an island.”

12. Building System Support Get to know your system directors- Personnel, Student Services, Technology, Finance – Send a brochure and introductory letter to them letting them know that you are looking forward to serving in the system. Invite them to stop in when they are on campus. This rapport can get you support when you need it - staff development, tech support, etc.

13. The Rookie has to build his/her Resources Everything comes from nothing!

14. Where to start! Become familiar with job description, procedures and policies. Purge old files and see what is “left behind”. Do an inventory and know what you have available. (see record keeping) Ask for budget – if there is none, look for alternative sources – PTO, fund raisers, etc. Search the internet for free resources. Start with www.schoolcounselor.org Join listserves! www.schoolcounselor.org Share with colleagues. Attend conference and sign up for information. Get on mailing lists.

15. Create your own files Power Points Web PagesBrochures“Idea Book” NewslettersLesson Plans HandoutsCareer Centers

16. The Rookie has to have good Record Keeping Skills Organize!

17. You just got to have it! Student Data File Excel list of files Excel list of resources Student/Teacher Referral Form Letterhead/Fax/ Stationary Program of Study sheets, etc Website, Business Cards & Brochure

18. Now You are a Winner!

19. Always…for the children, Brian Law Valdosta High School 3101 N Forrest Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-333-8550 Blaw@gocats.org