Vision and Mission |
Kennedy Elementary Counseling Program Mission Statement:In Kennedy Elementary’s counseling program, I believe that every student can learn and practice life skills that will encourage a love for learning, and a desire to continue growing and achieving their personal and academic goals.
Second Step Guidance Lessons
Norman Public Schools has adopted the Second Step Social/Emotional Learning Curriculum to be taught and implemented in the classroom on a regular and consistent basis. As the school counselor, I teach the Bullying Prevention Units to K - 5th grade. At the beginning of each school year I will send home a parent information letter to inform you of these guidance lessons.
Here is a link for more information on the Second Step Program: www.secondstep.org/bullying-prevention |
Kennedy Elementary Counseling Program Vision Statement:As the school counselor at Kennedy Elementary, I will make every effort to collaborate amongst students, parents, school, and community to enhance each child’s future. We will learn together by encouraging active participation, mutual respect and individual accountability of students, parents, school, and community. The school counseling program will strive to support every student in their needs, meeting them through the provision of information and consultation. My belief is that all students have a right to a safe and inclusive learning environment. To ensure this vision, I commit to abide by professional school counseling ethics.
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Reaching Our GoalsTo reach the goals of this counseling program, many different approaches and modalities are used. We have several community resources, like Mentors, Local Churches, School Based Therapists, Tutors, Big Brother Big Sisters Program, Bethesda, Legacy Cotton therapy dogs, and many more.
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Cowboy JohnWe are the Kennedy Cowboys, and we have one amazing mascot! Cowboy John is so loved by the Kennedy kids and staff. He comes to visit at least once a month. He attends assemblies and assists in classroom guidance lessons to help promote the virtue of the month. He is a character for sure! You just never know what he might have up his sleeve!
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I am a big believer in alternative therapies. This includes Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy, Dance Therapy, Play Therapy, and more. Mindfulness Practices are an integral part of this counseling program as well. I have received a certification from Mindful Schools which enables me to implement these practices in a school setting. We have a meditation room, sensory room, and every room in the building is equipped with a Calm Down Corner. I teach classroom counseling lessons to educate students on the benefits of these techniques and how to use them. Staff members are also trained on how to utilize these tools on a daily basis.
This is Harry, my therapy guinea pig, easing some 5th grade students during a stormy inside recess day. It truly is amazing how animals have the ability to bring joy and ease anxiety!
This is Harry, my therapy guinea pig, easing some 5th grade students during a stormy inside recess day. It truly is amazing how animals have the ability to bring joy and ease anxiety!