Guidance
Mrs. Brooks
Mission
The purpose of the Hamblen County Department of Education's elementary guidance program is to help students to become successful, productive, and self-sufficient citizens. To be productive citizens our students need:
to accept responsibility
to respect humanity
to care for their community
to learn to adapt to change
to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts
to understand that it is their duty to contribute to society
Purpose
The elementary school guidance counselor helps children
learn to make responsible decisions and become independent problem solvers
build a positive attitude toward self and others
recognize and accept their abilities and limitations
understand and deal with their feelings
learn to get along with other people
cope with situations that are difficult to change
become aware of the world of work
The elementary school guidance counselor works with parents by
encouraging a positive home/school relationship
encouraging better communication with school personnel
being available through phone contacts, conferences, and parent organizations
The elementary school guidance counselor works with teachers by
receiving classroom concerns and referrals
working with the community programs and specialists in the school to meet the needs of children
How does a student get to see the school counselor?
Self referral
Teacher referral
Parent referrral
Administrative referral
Reasons students may want to see the guidance counselor
support and understanding
enhancing self-concept
improving peer relationships
learning problem solving skills
modifying behavior
learning about careers
feeling good about school
The Hamblen County elementary guidance program is conducted through classroom guidance activities, small group sessions, and individual contacts.
If you would like to speak to Mrs. Brooks or to make a referral, she can be reached at the Intermediate building at 585-3861 or at the Primary building 586-6560.
Character Counts
Since it is the goal of the guidance program to ensure the future for our society and the preservation of our heritage, we encourage families and community groups to promote character traits which are symbolic of responsible citizens. The Hamblen County Department of Education adopted the Character Counts program as the basis for its elementary guidance curriculum. The program is aimed at developing students with character traits that will enable them to become productive citizens. Character Counts is centered around the six personal qualities identified as being basic to good character. These qualities include
Trustworthiness--Honesty and Integrity, promise-keeping
Respect--Treating others the way you want to be treated
Responsibility--Do what you are supposed to do
Fairness--Be open-minded and listen to others
Caring--Helping and forgiving
Citizenship--Obey rules and laws
Go to the Character Counts section under "Clubs and Organizations" on the Russellville website to see the photo albums of students who won Character Counts awards.
A Special Friend
Sometimes I'm happy
And sometimes sad.
Sometimes I'm scared
And sometimes mad.
When I need a friend to listen,
Someone to understand,
A place to go and talk a bit,
The counselor can lend a hand.
We might read a story
Or play a game,
Watch a film, or just chat
About why I came.
When I need help
It's nice to know
That the counselor's office
Is the place to go.