Carly Byers, Ed.S., NCC
School Counselor
Parents/Guardians, Teachers, Administrators, Counselors, and Instructional Support Staff may refer a student to the school counselor. Students may also refer themselves by written or verbal request. The counselor assesses the level of student need and administers counseling services accordingly.
If you wish to make a student referral, you may contact the school counselor:
Carly Byers, Ed.S, NCC
(770) 459-5762 Ext. 1913
carly.byers@carrollcountyschools.com
Character Education is an integral part of our students' education here at VRE. Each month students are introduced to a new character word through Words of Wisdom on our morning announcements with Mr. Salley. Throughout the month, teachers and staff are encouraged to demonstrate and/or model the character trait of the month. Each classroom has a student who is awarded a certificate for modeling the character trait of the month.
Monthly winners are known as Cool Cats with Character! These students represent the most positive of attributes including: effort and motivation for academics, attendance and punctuality, exceptional behavior, outstanding manners, and admirable character.
As part of this distinguished honor, Cool Cats receive the following:
Personal photograph and information to be highlighted on our Cool Cats with Character! bulletin board (outside the main office) over the upcoming month
Group photo to be printed in local paper, The Villa Rican
Recognition on our morning announcements with Mr. Salley
Award certificate commemorating this achievement
Meal coupon redeemable at Chick-fil-A, Sonic, or IHOP
Free ice cream coupon redeemable in our very own cafeteria
The honor of proudly wearing his/her very own Cool Cats with Character! bracelet
Steppin' Up Week will be May 3 - May 7, 2010.
During this week, we will focus on transition activities for students, particularly grades Pre-K and 5. The move from Pre-K to Kindergarten is very important, as Kindergarten sets the foundation for students' academic and social/emotional success. For information about steppin' up activities for Pre-Kindergarten, please contact Lara Quesada at (770) 459-5762 Ext 1919.
The move from 5th grade to middle school can be a difficult one for many students. We aim to increase the likelihood of social/emotional and academic success through transition activities focusing on preparation.
These transition activities for 5th grade students include:
Class Shirts
Students will have the opportunity to sign a specially designed T-shirt available for purchase. Instructions and order forms will be sent home a few weeks prior to Steppin' Up Week.
Human Growth and Development Education
Girls and Boys will be separated and participate in classes presented by the school counselor and nurse over a 2-day period. These classes will cover both the physical and social/emotional components of puberty. An informative letter will be sent to home to parents requesting permission for participation. If you have questions about material covered, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Tuggle.
Life Skills Training
Throughout the month of May, the counselor will present classroom guidance lessons aimed at promoting awareness of and building skills within the following domains: Self-Esteem, Decision-Making, Smoking Information, Advertising in Today's World, Dealing With Stress, Communication Skills, Social, Skills, and Assertiveness.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Students will tour Villa Rica Middle school with their teachers and counselor. They will have the opportunity to interview current middle school students. Upon concluding the tour, students will enjoy a cookout and afternoon of fun at Gold Dust Park.
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What are the Core Components of the
Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program?
Classroom Guidance
Throughout the year, the counselor will be visiting your child's classroom and will present guidance lessons. The guidance lessons will be about topics such as: feelings, social skills, organizational skills, study skills, test-taking skills, bullying, tolerance, drug awareness, and character education. Teachers may request additional topics based upon the needs of the classroom.
Individual Counseling
The school counselor makes every effort to reserve daily time to respond to individual student needs. The counselor will provide individual counseling on an as-needed basis to help your child resolve issues or concerns that are or have the significant potential to impede social/emotional and academic success. Parents may contact the school counselor to assist in resolving these issues. When extended counseling is deemed necessary for a student, the school counselor will contact the parent to discuss this. Individual counseling in the school setting is typically short-term and the counselor makes every effort to preserve confidentiality. Given the unique nature of the elementary school counseling setting, some students may also benefit from additional individual counseling services provided by a community counselor outside the school setting. Parents, if you believe your child may be in need of services such as this, please contact Ms. Tuggle for assistance and counseling resources within the community.
Small Group Counseling
Small groups are formed by the counselor on an as-needed basis. At any given time throughout the school year, topics may include strengthening social skills, building friendships, self-esteem building, academic support (attention, retention, motivation, listening, organizational, and time management skills), building study skills, improving behavior/anger management skills, development of self-awareness and control, learning techniques for effective conflict resolution, and coping with family transitions. Parents, please feel free to contact Ms. Tuggle if you believe your child would benefit from group placement.
Career Week is March 29 – April 2, 2010.
During this week, students will be introduced to various careers through classroom activities such as reading, discussion, presentations, writing assignments, and research projects. During the months of March and April, classroom guidance lessons will be presented by the counselor to further promote career awareness and exploration.
College Day is Tuesday, March 30, 2010.
On this day, teachers will wear a shirt or sweatshirt from a college from which they graduated. As teachers wear there Alma Mater, students are also encouraged to wear a shirt or sweatshirt from a college they would like to attend in the future. The idea is to begin the conversation about college early. We want to build lifelong learners, committed to setting and achieving personal, academic, and career goals. This process begins with elementary-age students because this is the prime time to begin setting them up for success. Parents, we encourage you to talk with your children about college and career at home. Ask them about their hopes, dreams, college and career goals, and their plans for achieving these goals. Encourage them to ask questions and research careers and colleges they are interested in. To help you get the conversation started, follow the link to this article…
Five Simple Things to Get Kids to Think the C-word (College)
By Dr. Uma G. Gupat
Our Career Day Fair will be held on Friday, April 2 (9:00 – 12:00).
During this time, students will actively engage in presentations from various professionals within our community. This year, we have approximately 25 total presenters supporting this event. Students will learn about many types of careers as they have the opportunity to see demonstrations, hear presentations, and ask questions directly. Parents, please encourage your children to share with you their favorite careers of the day and have them explain why. Ask them what types of subjects they are learning in school now that may ultimately help them with this career choice!
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