Meet The Counselors...
At Rocky Plains Elementary, we have one full-time counselor, Mrs. Rhonda Denby, and a new half-time counselor, Ms. Shainita Heath, whom we share with Fairview Elementary School.
Mrs. Denby has a Masters Degree and a Specialist Degree in School Counseling. She has many years of counseling experience, which include elementary, high school, and vocational rehabilitation counseling.
Mrs. Heath has a Masters Degree in School Counseling and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has taught every grade except Pre-K and Ninth. Her undergraduate degree certifies her to teach Emotional Behavior Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities and Specific Learning Disabilities.
Services...
Mission Statement:
The Rocky Plains Elementary School Counseling Program is designed to promote critical thinking, knowledgeable, skillful and responsible young people by ensuring the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.
Our counselors work together to plan and implement a comprehensive guidance and counseling program based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, state and district guidelines, and the school’s goals for student achievement. Each year, a needs assessment and program evaluations are conducted so that the counselors can plan effective programs.
Programs...
The main components of the Rocky Plains Elementary School Counseling Program are:
1. School Guidance Curriculum - Counselors go into the classrooms to teach knowledge, skills and attitudes that will help students reach their full potential in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development.
2. Small Group Participation - Counselors work with students in smaller group settings to address specific areas of concern, or to develop their social and/or academic skills.
3. Individual Counseling - Counselors meet with individual students to help them solve problems that are interfering with their learning and sense of well-being. Students may ask for assistance or may be referred by parents, teachers or other school staff.
4. Responsive Services - Includes crisis intervention (individual, family or school), consultation, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
5. System Support - Counselors serve on the school leadership team, and provide professional development, student support services, and program management/operation.
6. Incentive Programs – Our incentive programs are designed to promote high academic achievement by recognizing great behavior, academic accomplishments and excellent school attendance.
• Cougar of the Month Program
Cougars of the Month are nominated by their homeroom teachers for showing good character and striving to do their best in school. They serve as examples for other children of the behaviors and attitudes that lead to school success. Their pictures are posted in the picture gallery on the school website and displayed on a special poster on the “Wall of Fame.” At the end of the month, they are given their poster and other incentives to take home.
• C.O.U.G.A.R.S. Program - “Class of Unbelievably Great and Respectful Students”
Teachers and staff give out “cougar paws” throughout the school week to classes that are being especially well-behaved, working cooperatively, and following school rules. On Tuesday morning, the winning class (with the most paws) from each grade level is announced on the morning show and gets to keep a stuffed cougar in their class for a week. All classes will earn a special reward for each 25 paws that they earn.
• Never Been Absent Program – N.B.A. Club
Students who are never absent, tardy or checked out early for a full 9 weeks receive NBA All-Star Certificates and go to the NBA Party. Group pictures are displayed on the “Wall of Fame” in the school hallway and in the website picture gallery. Students who are present all day, every day for the first half of the year get an extra incentive (last year they got tickets to an Alcovy High School Basketball Game) and those who stay in the NBA Club all year, also attend the All Year NBA Party.
7. Special Theme Weeks – These educational programs provide activities and educational opportunities that help students make good choices about their futures.
• Red Ribbon Week (RRW)– Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program
Each year in October, Rocky Plains Elementary joins schools across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week. This program was established in memory of Enrique “Kikki” Camarena, a drug enforcement officer who was killed while investigating drug cartels in Mexico. The week includes a variety of activities to educate children on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, and to encourage them to make a commitment to stay drug free.
• Career Week
Career Week is held in April or May each year, and utilizes speakers and career exploration activities to help children learn about careers and think about their goals for the future. Guidance classes for the month will also focus on career development and the importance of a good education. The program seeks to motivate students by linking current school achievement to future success.
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