Goals 2010-2011

It's always good to have goals at the start of a new school year. It's sort of like New Years' resolutions in August. I love being a school counselor, but I am always trying to think of ways to be a BETTER school counselor.

Last year I had a goal of trying to reach out to some of the boys in my grade so that I could try to build a positive relationship with them through the next 3 years. I know that it is very hard sometimes for females to gain the respect and trust of at risk boys, but I always aim to try, if you know what I mean. Who can blame them for not wanting to trust a "counselor." I mean, it's so embarrassing to get the "blue pass" from the counselor! Since I know this about boys (and girls), I also make it a goal every year to make the first visit with me a sort of fun, get to know me/you visit. I have lots of fun things in my office and I try to work on building that relationship right away, so that they know I am trying to understand them and will trust me more when they get into BIG trouble at school.

Back to my goal of reaching these at risk boys. I sort of made that goal last school year. I was very frustrated at times because I had many 6th grade boys get into trouble and end the year on behavior plans. Most of those boys spent a good deal of time with me, as I tried to build that relationship while also showing them videos and discussing proper behavior, and anger management, and study skills. Sooo, my challenge is going to be to build on that goal this year~ to seek a new way of talking through issues and getting the boys to understand that the best time to make changes in attitudes and behavior is now, and that whatever they do now can affect their future in high school, both the good aspects and the bad.

I'm sure I will not be disappointed this year. I always try to take the time each year to ask God (at least once!) to bring kids and parents to my office who need a touch of His love.

Summary of goals: to love the kids more, and to help them move towards positive behavior changes in their lives.