PARENTING HELPS AND HINTS
WHAT DO KIDS REALLY WANT ... !
What do kids really want most from their parents? A worldwide survey of
almost 100,000 boys and girls has resulted in a list of ten do's and don'ts
every mother and father should take into consideration when dealing with their
child. As you read the following list, you will be surprised at some of the
conclusions. Let's take a look at the "TOP TEN":
1. Treat all of your children with equal affection.
2. Stay close to your children - share your feelings.
3. Make their friends welcome in your home.
4. Don't quarrel in front of them.
5. Be thoughtful to each other.
6. Never lie to your children.
7. Always answer their questions.
8. Don't punish your children in the presence of others.
9. Be consistent in affection and moods.
10. Concentrate on good points, not failings.
By keeping the above list in mind, we can better understand our children and
make their lives and ours more pleasurable.
YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Linda Waggoner is serving Gulf Shores Elementary as the school counselor.
She has been employed as a school counselor at Gulf Shores Elementary for ten
years. Before entering the field of counseling, Ms. Waggoner was a classroom
teacher for seven and one half years.
Ms. Waggoner received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University in 1970. She completed her Master of Education in School Counseling at the University of South Alabama in 1992. In 2002, Ms. Waggoner completed requirements for an Educational Specialist degree in School Counseling at the University of South Alabama. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Alabama Counseling Association.
COUNSELING SERVICES
The following counseling services are available to students, teachers, and parents throughout the school year:
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Individual Student Counseling |
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Small Group Counseling Focusing on Specific Areas of Need |
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Parent/Teacher Consultation |
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Classroom Guidance Lessons |
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Coordination of Student Assessment and School Records |
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Crisis Intervention Services |
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Community Resource Information |
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Parenting Resource Information |
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Student Intervention for Academic, Behavioral, and/or Emotional Concerns |
COUNSELOR REFERRAL PROCESS
Should you or your child require assistance from the school
counselor, you may contact Ms. Waggoner at the following telephone number to
make an appointment: 968-7375.
lwaggoner@bcbe.org
Students may request to see the counselor by completing a
referral note or by giving verbal indication to a teacher, a school staff
member, the principal, or the counselor.
Parenting Helps and Hints / Discipline Tips for Parents
Discipline problems occur not only at school, but also in the home.
Here are a few tips that should be heeded when you are faced with a disruptive
child:
Don't disapprove of the child - disapprove of what he/she does.
Give attention and praise for good behavior - not bad.
Encourage and allow discussion - but remember, it is the parent that makes the final decision.
Punishment should be swift, reasonable, related to the offense, and absolutely certain to occur.
Throw out all rules you are unwilling to enforce, and be willing to change the rules if and when you think they need changing.
Don't lecture and don't warn - youngsters will remember what they think is important to remember.
Don't feel that you should try to justify rules, although you should try to explain them.
Allow your child to assume responsibility for his/her decisions as he/she shows the ability to do so.
Don't expect your child to demonstrate more self-control than you do.
Be honest with your child - hypocrisy shows.
The most important factor in your child's self-image is what he/she thinks you think of him/her. A child's self-image is a major factor in how he/she acts.
One final note to remember is that when you do discipline your child, be fair but firm, and always be consistent!
Personal Safety
Gulf Shores Elementary will soon begin a personal safety program
called KIDS AND COMPANY: Together for safety. Through specially
designed activities, games, songs, and videos your child will be learning how to
protect himself/herself form abuse, abduction, and exploitation. This program
was selected by our school because it empowers children with the information,
skills, and support they need to be safe, without frightening them. The
curriculum has received the support of the leading national educational
organizations.
The program will be presented during the months of November and December,
beginning November 4, 2002. Copies of the materials related to the program are
in the Counselor's office (Linda Waggoner) for you to preview prior to the
presentation or you may contact Linda Waggoner at 968-7375 if you
have any questions.
Parents from across the country have participated in KIDS AND COMPANY:
Together for Safety with their children and enjoyed the opportunity to learn
how to talk with their children about these crucial topics.
The program
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Navigating On The State Department of Education Website
Follow these steps to find reports for state assessments:
Go to www.alsde.edu
Find "Reports" on the left-hand side of the page and point mouse arrow on
'Reports";
Select "By Schools" from the menu;
Select the state, system, or school from the "Go To" menu
(state listed first, then alphabetical listing of all systems with schools
underneath each system's heading);
Select the year and the assessment for the report you seek.
Follow these steps to find publications relating to state assessments:
Go to www.alsde.edu
Find "Sections" on the left-hand side of the page and point mouse arrow to
"Sections";
Select "Classroom Improvement";
Find "Publications" on the left-hand menu and point mouse arrow to
"Publications";
Select from the menu:
COS (Course of Study)
COS - Assessment Correlations
Pathways K-6
Pathways 7-12
AHSGE Item Specifications