Long Meadow Elementary School

Here's To the Kids That Are Different
The kids who don't always get A's
The kids who have ears twice the size of their peers,
And noses that go on for days.
Here's to the kids that are different
The kids they call crazy or dumb.
The kids who don't fit, with the guts or the grit,
Who dance to a different drum...
Here's to the kids who are different
The kids with the mischievous streak,
For when they have grown, as history has shown,
It's their difference that makes them unique.

                                                                       -  Unknown

The Components of Our Guidance Program

COMPREHENSIVE COUNSELING PROGRAM 

At Long Meadow Elementary School we recognize that every student is a unique individual.  Our approach to education is designed to meet the personal, social and academic needs of the whole child.

Using Region 15’s award-winning guidance curriculum, the emphasis of the counseling program is on maximizing the potential of all students through a comprehensive developmental approach. 

Through individual, small and large group guidance/counseling, coordination of school and community services, and consultation, I work to assist the students in becoming healthy, effective, functioning human beings.

LONG MEADOW LEADER

The Long Meadow Leaders are a group of devoted 5^th graders who work closely with the Counseling Department on service projects benefiting both the school and the community.  Being a LMES Leader is honor which must be earned.  These students serve as role models for the entire school which is an obligation that is taken very seriously by staff and LMES Leaders alike.

School/Community Projects: Bake Sale, Topsy Turvy Day, Thanksgiving Baskets, Holiday Toy Drive

PEER POWER

Peer Power is a peer mediation group designed to help students help each other by using conflict resolution skills.  The Peer Power group is trained by Mrs. Zwick to help make LMES a peaceful and positive environment.

COUNSELING ACTIVITIES AT LMES

Grade 5 Working on Team Building Skills

Parent/Counselor Connection

LIFE IS A JOURNEY KIDS NEED A GUIDE!

As a PARENT, one of your greatest dreams is to see that your children achieve theirs.

       As a school counselor, I am trained to help your child(ren) reach their full potential.

     There is a common misconception that the only role of the school counselor is to help students get into college.  But there are countless situations we can help them get out of too. 

     Every day, students face challenges - tough classes, peer pressure, anxiety, friendship issues - it’s a long list.  And even the best parents with the best intentions don’t always know what’s on their children’s minds. 

     Often, children are more willing to open up to someone who doesn’t have the power to ground them or to grade them - someone who exists purely to guide them.

     It’s been said that life is a journey, so make sure your kids have a guide.  A collaborative relationship with your children’s school counselor can reinforce that they are heading in the right direction.

     We don’t have to pretend to have all of the answers, but we do have infinite resources.

      Give me a call because there is a textbook for everything - except life.

                                                                                             -American School Counselor Association

Communication Tips for Parents

As parents, allow your child the opportunity to share with you as much or as little as they choose, always leaving the message that when they are ready to share – you are ready to listen.  This helps to keep the lines of communication open.

MAKE THE TIME. In today's complex world, it's even more important to make sure you set aside time to talk. That doesn't mean you have to hold a formal meeting. Sometimes the best discussions take place while you're driving the car or puttering around the kitchen.

LISTEN TO THE LITTLE STUFF. Kids will talk to you if they know you're going to listen.  Be it about world peace or everyday things like schoolwork - if your kids know you're listening, they're more likely to trust you enough to talk about what’s happening in their lives.

 LISTEN BETWEEN THE LINES. Because a lot of kids find it hard to talk to their parents about the things that really matter to them, parents have to pay special attention to what their kids may be trying to say.  It helps to pay particular attention to emotions - not just the emotion itself, but its intensity, too.

ASK THEIR OPINION. Few things please children (or anybody else) more than being asked their opinion.  You don't always have to ask about the important issues.

 DON'T INTERRUPT.  In the Philips "Let's Connect" national survey, more than half the children said that when they spoke their parents often or sometimes didn't give them a chance to explain themselves.  It's a good idea to give your children some extra time to explain their opinion or desires, even if you think you know what they're going to say.

Resource List of Books - Located in the Media Center on "Parent Shelf"

I have developed the following bibliography for parents and children on different topics that you might find helpful.  Books can be a useful avenue to stimulate a discussion with your child.  Please always pre-read any text before sharing it with your child to determine the appropriateness of the content.

Students are expected to be honest, polite, to handle problems in a mature fashion without resorting to violence, to behave in a manner which will not disrupt the educational process, to help keep the school and playground neat and safe, and to not physically endanger themselves or others.

At the beginning of each year, "A Positive Connection", the LMES Student Behavior Handbook, is reviewed with students and sent home to be read by parents and their child/children. This handbook delineates our expectations.