Guidance

Dear Students, Parents, Faculty and Staff,

As counselors, we seek to meet the needs of students and families in the following ways...

     Classroom Guidance

     Guidance lessons are taught to each class in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.  These lessons cover the Six Pillars of Character (Respect, Responsibility, Citizenship, Caring, Fairness and Trustworthiness) and seek to give students the necessary tools in order to lead healthy and successful lives.  Other topics covered in classroom guidance include cooperation, drug and alcohol awareness, health and personal safety, self esteem and bullying, and The 7 Habits. 

     Individual Planning

     Individual Planning consists of the scheduling and implementation of Individual and Small Group counseling sessions based on the individual needs of students and their families.  These sessions are scheduled based upon teacher and parent referral.  Topics covered in Individual and Small Group counseling are personal, vary and can often change based on student situations.

     Responsive Services

     Counselors provide Responsive Services in the midst of crisis or emergencies.  These services are often unplanned for and can occur on an immediate basis.

     System Support

     In System Support, counselors work directly with community agencies and organizations to better serve their students.  The Child Advocacy Center, Department of Human Resources, The District Attorney's Office and Penelope House are just a few of the many organizations we partner with during the school year.  Serving as Test Coordinators, we also support the local school system by organizing, distributing

    Uniform and School Supply Closet

    We do receive uniforms and school supplies from local agencies and consignment shops in our area.  If you are in need of uniforms or supplies, please contact the office or e-mail us.  Because we receive an assortment, we cannot ensure that we will have your child's size but we will do our best to provide them with uniforms that fit appropriately.  If you would like to donate uniforms, please make sure they are clean and free of fading, tears, holes, rips, etc.  We only accept items that are in O'Rourke's dress code. 

      Making an Appointment

     *Please let us know if we can assist you and your child/children.  We can best be reached by school e-mail (listed below) but you can also reach us through the school office.  If you would like to make an appointment, please contact the office at 221-1585.  Because our schedules are quite full, making an appointment will ensure that your conference time will be maximized and utilized efficiently.  Also, remember that school counselors are not licensed therapists-our job is to temporarily assist your child during the school day.  If additional assistance is needed, we have an extensive file of outside resources that can provide long-term care.

O'ROURKE Leader of the Quarter

    We are excited to be implementing the Leader of the Quarter program again this year!  This program seeks to recognize students who demonstrate the 7 Habits and exemplify leadership in the classroom.  At the end of each quarter, one child who consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership skills will be chosen from each class to represent the school.  These children will be honored and recognized school wide.  Check the website each quarter for our Leaders of the Quarter!

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Habit 1 ~ Be Proactive

Habit 2 ~ Begin With the End in Mind

Habit 3 ~ Put First Things First

Habit 4 ~ Think Win-Win

Habit 5 ~ See First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Habit 6 ~ Synergize

Habit 7 ~ Sharpen the Saw

 Again, we look forward to another wonderful year!

Love,

Ms. Gamble

Mrs. Parris