Little Bennett Elementary School

Counseling Program

• Individual/Group Implementation
• Classroom Implementation
• School Implementation

Individual/Group Implementation

• Students are able to self-refer themselves to see the counselor when needed; “Help Notes” are kept in each classroom and can be completed by students in their class. Teachers review the notes as appropriate and then pass the notes to the counselor. If it is a private matter, the student is encouraged to come directly to the counselor’s office, before, during or after school.
• Group counseling is provided- students are referred by Little Bennett staff/parent/self-referral or counselor
• Learning lunches are held in the counselor’s office to help students problem solve.

Classroom Implementation

• Classrooms will have a PEACE corner displaying: DEBUG, TATTLE RULES and STAY COOL REMINDERS posters, and student self-referral counseling forms or “Help Notes”.
• Counselor will teach a guidance lesson in each class for 45 minutes based on student needs throughout the school year.

School Implementation 

• • Students that are new to the school are guided and welcomed by Little Bennett Student Ambassadors which help to orient newcomers.  Ambassadors also help to make sure all students are feeling included and no excluding is taking place throughout the day.  The counselor meets with the Ambassadors that are selected from each class in K to 5^th grade each month.   The ambassadors are also in charge of supporting the Buddy Bench.  This is a bench that is located on the playground and is used as a meeting spot for students who do not have another person to play with.  Ambassadors are charged to approach students on this bench in order to help them feel welcomed.  To learn more about the Buddy Bench you can visit: http://buddybench.org/
  • The Bully Blockers Club is for students in grades 3-5!  All students are encouraged to participate in the club to help keep the peace at Little Bennett.  Bully Blockers are needed to stand up if they see any mean behavior.  They can stand up for their friends by using their words or getting adult help.  Each 3^rd to 5^th grade class also has two Bully Blocker Representatives who meet with the counselor each month to discuss grade level concerns and to create solutions to problems.  Notes for these lunch meetings are taken and shared by the Bully Blocker representatives with their classmates during a class meeting format. 
  • The LB Clothing Closet includes donated clothing items for students who are in need of clothes.  Parents in need of clothes are encouraged to set up an appointment with Mrs. Helton to view the closet.
  • Parent workshops will be implemented based on parent interest.
  • Red Ribbon Week will take place in October and be celebrated by all students.  Students will learn about their responsibility to take care of their bodies during the week.
  • Career Day will take place in the Spring- classrooms will have guest readers and presenters from a variety of careers
  • Class meetings will be encouraged to take place weekly or biweekly. Teachers and students can problem solve and work together to create a peaceful classroom at this time.
  • Mentoring program- students will meet with teachers or community members for lunch on a weekly or biweekly basis to promote academic and social skills 
  • The counseling program also sponsors the Smart Sack Program.  Families who are in need of additional food over the weekend can elect to participate in this program and food will be sent home in their child’s backpack each Friday for more information you can visit  http://mannafood.org
  •  Mrs. Helton leads a New Student Group.  This means students in grades 1-5 who come in the beginning or during the school year meet with Mrs. Helton for lunch throughout the year.   Mrs. Helton helps to welcome the students and foster new friendships.