Counselors can help you by:

Communication and Confidentiality Education is a partnership between home and school. We value your opinion and are eager to address any concerns parents and guardians have, and make ourselves available to address students concerns of all kinds. We may see your student when they request to meet with us, when a teacher asks us to see the student because a behavior or emotional response has become disruptive in the classroom, or when the parent asks us to meet with a child. In all of these situations, we are responsible not only to the child, but the school and the parent. We make every effort to maintain confidentiality between ourselves and the client, but recognize the parents inherent right to be the guiding voice in their childs life. We regard the confidentiality of the family with utmost consideration, and every effort is made to maintain privacy for the family when collaborating about your childs wellbeing.

reviewing your choice of subject during the registration period (February - April) (for students entering sixth grade in the fall) providing study skills and academic information providing career and college information helping in teacher/student relationships helping cope with family issues listening to concerns about friends, etc. giving you information about life and decision-making skills referring you to people or places outside of school for help if necessary being your advocate counselors are here for you!

Specific Activities and Groups at Cooper: For students: Friendship Circle Peer Leaders Dealing with Divorce For Parents: Parenting Classes Single Parenting Support Group Book Study Parenting with Love and Logic

A Parents Guide To School Counseling Services At Cooper Elementary

Stacey Cothren, MESC
Cooper Elementary School Phone: (972)675-3010 E-mail: smcothre@garlandisd.net

Prevention and Intervention: Our Philosophy: We believe that each child comes to school with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures that makes that child unique. We strive to honor and promote that diversity in our school while maintaining a safe, peaceful and positive environment where children feel respected and are respectful, and they may learn, develop, and grow to reach their highest potential. We believe it is never too early to start planning and preparing for the student's college and/or career, and setting goals for the future. Our Mission: It is the goal of your school counselors to work as a united team with teachers, staff, administrators, families and volunteers to create and maintain a safe environment where children feel free to achieve. Only when childrens basic needs for security and comfort are being met can they focus on their education. Counselors are active participants in identifying needs, addressing concerns, lending help, advocating for children and families, and promoting success. Children thrive when they know parents are invested in their education and their school. We encourage you to join the PTA and get involved in one or more of the various events and activities taking place throughout the year. There are bilingual service leaders on the PTA, and every effort is made to ensure equity and diversity among volunteers and PTA members. We understand that working parents have time challenges, and there are numerous ways to help that do not involve being in the school during the work day. Come! Join us! Get involved! We will offer children various opportunities throughout the year to participate in programs and activities that will help them to think deeply about important issues such as bullying and peer pressure at age appropriate levels. All of our guidance curriculum will be posted on our website, and parents are invited and encouraged to view and use the materials in the home, as well as attend our presentations and/or become a volunteer with the PTA in order to help coordinate and facilitate our programs. Volunteering in Your Childs School:

Things You Can Do At Home To Promote Success and Wellbeing at School: Read to your child and allow them to read to you. Ask your child about school and take an interest in what they are learning. Make sure they get enough sleep. Make sure they have enough to eat. (We have a breakfast and lunch program available at Cooper). Set limits on TV watching and videogame playing. Make teachers, counselors, and administrators aware of any major changes at home. Answer childrens questions with questions, i.e., What do you think about that, Conner? Children need to think deeply about the world around them in order to make connections at school. About Me:

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor with a Masters of Education in School Counseling. I was a bilingual, fifth grade teacher for five years before becoming a counselor.