Hospitality Counts!

Check out my parent bags!  Every time a parent comes to volunteer or see me about an issue they get to leave with these cute bags.  I thought that it would be nice to say thank you for caring about your child with a fun treat.  I have posted pictures of the goodies, the label, and the finished product.  So far the response has been fabulous!!  The total for 12 bags was @$24.  I got the pack of bags in my school color of blue, the ribbon, water, and candy from Wal Mart. I made the tags myself using construction paper and my printer.  I AM NOT A CRAFTY PERSON!  If you don't have an art bone in your body this craft is for you!!!  It's the details and the little touches like this that make your counseling program POP!

Coffee with the Counselor

This idea is not new or original to me.  I'm sure there are MANY school counselor's who do this same thing.  But if you are not one of them make it a priority to start this concept THIS year!  It is so nice to be able to have parents come in, get a cup of coffee, and a pastry and visit.  Often when parents come to see the School Counselor they are in crisis or have worries about their children.  It is great to have an opportunity to connect with your parents on a different level.  Each month I choose a theme that will be the launch pad for our conversation.  Some themes have included:  talking to your child about drugs, doing a family game night, how to make family dinner fun, and others.  This month I had our new Superintendent come and do a meet 'n greet.  I've also invited our drug/alcohol educator to come the month of October (Red Ribbon week is this week) to talk about best practices in talking with our kids about healthy choices.  This is just another added touch to making your school counseling program POP!

Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students): Great Program!!

Tonight we had our Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) event at school.  We have a new Superintendent who has two young children.  He was our guest speaker and spoke about being "present" with our children.  I truly think it made a difference with our dads and made them feel special to have him there.  We had a record number of dads sign up to volunteer for a day at school.

Why do I love this program?  It is one of those special programs that I believe makes my school counseling program POP!  Programs that highlight a special group of stakeholders, such as dads, are a great way to set apart your school counseling program.  I LOVE the Watch DOGS program and highly encourage any school counselor of look into bringing it to your school.  When the dads come and volunteer it is always a very special day for our students.  I can't wait to witness all the special moments this year between our Watch DOGS and students!!