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Leeds Elementary Star Students 2009-2010  September, 2009 
August, 2009 Standardized Test Scores If you would like more information about how to read the test score reports and what they mean for your child, a powerpoint is posted under Files. My Philosophy As a counselor, it is my belief that all students should be provided an environment in which they are given every opportunity to excel academically as well as develop a moral character. As students progress, they may face obstacles for which they have not developed the tools to overcome. My position as a counselor is to teach students coping and interpersonal skills that, in combination with academics, will allow them to be successful students and adults. The process through which goals are attained differ for each student depending upon specific needs and interests.  Student Counseling Services There are many counseling services offered through the Guidance program at Leeds Elementary School. All classrooms receive classroom guidance once a month (except in cases such as standardized testing which limits the amount of time allowed to get into classrooms). Students may request to see the counselor at any time. When a request is received, students are seen for an individual session in the order in which the request is made. If a parent would like for their child to have a meeting with the counselor, requests may be made via a written request sent to school, sending an e-mail, or calling the office.  Small groups are formed at the beginning of each semester with various topics including Family Changes, Anger Management, Impulse Control, and Grief. If your student is invited to join a group, a permission slip will be sent home. Parent permission is required before a student will be allowed to join a group. Currently, groups are closed, meaning that once a group is started additional members are not added. Groups are conducted in this manner to work around classroom schedules. Parent Counseling Services In the event that you need additional information about ideas for discipline, I welcome parent meetings. You are more than welcome to call or schedule an appointment if you have a concern about your child. Together we can assess the areas in which you believe your child needs to improve and come up with different approaches to help your child succeed. I also have brochures on various topics available upon request. Student Services Building-Based Student Support Team: If you look at the Guidance Calendar, you will notice that every month there is a BBSST meeting. The following is condensed information about the BBSST program as well as common concerns. For additional information see the link to BBSST information provided by the Alabama State Department of Education. What is BBSST? BBSST is a team of faculty from your child's school who were selected to meet the needs of at-risk general education students. The BBSST team meets once every month during the school year to assess the progress of students, and to develop accommodations to help the student be more successful in school. If a student is not improving with accommodations through BBSST, additional accommodations may be suggested by the team. How does a student get referred to BBSST? A student is referred to BBSST when academics (grades) or behavior suggest the student is at risk of not passing their current grade. Red flags that teachers and administration look for are failing grades, very low passing grades (D's), or recurring discipline referrals. How does BBSST help my child? BBSST provides the teacher with new strategies to help the student. The student will still be responsible for learning the same grade level information, but may be given the opportunity to take tests or assignments in a different format. Students are still responsible for completing assignments and turning them in on time. Is my child guaranteed a passing grade if they are referred to BBSST? Unfortunately, no school program can guarantee that your child will pass a grade. If a student is being given accommodations, but is still unable to successfully complete assignments at a passing level, that student cannot be promoted to the next grade. In such instances, it may be in the student's best interest to repeat their current grade in order to fully understand concepts needed in higher grades. What can I, as a parent, do to help my child? The best thing a parent can do to help a child is read with the child and help as much as possible with school assignments. The amount of reading required at school is not enough to help a student progress as much as they need to in a year. Additional practice at home is necessary for students to learn sight words as well as become more fluent readers. Section 504 Plans: 504 Plans are designed to serve individuals with physical or mental disabilities that "significantly impair" their ability to care for one's self. If you believe your child needs additional accommodations that are not being provided through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), due to a disability, contact me to set up an appointment for an eligibility meeting.
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205-699-4500 ext 2002
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