Ms. Sydney Davis's Web Page

General Goals

Our Guidance Counselor, Sydney Davis is at school 2 days/week (Mondays & Tuesdays) to enhance and re-enforce character education for our students. Any successful guidance program works both in the classroom and outside of it, working with students in small groups or on an individual basis

Rules and Practices
Topics that have been covered include Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Peer Pressure, Bullying, Taking Responsibility, Respect, Self-Esteem, Cliques, and Fostering Healthy Relationships. We have age-appropriate curriculums that incorporate videos, role-plays, discussions and handouts to facilitate learning. Additionally, short term “Issue Groups” are facilitated for grades 7-8 and “Social Skills” for grades 1-3. In group settings, our students learn important skills such as listening, empathy, conflict resolution and increase self-awareness.

Additionally, Ms. Davis schedules one-on-one with students individually to get to know our students and remind them that there is a listening ear concerned with their emotional, social, and psychological needs and development. Our school has always maintained an “open door” policy for students who would like to discuss things with Ms. Davis to schedule their own appointments with her when their academic schedule allows (classroom teachers sign them up) or to come to her when they are experiencing any emotional distress that is distracting from their academic learning. It is valuable and comforting for our students to understand that there is help available should the need arise. Equally important, it is a worthwhile experience for students to seek this assistance for themselves should they have the need.

Teachers who observe conflicts or have concerns around students’ abilities to concentrate may refer students to Ms. Davis as well. As you may or may not be aware, this policy is also extended to you, the parents. Ms. Davis has communicated with many of you in response to specific requests to work with students individually or include a topic within her classroom visitations.

Furthermore, if you have any objection to Ms. Davis meeting with your student, we would like you to put this request into writing at the beginning of the school year, so she will understand these concerns prior to scheduling a meeting or agreeing to one at the student’s request. If we do not have express written directives, we will assume that you understand this policy and accept and support its terms.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.
 
School Year 2011-2012:

Please join us in welcoming Kim Culligan to the Guidance team!  Kim is finishing her coursework at Seton Hall completing her Masters in School Counseling.  Sydney and Kim have worked together for a decade collaborating on Girls on the Run and Kim has an extensive background as an educator and is also a mother of 3 school aged children.  She will be working with Ms. Davis assisting with all guidance activities. 

We are BUCKET FILLERS! Each classroom will be reading and referring to the book "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" and filling buckets that are set up in classrooms, the gym and cafeteria. Incentives are offered when students are "caught" being helpful, thoughtful, kind and cooperative. 

This FALL, Guidance will be delivering the Bully-Busting Curriculum (designed by the NJ State Bar Foundation) into all of the classrooms.  Lessons that are covered include:

Bullying vs. Normal Conflict
Recognizing Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Behavior
Using "I" Messages
When to Tell; Telling or Tattling/Reporting or Ratting
Bystander Strategies
Conflict Resolution Steps - Win/Win Guidelines

ISSUES GROUPS - Small groups of 7th or 8th grade students will have an option to meet during lunch - socialize, share and support each other while discussing their issues.

The Parent Connection- Please contact Sydney if you need to discuss your student or your concerns - Leave a voice mail message @ x 417 and specify if you'd like to schedule an appt or a phone call

COMING SOON - STEP Parenting course -

Recommended Websites

FOR PARENTS - www.parenting.org, www.kidsource.com, www.schoolfamily.com
FOR STUDENTS - www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov, www.kidshealth.org

Please check back soon for more information