Counselor’s Corner September 2011

From Mrs. Hirsch

Welcome Back!

How fast the summer flew by! Teachers and staff have been working hard these last few weeks preparing for the new school year. Finally, the school is filled with the voices of children. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new students and families. Stop by to see photos of our new students in grades 1-8 displayed in the foyer. I will be hosting welcome lunches for new students along with assigned buddies and other classmates. Please contact me if I can help support your child’s transition to St. Elizabeth’s.

Our third annual kindergarten parent reception was well attended after morning drop-off. I observed far more smiles and laughter from our parents than tears!

Character Education:

No one would question that, in partnership with parents, the development of good character in our students is part of St. Elizabeth School’s mission. Our Character Education Committee will guide our efforts again this year. The teachers will weave lessons about the virtues into formal academic lessons and informal day to day discussions. During September and October we will be emphasizing RESPONSIBILITY.  Students” caught” being responsible will be recognized on our “VIRTUE OF THE MONTH” bulletin boards on the first floor of the school.

We encourage parents to have discussions at home about responsibility, a virtue important to success in all aspects of life. Here are some examples:

Mock Interviews for Eighth Grade Students:

Here we go! It is the final year for your student at St. Elizabeth School! Eighth grade is filled with exciting things: the high school admission process, traveling to New York City, Confirmation and graduation. The high school process starts early. Many of you are scheduling shadow visits at area high schools for your child. Some visits will include an interview with an admissions representative.  With that in mind, I am offering times for students to have a “mock interview” with me. Whether or not your child plans to go to a high school that requires an interview, they are invited to sign up for a fifteen minute interview. Questions have been prepared that are typical for a high school interview.  In addition, I will be providing a short feedback sheet to each student highlighting their strengths and areas to work on. A mock interview builds poise and confidence. The practice can be beneficial for interviews that may come in the future such as for a job, a club, or a scholarship.

I will be visiting the eighth grade homerooms to explain the process. The interview times will be scheduled before and after school, and other times that do not conflict with core academic subjects. Please encourage your child to take advantage of this opportunity, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

I look forward to supporting your child during this very important year.

Fall Programs for Parents and Children:

Be sure to see the Thursday folder listing of programs offered in the community.

Contacting the Counselor:

I am available Monday-Thursday at khirsch@stelizabethschoolmd.org or 301-881-1824x305.

I wish everyone a happy, successful school year!