Counselor's Corner
Hello! My name is Angela Bounds and I am proud to introduce myself as Truman’s counselor. I have worked as a school counselor for 11 years. As a resident “Patriot” (my children do/will attend Truman), I am thrilled to be here! I am here Monday through Thursday to offer counseling services, including teaching guidance lessons within each classroom, individual counseling, and small group counseling.
Classroom Guidance
Too Good for Violence is the name of the classroom guidance curriculum used in Springfield Public Schools. This program teaches peaceable attributes and life skills through activities, stories and songs. Children learn to appreciate their differences and treat others with kindness and respect. They learn how to make friends, express their feelings, and solve conflicts peaceably. Be looking for “Home Workouts” with the Too Good for Violence logo on them so you can encourage these skills at home.
Small Groups
The counseling program at Truman Elementary is designed to be preventive and to aid students in their personal, social, and academic development. In addition to seeing students in classroom guidance, skills are also taught in small-group settings.
All students are given an opportunity to participate in groups because they are an excellent way to provide one-on-one attention and guidance to a small group of 4 – 5 participants. All students can benefit from learning how to communicate effectively, make good decisions, solve problems, and strengthen friendship skills. Students learn from one another and experience a sense of belonging within a small group setting.
The following small counseling groups are offered to all students at Truman:
Student Success Skills Club: The goals of this club are to develop positive habits in the classroom and with friends, such as good listening, working together, and a positive attitude.
Banana Splits: Harmony Club teaches coping skills and offers a sense of belonging for students experiencing a divorce or separation.
Students are invited to join through teacher or parent referral. Permission slips must be returned before students can participate in groups. If you would like to refer your child to a club, please call my office at 523-5160 or e-mail me at abounds@spsmail.org.
Character Education
Character education tickets can be issued by any staff member at Truman Elementary for students that exhibit good character. Each month highlights a different character trait. When students have accrued 3 tickets (hold on to those tickets; they carry over from month to month!!), they are brought to the lunch room in exchange for a Patriot Pride card. Students are recognized on the morning announcements when they earn 3 tickets. The 3 tickets are then displayed on the Character Education board outside the library. All Patriot Pride cards are placed in the treasure box in the lunchroom and a drawing for a prize is held at the end of each month. Following is a breakdown of the next five months’ character traits:
Courtesy - February
To be polite and considerate, to act with manners, and to be generous and helpful with others.
Self-Discipline - March
To work hard, to control your emotions, actions and impulses, and to give your best in every situation.
Trustworthy - April
To be reliable, to follow through with your responsibilities, and to act in a way that will inspire others to believe in you.
Dependable - May
To be consistent in your actions and behavior, and to be steadfast in doing what is needed or expected of you.
Cooperation - June
To be helpful, to work with others for the common good, and to be a willing and productive team player.
Contact Information
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you:
Monday through Thursday
8:15 am—4:00 pm
523—5160
Sincerely,
Angela Bounds
Counselor