COUNSELING 

One avenue in which students can be helped at Gatewood School is through Individual Counseling.  We, at Gatewood, encourage the parent-child relationship.  However, there are times when a child may need to discuss their fears or concerns with teachers and/or the counselor.  Students may be referred for individual counseling by their classroom teachers, principal, nurse, their parent(s), or by themselves.  If you are concerned about your child’s issues and need the counselor to visit with him or her, you may call the school or send a note.  Referrals to community agencies are also made.

CLASSROOM GUIDANCE 

The counselor at Gatewood School uses the Missouri Comprehensive Model Guidance Program.  The program, sponsored by Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, aligns with the Missouri Show-Me Standards.  The three areas addressed are Area I – Career Planning and Exploration, Area II – Knowledge of Self and Others, and Area III – Educational and Vocational Development.  In addition, activities and lesson plans are also taught incorporating Gatewood’s Character Education Character Traits. 

Classroom guidance is coordinated by the counselor.  The counselor has weekly half hour classes with all grades to teach lessons and activities.  This is a great chance for the counselor to get to know the students and for the students to become familiar with her.  This also allows the counselor to identify any students who might benefit from small group counseling or individual counseling. 

CHARACTER EDUCATION 

At Gatewood School we believe that Character Counts.  We intend to promote and foster the following character traits. 

Monthly Traits:

August                        Attitude

September                  Respect

October                       Honesty

November                   Citizenship

December                   Caring

January                       Perseverance

February                     Courage

March                         Responsibility

April                            Self-Discipline

May                            Success

We try to encourage good character traits through modeling behaviors and a number of weekly and monthly activities.  The fifth and sixth grade teachers recite the word of the week and lead students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom daily.  Teachers and the counselor teach character education lessons to the students.   Parents and staff receive a character education newsletter each month.

Monthly Mottos: 

August:        Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.

September:  Remember this rule – Pay attention in school.

October:       Honesty is part of me.

November:    I am proud to be an American.

December:    I like helping and caring, giving and sharing.

January:       I do what is right – even when it is difficult.

February:     I do my part with all my heart!

March:          I can see it’s up to me!

April:            I think through it before I do it. 

May:             I am one of a kind.