A Year in the Life of a
School Counselor:

The Months of June & July  

Yeah! It is summer time and I am a school counselor. I ended the school year at the beginning of June. I took a week long trip to Ireland and rested up. Once I returned home I called my principal to check in with her and make sure I was not needed.

I met with the Parent Teacher Association to plan the year long activities for our schools P.T.O. I am on the P.T.O. board.

I also met with the mentors who mentor students at my school. I am acting as a  liaison between the mentor board and the schools in my county. I also meet with them in July for another board meeting.

Summers are a great time to get some additional training that educators need. I take a class on ethics. I also teach sand tray therapy to graduate students for eight weeks.

I hosted a "Chat and Chew" for my school staff and faculty. It was good to bond with my fellow employees and see them over the summer.

It is important to check e-mails regularly and stay in touch with my administration over the summer. I let them know I am available if anyone needs me.  

I visit the school and go over my files. I schedule a "Tissue and Tears Party" for the parents of kindergarten. I also write out a presentation for Response to Intervention Tier 3. I will need to show presentations to teachers during pre-planning. Also needed is the "Mandated Reporter" video and ethics chat the first week of pre-planning.

I try to schedule my dentists and doctor appointments over the summer so I don't have to miss valuable work time.

One of the most important things I do over the summer is take extra good care of myself. I exercise each day and eat healthy foods (90% of the time). I get some rest and try to do some fun and creative things I enjoy and rarely have time for over the work year. My family and I try to do a lot of activities over the summer. I make sure I am rested and ready for the pre-planning week of school.

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A Year in the Life of a School Counselor Continues: The Month of August

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Follow the Year in the Life of a School Counselor Here:

A Year in the Life of a School Counselor Continues

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Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.