Counseling
Meet the counselor
My name is Kalli Willis and I am elated to be the new school counselor at Back. I believe every child has amazing potential and I look forward to helping them better themselves every day to prepare them for the real world. One of my main goals is also teaching children to advocate for themselves and also just helping them become great human beings they can be proud of. I look forward to a great year at Back and can't wait to meet everyone!
Counseling mission statement
The mission of the Back Elementary Counseling Department is to provide a proactive, developmentally appropriate, comprehensive counseling program that addresses student’s academic, personal/social needs, and career goals. This mission will be achieved by providing equity, access and success for every student. School Counselors believe all students can achieve in a safe learning environment, growing through the efforts of school, home, and community, leading to scholars who are responsible, prepared, 21st century, employable life-long learners.
Belief Statement
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The Back Elementary Counseling Department believes ALL students can achieve academically, socially, mentally and emotionally.
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The Back Elementary Counseling Department addresses the developmental needs of students by providing guidance in the areas of academic and social development. The counselor identifies student needs by collaborating with all stakeholders to identify those needs(needs assessments) and provides programming to address them.
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As a school counselor, advocacy should be a main priority by speaking up for those who are marginalized and standing in the gap to provide equitable resources and access to ALL.
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ALL stakeholders should be involved in the planning, management, delivery, and evaluation of program activities.
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Through needs assessments, feedback, and other forms of data, the counseling program at Back Elementary is developed. The goals of the program are directly aligned to campus needs and goals.
Counseling vision statement
It is the vision of the Back Elementary Counseling Department to empower all students in becoming the very best versions of themselves, academically, behaviorally, socially/emotionally. With the assistance of stakeholders such as: community partners, family members, teachers and staff, every student will develop a sense of pride in self and in their work. We envision students who exhibit personal growth and exemplify social responsibility, while achieving academic excellence and discovering paths towards their future career goals. Our students are on the “Back Road To Success” in which they are prepared to become contributing members in their diverse communities and are equipped to become productive members of society and the global workforce. The vision statement for Back Elementary School is the “The Sky’s the Limit”. The school and counseling department’s visions align because each strives to provide equitable opportunities in which there are no limits or barriers assisting the students in journeying into their full potential.
What can my counselor do for me?
Your counselor can help you by:
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giving classroom guidance
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providing study skills and academic information
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providing career and college information
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helping in teacher/student relationships
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helping cope with family issues
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listening to concerns about friends, etc.
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giving you information about life and decision-making skills
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referring you to people or places outside of school for help if necessary
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being your advocate – counselors are here for you!
Bullying
No student should be subjected to bullying or harassment that interferes with their ability to learn or their safety.
Visit the Bullying Prevention and Investigation page on the district website for more information and resources.
Anonymous Alerts®
You can use the Anonymous Alerts® webform or mobile app to quickly, easily and anonymously report bullying, cyberbullying and other sensitive topics to school officials.
Anonymous Alerts® is monitored by GISD Security 24-hours daily and should only be used for serious and urgent matters. In the event of an emergency or life-threatening event, always call 911.
Download the app
To place a report from a mobile device, first download the free Anonymous Alerts® app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Then open the app and enter activation code garlandisd.