Counseling

Meet Mrs. Ballard

Hello Kimberlin Knights! I am so excited to continue as part of this amazing KAE family.

A few things to know about me…

· Elementary school is my favorite place to be! I have eight years of school counseling experience and eighteen years as an elementary school teacher.

· I am a graduate of Texas A&M University – Commerce with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education). I am also a graduate of Lamar University with a Master’s Degree in school counseling.

· My husband is a high school counselor in Garland ISD. He and I share two amazing daughters. One is an elementary school teacher and the other is just starting her career as a licensed professional counselor.

· When I am not in school, I love reading, enjoy playing with our dogs, try learning to bake new things, and spending time with family and friend.

· One of the things I most love about school counseling is that I am part of a student’s educational journey from kindergarten through fifth grade. It is an incredible opportunity to be here to see our Knights grow in so many ways from year to year and getting to build relationships with students and their families. Supporting our students, their families, and this incredible staff brings me great joy!

What can my counselor do for me?

School Counselors, in collaboration with educators, help students develop the following skills:
· Identifying and managing our own emotions
· Developing a growth mindset
· Working with others as a team
· Building confidence
· Communication skills
· Demonstrating empathy and compassion
· Conflict resolution
· Developing positive relationships
· Advocating for yourself and others
· Identifying solutions for social and personal problems
· Understanding and expressing gratitude
 
School Counselors promote growth in the above areas in the following ways:
· Teaching classroom guidance lessons to all students
· Providing small group opportunities to practice specific skills and build supportive networks amongst peers
· Leading our school in providing daily social and emotional learning opportunities, as well as promoting our P.R.I.D.E. behavior program.
· Individual school counseling sessions to help students with specific skills.
· Special emphasis weeks that build student/staff awareness and provide a safer learning environment for all students. Some of these special emphasis weeks are: Bullying Prevention Week, Red Ribbon Week, Kindness Week, and Community Giving Opportunities.
 
School Counselors can also help students and families by:
· Providing one-on-one crisis counseling, such as for students dealing with divorce, grief, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, academic concerns, and a multitude of other issues.
· Provide small-group counseling to help students manage anxiety, build confidence, develop positive peer relationships, manage anger, develop effective study skills, or practice self-control.
· Provide referrals for physical and mental wellness community resources, such as licensed professional counseling agencies, food pantries, clothing resources, and other wellness agencies.
· Provide additional support for military connected families, students in foster care, and families who are homeless.
· Support fifth grade students as they transition to middle school with academic advising, career investigation, managing emotions, and preparing for changes.
· Being your advocate – school counselors are here for you!
 

Social and Emotional Learning School of Excellence

We are proud to be recognized by GISD as a Gold Level Social and Emotional Learning School of Excellence!
 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an important part of well-rounded student instruction. SEL develops skills that help GISD students grow academically, emotionally and socially. Our staff works as a team to support all students in developing self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills. These skills prepare students for success in school, work, and in life. People with strong social and emotional skills are better able to manage everyday challenges, their emotions, and achieve positive goals

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®

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Report bullying and other urgent student concerns quickly and anonymously to school officials with Anonymous Alerts®.

Find out more about Anonymous Alerts® and other ways to get in touch on the district share & report page.