Counseling

Social and Emotional Learning School of Excellence

We are proud to be recognized by GISD as a 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.

Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Ballard with banner

Meet Mrs. Ballard

Hello Kimberlin Knights! My name is Charlotte Ballard, your school counselor.

I am here to support all of our amazing Knights and their families! I offer academic, social, and emotional support in many ways to our students. I visit with students individually and in small groups to help students build study, coping, or social skills. One of my favorite places to be is in classrooms sharing lessons on social and emotional learning with our Knights!

I always want students and parents to feel comfortable letting me know if I can help in any way. Knowing that many families are facing hardships in any way, I am also happy to share resources for outside help.

Students can contact me through their Canvas accounts or through their teachers. Families can contact me at 972.926.2560 ext. 41008 or at caballar@garlandisd.net

KAE school counseling program mission statement

The mission of Kimberlin Academy’s school counseling program is to provide a comprehensive, data-driven program that is designed to support and empower students in reaching their full potential in the areas of academic, college and career development, and social and emotional learning. Through collaborations with students, faculty, parents, and community members, the school counseling program promotes and supports excellence in academics, personal character development, and civic responsibility while continually fostering a culture of kindness and compassion.

KAE school counseling program vision statement

The vision of Kimberlin Academy’s school counseling program is that we will meet the needs of the “whole child” – mind, heart, and bodies, for all students. We will guide and empower students to become life-long learners that are college and career ready. Our students will make the world a better place by meeting their college and career goals, demonstrating excellent character, and demonstrating empathy for others through community service.

What can my counselor do for me?

Counselors will help you by:

reviewing your choice of subject during the registration period (February - April)
providing study skills and academic information
providing career and college information
helping in teacher/student relationships
helping cope with family issues
listening to concerns about friends, etc.
giving you information about life and decision-making skills
referring you to people or places outside of school for help if necessary
being your advocate – counselors are here for you!

Counselors for each campus are certified by the state of Texas in School Counseling, have a Master’s Degree, and previous teaching experience. Each elementary school has a guidance counselor to help ensure that adequate support for helping students to succeed and meet their goals is available.

Visit the district website for more information about the GISD Guidance & Counseling programs.

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.

Kimberlin has been named a State School of Character
We pledge to be drug free!

Kimberlin has been named a State School of Character

Kimberlin Academy has been named a State School of Character by the Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association. The State Schools of Character award recognizes PreK-8 schools and districts demonstrating outstanding character education initiatives that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance.

At Kimberlin students begin learning about core values when they walk through the doors for the first time and build on their understanding and application of those values throughout their years here. Our goal is to make sure that our students have all of the tools they need to be successful in real life. Looking for ways to incorporate, practice, and recognize core values is key to getting students to build behaviors that are part of who they are. Kimberlin exposes students to Rachel’s Challenge, Words of Wisdom, Hero (Help Everyone Respect Others) Week, Live Announcements, Class Zookeepers, Book Buddies, Student Health Ambassadors, Gardening Club, Kiwanis Kids, Red Ribbon Week, Career Day, College Days, Bus Driver Reception, Volunteer Luncheon, Veteran's Day, Grandparents' Day, The Essential 55, Sandwiches for the Homeless, and other life lessons.

By integrating compassionate activities into each and every day, students understand their importance and become accustomed to looking outside themselves for ways to help others. We know that to teach their minds, we have to reach their hearts. Being selected as a State School of Character means that Kimberlin’s information will be forwarded to the Character Education Partnership (CEP) in Washington, D.C. for consideration by the National Schools of Character program. Such recognition would further illustrate the culture of kindness, compassion, and integrity in our building. It is great to be a Knight!

We pledge to be drug free!

Red Ribbon Week, the fourth week in October, is a week of alcohol and other drug awareness activities that promotes a drug-free lifestyle. Wearing a red ribbon signifies a unified effort to support a drug free environment.

To help promote drug and alcohol awareness, Kimberlin has a "theme week". Each day of Red Ribbon Week, students and staff participate in the "theme of the day". This year's theme schedule is sure to be a fun way to help students choose to be drug free.

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