Guidance

The focus of the counseling program at Avon Intermediate School East (AISE) is to provide  pro-active, comprehensive services that meet the needs of all children. We hope to keep parents and students informed about what is going on in the Counseling Department throughout the year. Please check our page often for updates and resources that can assist you with your student.  Please know that we are here for you! Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Pfledderer (5th grade counselor) or Mr. Warthan (6th grade counselor) through Schoology. They will get back to you as soon as possible.

What does the Counselor offer?

• One on One counseling as needed to address school issues
• Small Groups
• S.E.L. lessons for 5th grade students
• Refer to mental wellness groups lead by the school social worker
• Refer to Cummins Mental Health Center or outside agencies as needed 

Mindfulness Spaces: Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.  We have a Mindfulness space located in the office that students can use to take some time to take a break.  There are also some spaces in classrooms.  

Events during the school year:

Bully prevention week: This is a week focused on bullying prevention. This is a school wide participation that teaches students about bullying behaviors, how to prevent bullying from happening, and what to do if they believe them or others are being bullied.

College-Go week: This is a week focused on life after high school. This gives the students an opportunity to think about their potential future aspirations including college, career, and military options.

Kindness Week: Kindness week is a week mandated to celebrate being KIND! Students sign the kindness pledge in order to be the "I" in kind! Students and teachers also talk about ways to be kind throughout their week and the importance of it. Students are also able to write kindness letters to one another every day and celebrate with spirit days!

Tips to prevent cyberbullying:

• Keep your home computer in easily viewable places, such as a family room or kitchen
• Talk regularly with your child about on-line activities that he or she is involved in.
• Talk specifically about cyberbullying and encourage your child to tell you immediately if he or she is the victim of cyberbullying
• Encourage your child to tell you if he or she is aware of others who may be the victims of such behavior
• Explain that cyberbullying is harmful and unacceptable behavior. Outline your expectations for responsible online behavior and make it clear that there will be consequences for inappropriate behavior.
• Although adults must respect the privacy of children and youth, concerns for your child’s safety may sometimes override these privacy concerns. Tell your child that you may review his or her online communications if you think there is reason for concern
• Consider installing parental control filtering software and/or tracking programs, but don’t rely solely on these tools.

What parents can do if their child bullies others:

• Communicate directly to the child: "We know you have been involved in bullying. Bullying is a serious behavior. We will not tolerate any future bullying behavior."
• Enforce family rules.
• Reinforce positive and kind behavior.
• Spend more time with your child.
• Monitor the child’s activities.
• Build upon the child's talents.
• Help child find more appropriate behavior patterns. Students who bully are usually lacking empathy. Anytime you can show and discuss empathy would benefit your child.
• Seek professional assistance, if necessary.