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MRS. VELDKAMP'S COUNSELING CORNER

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Be sure to get to know your school counselor, your biggest advocate!

 

School Counseling at Myakka City Elementary School is a comprehensive (available to all students) developmental (age-appropriate) program designed to ensure that today's students become productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. The program is proactive and preventative in nature with a focus on academic achievement, character development, college/career awareness, and the social/emotional growth of all of our students.

Welcome,

Debbie Veldkamp

ABOUT ME

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Hello and thank you for taking the time to browse my website. My name is Debbie Veldkamp and I am privileged to have been selected as the School Counselor at Myakka City Elementary School.  I am a graduate of Florida State University (M.S. Elementary Education), a graduate of Argosy University (M.A. School Counseling K-12), have earned my ESOL endorsement, and am currently certified in ESE.  It has been a pleasure to serve students over the years as a classroom teacher, ESE teacher, ESE Liaison, ESOL coordinator, and School Counselor.  I am an active member of  ASCA (American School Counseling Association) and FSCA  (Florida School Counseling Association),  and enjoy attending their conferences and training's whenever possible.   I have taught in various schools since 1991, taking time off throughout the years to raise my own children; ages 32, 30, 26, 21, and 178  My husband and I have five adorable grandsons and enjoy spending as much time with family as possible. 

I have a deep love for children of all ages and a passion for helping them grow socially, emotionally, and academically. As the school counselor at Myakka City Elementary, my job is to advocate for children and help them develop the skills they need to solve problems and overcome barriers that may impede their ability to learn.   

About Me
Mission, Vision, Beliefs

MISSION AND VISION

Vision

In the Classroom

Belief Statements

* Every student can learn and every student can succeed.
* Every student has a right to a safe and supportive learning environment
* Every student has the right to be heard and treated with respect.
* Every student has the ability to learn and have the right to high quality educational opportunities.
* Every student should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary opportunities
* Every student should have access to a comprehensive school counseling program.
* Every student has the right to participate in a comprehensive school counseling program designed to assist all students in attaining their maximum potential in academic, career, and personal/social development.

The school counselor provides a program that is developmentally appropriate, available to all students, and is aligned with the ASCA (American School Counseling Association) National Model.  The school counselor is an advocate for all students and partners with stakeholders to promote learning by helping to remove barriers that may impede a student’s emotional, social, and/or academic success.

Mission

Boys at School

In order to promote compassionate, caring, lifelong learners, the school counselor works together with all stakeholders to create an atmosphere in which individuals become responsible and successful members of their community and the world.  The counseling program is driven by data and helps students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible citizens in our ever-changing world.

ROLE OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Why School Counselors?

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Learn more about School Counseling by visiting ASCA (American School Counseling Association) and FSCA (Florida School Counseling Association)

Role of the School Counselor

ROLE OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Why Elementary School Counselors?

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Role of Elem. School Counselor

DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
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The elementary school years are a time for children to develop the attitude, knowledge, and skills to become healthy, confident, competent, and successful  learners.  They are beginning to develop the Life Skills and academic skills to become successful citizens and life long learners.

Developmental Needs of Students

 

                                                  What Bullying IS

Bullying is behavior that is:

· Repeated

· Intentional

· Deliberate abuse of power

 

 

  Bullying can be:

· Physical – hitting, punching

· Verbal- teasing or name-calling

-Social - excluding someone intentionally, telling others not to be friends with someone

                                                What Bullying IS NOT 

 It is important for both parents and students to understand that one act of aggressive behavior is NOT bullying.  

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BE A BUDDY, NOT A BULLY

BULLYING

Bullying
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Check out these helpful links

Cyber Safety for Kids 

                                   

Do:

Consider putting a Parent-Child Technology Agreement in place

 

Keep your address, phone number, school and other identifying information private

Remember that ANYTHING you do online can be traced back to you

Think before you type. If you wouldn’t be comfortable with what you are saying being on the front page of the morning paper, you probably don’t want to type it online

Tell your parents and/or other trusted adults if you have problems while online (cyber-bullying, harassment)

 

Don’t:

Share your password (parents may be the exception)

Send personal information (name, address, phone number, photographs) to strangers

Don’t go on websites that seem unsafe or make you feel uncomfortable

Cyber Safety for Kids
Family Links and Resources

BULLYING RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

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Robbie White

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Riley Jones

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Payton Hillman

Family Links and Resources

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ADHD
Nationally recognized authority on ADHD
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

What is ADHD?

Dyslexia

A non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia,
their families and the communities that support them.
The International Dyslexia Association

Students with Special Needs
PHP's mission was developed in response to the need in our community for
information, training, and support services for families who have children
with special needs and the professionals who serve them.
Parents Helping Parents

Anxiety and Stress
Worry Wise Kids

 Internet Safety
 Acronyms every parent should know

CNN Acronym update

Social Media Apps
Parent's guide to social media apps

Social Media Acronyms
The 411 on social media and trending acronyms 

Internet Safety for Kids

Hidden Apps

Counseling Services
Jewish Family &Children's Service is a multi-function family agency
serving the Suncoast of Florida. The services are based on the premise that
personnel trained in understanding the behavior and environments of individuals,can            help them with crises, problems, and growth issues to improve the quality of their lives.

 

     Centerstone
     
Free assessment and referral services, and assists with mental and
     substance abuse issues (alcoholism, drug abuse) affecting children and adults.
     Emergency Crisis- 941-747-1628
     Outpatient Services - 941-782-4150

Suncoast Behavioral Health
Suncoast Behavioral Health Center’s medically supervised inpatient child & adolescent program provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment for children (5-12) and adolescents (13-17) who need 24 hour care.  Call 941-251-5000

Blue Butterfly - Tidewell Hospice
Grief Support for Families
 

Whole Child Manatee
The Whole Child Connection is a comprehensive web-based service delivery
system that helps Manatee County families access the services they need to
enhance their quality of life or often simply make ends meet.

Florida Multi-Tiered System of Support
Academic and behavior supports reflecting the need for students to have fluid access to instruction 

MTSS-Response To Intervention
Early intervention strategy within general education

Behavior
 What you do to change behavior

Empowering Parents
Connects families with actionable tips, tools, and child behavior programs to help resolve behavior issues in children ages 5-25

We Care
This agency prequalifies low income citizens to receive specialized medical care. 
Phone:  941-755-3952

Autism
The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at USF is a community-based project that provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. CARD-USF offers instruction and coaching to families and professionals through a
training and assistance model.

Florida KidCare
Health Insurance for Children

Anger Management

Anger management tips and techniques to decrease anger

High quality internet resources

Legal Aide Manasota 

Free legal services to low income individuals and families in Sarasota and
Manatee counties who cannot afford to pay an attorney.

Growing Up Drug Free
A parent's guide to prevention

Understood -
Provides resources and support so people who learn and think differently can thrive.

Kids Kids

Health is the #1 most-trusted source for physician-reviewed information and advice on children's health and parenting issues

KidSmartz

Learn how to keep your child safe

COVID

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Life Skills

Life Skills

Equipping Students with Skills for Life


 

August -Cooperation
September - Responsibility
October - Respect
November - Patriotism
December - Gratitude 

January - Empathy
February - Perseverance
March - Honesty 
April - Courage
May - Creativity 

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Just for Kids

Just for Kids

Just for Kids

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A creative, innovative and educational website designed for elementary school students to learn about bullying prevention, engage in activities and be inspired to take action

Just for fun!  Videos, art, games

Calming Websites, Activities and Games

Julia Cook Books: 

A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue 

My Mouth is a Volcano  

Personal Space Camp 

Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents 

The Worst Day of My Life Ever (Listening and Following Directions) 

I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No!  (Accepting No for an answer/disagreeing the right way) 

Bully Beans 

Study Skilled...Not!!! 

Lying Up A Storm 

Wilma Jean and the Worry Machine 

  • Wilma Jean and the Worry Machine Activity and Idea Book 

Bubble Gum Brain (Growth Mindset) 

  • Bubble Gum Brain Activity and Idea Book 

SodaPop Head (Anger Management) 

  • Soda Pop Head Activity and Idea Book 

Making Friends is an Art 

I Just Want to Do It My Way! (Staying on task and asking for help) 

Decibella and her 6-inch Voice 

But It’s Just A Game (Video Game Addiction) 

The D Word (Divorce) 

Ricky Sticky Fingers 

Baditude What to Do When Your Life Stinks!  

I Can’t Believe You Just Said That 

Rumor Has It 

The Judgmental Flower 

I Have Ants In My Pants 

Hygiene You Stink  

Be Where Your Feet Are! 

What Shoes Will You Wear? (Jobs) 

Smarter that the Scoopers (Keeping kids safe from predators) 

That Rule Doesn’t Apply to Me!  

My Fantabulous Brain 

The Anti-Test Anxiety Society  

Getting Yourself Together When your Family Falls Apart  

I’m Stretched 

Integrity 

Books Genres: 

Anger  

Angry Octopus 

Hunter and his Amazing Remote Control  

Zach gets Frustrated  

When Sophie Gets Angry… Really Really Angry… 

Crankenstein 

Hello, Anger 

A Little Spot of Anger 

The Sour Grape (misunderstandings) 

 

Anxiety and Worry 

The Worry Box  

Worry To much  

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine Activity and Idea Book  

Hey Warrior (older students) 

The Worrywarts  

Stressy Jessy  

Worry Says What?  

The Huge Bag of Worries 

A Little Spot of Worry 

A Little Spot of Anxiety 

Behavior  

Interrupting Chicken  

The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark  

David Goes to School  

The Bad Seed 

The Rainbow Fish  

A Little Spot of Frustration 

Boredom 

A Little Spot of Boredom 

 

Bullying Books: 

The Juice Box Bully 

Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain 

Bully Beans (Julia Cook) 

King of the Playground 

Chester The Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully 

The Recess Queen 

Bullies Never Win 

The Pretty In Me 

Enemy Pie  

One 

The Aunt Bully 

Choices 

The Couch Potato  

What Would Danny Do? 

What Was I Thinking?

Confidence 

A Little Spot of Confidence 

Cooperation  

Swimmy  

The Little Red Hen 

The Little Red Pen 

Courage  

A Color Of His Own  

Fiona Flamingo  

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon  

Stick And Stone Best Friends Forever!  

You Look Ridiculous  

Chrysanthemum  

The Big Umbrella  

The Mixed-Up Chameleon  

The Good Egg 

The Cool Bean 

The Empty Pot  

The Invisible Boy  

Spaghetti In a Hot Dog Bun  

A Little Bit Different  

Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon  

You Be You 

Sticks 

What Do You Do With a Chance? 

I am Courage

Creativity  

The Dot  

Death/Grief 

Chester Raccoon And the Acorn Full of Memories 

A Child’s Simple Guide though Grief  

One Wave At a Time  

Lifetimes 

The Invisible String  

The Invisible String Workbook 

The Next Place  

Tear Soup  

When Someone Very Special Dies  

You Weren’t With me  

Ghost Wings 

The Boy and the Gorilla 

Riley and Milo

Saying Goodbye to LuLu

The Invisible Leash

What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? 

The Boy and The Gorilla

A Terrible Thing Happened

You Weren't With me

 

Death/Grief Animals

The Invisible Leash 

Riley and Milo 

Drama 

The Drama Llama  

The Drama Llama Activity Guide  

Trouble Talk 

 

Divorce 

Getting Yourself Together when Your Family Comes Apart 

 

Empathy  

It will Be Ok  

Stand In my Shoes 

The Buddy Bench 

What Shoes will I wear  

How do I stand in your Shoes? 

The Invisible Boy 

 

Feelings 

The Color Monster, a story about emotions  

Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on his Back 

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen  

The Jester Has Lost His Jingle  

Trouble Talk  

Do unto Otters: A Manners Book  

The Way I Act  

The Way I Feel 

The Grouchy Ladybug 

Kevin Knows the Rules  

Lots of Feelings  

What were you Thinking?  

Glad Monster, Sad Monster  

On Monday When It Rained  

Have you Filled Your Bucket Today?  

The Magic Coloring Book of Feelings 

Mootilda’s Bad Mood 

A Little Spot of Feelings 

A Little Scribble \Spot 

Quick as a Cricket 

Sometimes I’m a Pillow

My Inside Weather 

My Many Colored Days

Friendship  

The Good, The Bad, And The Spooky  

The Crayon Box that Talked 

Tobin Learns to Make Friends  

A Big Guy Took My Ball!  

Stick And Stone  

The Little Red Pen 

The Great Eggscape 

 

Growth Mindset

Finding the Flipside

What Do You Do with a Problem

Happiness  

A Little Spot of Happiness 

 

Incarceration  

My Daddy is in Jail 

 

Integrity  

The “I” In Integrity 

 

Kindness 

I am One  

Pete The Cat’s Groovy Guide To Kindness  

A Little Spot of Kindness  

At School, Kindness Starts with You  

Ripple’s Effect  

Be Kind  

Each Kindness 

Kindness Starts with You

What Does It Mean to Be Kind? 

One

It Will Be OK

The Buddy Bench

 

Love  

A Little Spot of Love  

 

Meet the Counselor  

Mrs. Joyce Gives the Best High-Fives  

Alexander and the terrible Horrible No Good, Very Bad Day  

 

Mindfulness 

Master Of Mindfulness 

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain  

Be Where your Feet are!  

What Does it mean to be present?  

I Can Handle It! 

A Little Calm Spot  

Mind Bubbles

 

Peace 

A Little Peaceful Spot  

Perseverance  

Ricky The Rock that couldn’t Roll 

Leo The Lightning Bug  

After the Fall  

What Do you Do With A Problem? 

The Smart Cookie  

Maybe

Perspective

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

What Do You Do with a Chance? 

Potential In All of Us 

Maybe 

Giraffe’s Can’t Dance 

The Smart Cookie 

 

Respect  

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters  

Rules  

Know And Follow the Rules  

Join in and Play 

Hooty Learns What’s Right  

A Childs Book Of Manners  

Sadness 

A Little Spot of Sadness (Empathy and Compassion) 

When Sadness is at Your Door

 

Social Skills  

Superflex 

Superflex.. A Superhero Social Curriculum  

You are a social Detective! 

Self-Control 

A Little Spot of Frustration 

Testing  

Testing Miss Malarkey  

Tyler Tames the Testing Tiger 

 

General  

Imagine a Day  

What Should Danny Do? 

A Kiss Goodbye  

A Pocket Full Of Kisses  

The Kissing Hand  

The Ants go Marching One By One  

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider  

The Greedy Python  

Five Little Ducks  

Five little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed 

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble  

Lauren’s Kingdom  

There was An old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly  

Oh the Places You’ll Go!  

The Sneeches and Other Stories  

A Light in the Attic 

The Missing Piece 

Where the Sidewalk Ends 

Little Spot Series

Sticks

Snippets

Splatter

I'm Not Just a Scribble Spot

Scribble Stones

Invisible Scribble

A Little Spot Learns Kind Words

A Little Scribble Spot

A Little Spot of Happiness

A Little Spot of Anger

A Little Spot of Sadness

A Little Spot of Confidence

A Little Spot of Anxiety

A Little Spot of Love

A Little Peaceful Spot

A Little Spot of Frustration

A Little Spot of Belonging

A Little Spot of Flexible Thinking

A Little Calm Spot

A Little Spot of Boredom

A Little Spot of Empathy

A Little Spot of Worry

A Little Spot of Feelings

A Little Spot of Optimism

A Little Spot of Courage

A Little Thankful Spot

 A Little Spot of Talent

A Little Spot of Teamwork

A Little Spot of Creativity

A Little Spot of Perseverance

A Little Spot of Giving

A Little Spot of Learning

A Little Spot of Friends

A Little Spot of Kind Words

A Little Spot Learns Math with Lemons

A Little Spot Learns To Read

A Little Spot in A World of Words

A Little Spot Goes to School

A Little Spot Learns Letters

A Little Spot of Respect

A Little Spot of Responsibility

A Little Spot of Kindness

A Little Spot of Patience

Finding Your Spot in the World

A Little Spot of Organization

A Little Spot of Honesty

A Little Safety Spot At School

Just For Fun

Would You Rather Book For Kids

Would You Rather Game 

Resource Books  

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