Thank you for visiting the Hesston Elementary Counseling Corner. My name is Dawn Lafferty and I am the school counselor at Hesston Elementary. Feel free to call or email me any time you have a concern about your child's well-being. I am looking forward building a partnership with you and your child.
As you explore this site, please be sure to click on the MORE tab to find information on trauma and other important links. Scroll down to see a helpful information on brain science and a graphic for talking to kids about bullying.
We are fortunate to have Veronica and Dana from Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center in Newton come to present two child safety lessons for our students. Click on the link below to watch a short informational video from myself and Veronica explaining the lessons! -Mrs. Lafferty
Understanding the Brain Science I teach students all about how their brain works, so they can better understand themselves and others. This is a great video for all adults to watch to learn more about how your child's brain is growing, and the "why" behind some of their big emotions.
At HES, we using the poster below to start conversations about bullying. Not everything that's mean is actually bullying.
Watch this short video for 4 great strategies to use when being an UPSTANDER!
Please click on the COVID-19 tab above to see my resources related to COVID-19.
Prairie View’s behavioral health crisis hotline, 800-362-0180, is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and allows individuals to immediately access services and talk with a clinician on the phone.
September is Suicide Awareness Month In July of 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will officially change from 1-800-273-8255 to the three-digit dialing code 988. Like calling 911 for first responder aid, those who dial 988 will be directed to a local suicide prevention hotline to receive immediate assistance with mental distress. Click on this link for more information.
What Does an Elementary School Counselor Do?
The role of an elementary school counselor is an important one. Elementary school counselors ensure that all students are provided with developmentally appropriate tools that support their academic, career and social/emotional growth. These tools and supports are provided through classroom lessons, small group lessons and individual counseling sessions. The counselor also spends time collaborating with staff, families and the community to provide support and referrals as needed.
Swather Habits of Character and Scholarship
What are the Swather Habits of Character and Scholarship? (SHOCS as we to refer to them!) These are the Habits that drive everything we do in USD460. We are committed to helping students build their character around these habits so they can be successful socially, academically and in their future career.