My name is Ms. Karmen Smith and I am Fondren Elementary's School Counselor. This is my ninth year in counseling and my thirteenth year at Fondren Elementary. My personal goal as a school counselor is to provide a warm and safe environment where each child can learn to love who they are, and to facilitate those coping skills needed for everyday life.  Each day is a new day. It is a joy to be able to encourage children as they strive to develop personal discipline and social skills. By working collaboratively with students, teachers, and parents, I can help to identify and remove barriers to learning. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of service to you or your child.

Blessings, 

Ms. Karmen Smith

MISSION STATEMENT 

The counseling program at Fondren Elementary provides a comprehensive and multicultural school counseling program, focusing on academic, personal/social and career development within a supportive, caring and nurturing environment, so that all children achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. 

How might my child experience school counseling services? 

Individual Counseling- A student and the school counselor work in a safe, positive, and confidential setting to address issues that get in the way of school achievement. Topics are based on the needs of the student and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friends, stress, academics, social skills, academics, bullying, getting along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

Small Group Counseling- A process where students, sharing similar issues and concerns, work together in a small group environment consisting of about 3-6 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, and stress-management. 

Classroom Counseling Lessons- The school counselor develops and implements PK-5 classroom curriculum driven by national school counseling outcomes.  Classroom lessons are regularly scheduled and address personal, social, academic, and career-related needs at the child's developmental level.  Topics may include self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying, feelings, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure.    

Ms. Smith Leadership Roles at Fondren Elementary:

• Crisis Response Team Chairperson
• School Improvement Team Member
• Section 504 plan  Contact Person
• Testing Coordinator
• RTI Chairperson
• Bus Coordinator
• Referral Chairperson
• PTO Coordinator
• Student Council Coordinator
• Afterschool Coordinator
• Summer School Coordinator
• Dyslexia Contact Person
• School Program/Activities Coordinator
• Community  Partnership Liaison 

Positive Thought:

I have learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  Maya Angelou