That was then, this is now!

Written by Elizabeth G. Azar, Principal

Nixon Elementary School

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.”

- Babatunde Olatunii

     Do you remember school as a child?  Can you remember how you arrived at school?  What you ate for lunch?  How did you handle problems and issues that would arise throughout the day? Do you remember your Elementary School Guidance Counselor? Times were very different when we were young. Some of us may recall sitting together with family while listening to the radio or watching a “snowy” picture on the early television sets. I remember growing up and taking a ride on the back of my father’s beat-up old pick-up truck.  I argued with my sister about who would get to sit on the “bump”.  I would hold my head up so high to feel the cool breeze against my face. No seat belt on at all!  The thought makes me cringe today. What about those days when we were sent outdoors and told not to come back until dark?  I also remember a time in Fourth Grade when my best friend moved to another state and my grandmother and aunt died all in the same week.  I still remember how sad we all were.  Growing up was difficult then.  But I often wonder how things came to be the way they are now.  Times are even more challenging for children of today. 

     Today’s young people are living in an exciting time and yet an unpredictable time.  In our diverse society, with new technologies and expanding opportunities, children of today face unique hurdles. Some of these unique challenges include safety, abuse, adoption, drug and alcohol abuse, foster care, health issues, neglect, trauma and so much more. These challenges often times affect their academic performance. Students come to school with low self-esteem, lack of empathy and confusion with regards to expectations.

     Most likely you are thinking that these challenges can only be found in Middle or High School.  In fact, many of the challenges that children face today begin at the Elementary School Level.  The Early years are a time for character development, building confidence and seeking out independence.  Students begin to develop a self-concept and become capable of making decisions.  At this early age in their lives we, as educators, seek to help students to build a sense of responsibility, create positive peer relationships, and develop positive attitudes about school, home and community while also teaching these youngsters the curriculum set forth in today’s society.  We continue to face the challenges of peer pressure, dysfunction and diversity along with them.

      School communities require the support necessary to help students not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.  This is where the School Guidance Counselor becomes an integral part of schools today.  School Guidance Counselors are professionals with the training and perspective to understand and respond to the challenges presented in today’s Elementary Schools.

          At Nixon Elementary School, our School Guidance Counselors are part-time; and meet with students only once a week.  This time is very precious.  At this time, the Counselor may meet with students individually or in small groups, depending on their particular needs.  When possible our School Counselor visits the classroom to teach larger groups of students about conflict-resolution, building positive relationships, test-taking strategies, relieving anxiety and much more.  With this guidance, students can begin to implement these positive skills to help them become more competent decision makers, set attainable goals and grow to be self-reliant individuals.

         At Nixon Elementary School, our School Counselor may also meet with new students to help them become acclimated to their new surroundings, in a “Newcomer’s Group.”  In these groups students are given a tour of the building and work with the Guidance Counselor to meet new friends.

       Another objective is to work with students in small groups to help them learn appropriate social behaviors within our “Friendship Group”. This group is offered only to second grade students at this time.  In this setting, students explore self-esteem and learn to make and keep friendships. There is also an opportunity for students who may have had difficulty adjusting to a new family or who may have lost family members.  This group is called, “Changing Families”. 

     Although these groups can only meet periodically, the growth and progress of student’s self concept and coping skills is a wonderful testament to the hard work our School Guidance Counselors provide.  Our School Guidance Counselors are effectively trained to help make you, your child and other professionals in the building comfortable.  They welcome your input and listen to your concerns.

     In the near future, it is our hope that we will be able to introduce and continue new programs for character education, bullying, health and safety.  Our School Guidance Counselors continue to make a difference in the lives of so many! Take a peak at our website for additional information provided by our School Guidance Counselor. http://www.roxbury.org/nixon/Guidance.htm

     The past is always the past, the future is coming, let’s make the most of today!