The McDonald Elementary School Guidance Program follows the State and National Missouri Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Model. Mrs. Kim Lawrimore is certified by the State of South Carolina and is a National Board Certified Guidance Counselor. The Program consists of the following four program components:
1. Guidance Curriculum - The guidance curriculum consists of classroom activities and structured developmental experiences that are presented systematically to provide all students at all levels with knowledge of healthy human development and promote their positive mental health Standards are organized for students in PreK through grade 5 in three development areas:
Development Area 1 - LEARNING TO LIVE (Personal/Social Development) Standards:
Students will understand and appreciate self.
Students will understand and respect others.
Students will understand and appreciate home and family
Students will develop a sense of community.
Students will make decisions, set goals, and take actions.
Students will develop safety and survival skills.
Development Area 2 -LEARNING TO LEARN (Academic Development) Standards:
Students will develop personal qualities that contribute to being an effective learner.
Students will employ strategies to achieve school success.
Students will understand the interrelationship of life in the school, home, community and society.
Development Area 3: LEARNING TO WORK (Career Development) Standards:
Students will understand the relationships among personal qualities, education and training, and the world of work.
Students will demonstrate decision-making, goal-setting, problem solving and communication skills.
Students will explore careers and the connection of school to work.
Students will demonstrate a positive attitude toward work and the ability to work together.
Students will understand how community awareness relates to work.
2. Individual Planning - Individual planning consists of meetings that help all students plan, monitor, and manage their own learning as well as personal and social development. Within this component, students develop and explore their educational, occupational, and personal goals.
3. Responsive Services - Individual and small group counseling is available by referral. The counselor is available for consultation and referral services to other programs and appropriate agency services. Crisis intervention and counseling is available through the guidance department.
4. System Support - The guidance counselor is responsible for the indirect management activities that maintain and enhance the total guidance program. These activities include professional development, staff and community relations, consultation with teachers, program management procedures, and research and development.