September Counseling Corner

Mission Statement

The mission of the Alderidge Elementary School Counseling Program is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic, social/emotional and college/career goals. Thorough, partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members we will produce lifelong learners and enable all students to become successful, productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.

Vision Statement

The Aldridge Elementary School Counseling Program will empower all students to reach their maximum potential by using a comprehensive program that addresses academic, personal/social, and career goals. We will promote an environment to encourage personal inquiry and growth, social responsibility, and academic excellence. I believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of school, home, and community leading to responsible and productive citizenship in the 21st century.

Motto

“Supporting student success in a diverse and evolving society”

Beliefs

The Aldridge Elementary School Counselor believes:

• A comprehensive, developmental school counseling program is not a support service but an integral part of the total education process.
• A developmentally appropriate school counseling program provides important benefits to individual students by addressing their intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and psychological needs.
• All children should be shown respect and dignity that encourages their unique differences.
• Every student can succeed.
• Learning is a lifelong process.
• Fostering a positive self-image is the collaborative effort of the school, home, and community, which leads to responsible and productive citizens.
• The school counseling program will address the diverse needs of all students.

WELCOME BACK!!! We've made it through the first few weeks of school and our students are doing a wonderful job transitioning into a new school year! Here are a few tips to continue ensuring we are following daily routines and helping our Ocelots maximize their independence:

• Check your feelings at the door. We know as parents you are really nervous or scared to drop your child off at school but be aware your child will feel your emotions as well and will react. Find time to express your feelings separately.
• Make your goodbyes quick. Long and repeated goodbye rituals can prolong your child’s fear about you leaving them at school. A hug, kiss, and “have a good day” are all your child needs to start their day.
• Be careful about saying “I’ll miss you.: While this sounds loving, it may cause your child to feel worried about you, instead of focusing on their school day. You might say “I can’t wait to hear about your day later” or “I’ll see you at dinner time” instead.
• Write your child an encouraging note. Packing a short note in your child’s lunchbox or backpack can give them something to look forward to. Avoid walking your child in after the first week if this is an option. There will be opportunities for you to come into their classroom, but your child needs to know they can do it on their own.

Our 5th Grade leaders are stepping up, giving speeches, and casting their votes in our Aldridge Elementary Student Council elections Tuesday September 2, 2025!

It's more than just a vote—it's a lesson in leadership, responsibility, and the power of student voice. 💬👧🏽🧑🏻‍🏫👦🏿

Aldridge Elementary Student Council Election Day is a fun and empowering school tradition where our 5th grade leaders of the pack, get to run for leadership positions like President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer. Candidates create posters, deliver speeches, and share ideas for making their school a better place.

• K-1 Ocelots cast their votes as a class and 2-5th grade Ocelot cast individual, meaningful votes—just like in real elections.

This lively day teaches kids that their voices matter, fosters public speaking and teamwork skills, and gives them a hands-on lesson in how democracy works—even at a small scale. Whether it's organizing spirit days, planning school drives, or bringing new ideas to the campus, elected students truly make a difference, helping build a stronger, more inclusive school community.

The importance of having Student Council Elections:

• Democracy in action: Kids learn firsthand how voting works and why every voice counts.

• Leadership skills: Campaigning builds confidence, communication, and responsibility.

• Community building: Student councils foster inclusivity and help students feel invested in their school.

• Real impact: Councils often spearhead initiatives like food drives, spirit events, and more

Good luck to all our amazing candidates! 💙 #FutureLeaders #StudentVoice #ElectionDay #ElementaryLeadership

Explore what comes next at Plano ISD’s College & Career Night on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Plano Event Center

With 200+ college and career representatives, students can:

Here are some tips to prepare your children for college:

• Believe in your children: Reward your children with praise. Give your children positive encouragement and validate their ideas and accomplishments.
• Read to your children: Discuss what you have read with your children. Visit the library regularly and sign your children up for summer reading programs.
• Set a positive example for your children: Children are very observant and often mimic the actions of those they look up to. Talk to your child every day, ask questions, and be prepared to answer their questions.
• Nurture healthy habits within your children: Take your children to the doctor and dentist regularly. Obtain regular vision and hearing check-ups for them. Update shot records. Encourage exercise and rest. Provide a balanced diet for your children.
  
• Get involved!: Be actively involved in your children’s education by learning about their school and its staff. Become a partner with the school by volunteering and joining the PTA.
• Make your home a positive learning environment: Set up a quiet study area in your home and designate a time for homework and reading. Remember learning occurs in so many places. Don’t forget about museums, plays, board games, or playing cards.
• Start saving money now! Even if you can only save a few dollars a week, it’s never too early to start saving for your children’s future.

"Let us never be betrayed into saying we have finished our education; because that would mean we had stopped growing." Julia H. Gulliver

Collin Adult Education and Literacy will be providing on-site registration for its free ESL and GED classes at various locations in the DFW. For more details contact call (972) 349-4550 or email: collinael@graysonedu.collingael.com