Welcome to Garfield Elementary Counseling Department
page. I love being a counselor with the Garfield students.
Focus areas:
- Classroom guidance: The guidance curriculum is delivered
to
the students as I teach the classrooms every other week. We cover topics
such as: Understanding self, Conflict Management, Decision Making, Personal Safety,
Safe Choices. You can see what is taught at each grade level by following
the links on this page. The teaching objectives are drawn from State
of Idaho mandated health curriculum and Boise School District Counseling Department
mandated
material.
- Small groups: Small groups are organized to fill needs
during the school year. Our groups have covered such themes
as: Newcomers to the school, Friendship, Adjusting to family change, All
about me through art, Being my best self.
- Individual work with students: I teach our students
to self refer to me when they need to talk or want assistance
solving a
problem. It is an important part of mental health to practice good self
care. A parent is welcome to call me and ask that I see
his/her student. The staff also refers a child when they become aware of
a concern. And, of course, when I notice a child who could use the boost
of counseling, I invite them in. I offer counseling experiences using
the traditional method of talking,
as well as play, art, sand tray work and puppets.
- Parent education: Our district offers a variety of
classes for parents each semester, taught by the counselors
of the Boise School
District. I teach one series of parenting classes each year as part of
this program. The classes I teach are held at Garfield or
a nearby school.
- Mentoring: We have an adult-to-student mentoring program.
The students enjoy spending two lunch time periods a month with their
mentor friend throughout the school year.
- Parent/staff consultation: I am available to visit
with parents or staff during school hours.
Lora Dawn McKinley
Educational background and experience: Masters Degree
in Counseling from ISU. Worked in Boise Schools since 1995.
I am a mother and grandmother. I love to read. I
am
passionate about children’s picture books. I love the world
of creativity and healing, accessed by toys, puppets, books, and art
supplies. I enjoy home decorating and spending time with friends
and family.
To email the counselor please use the following
convention:
firstname.lastname@boiseschools.org (loradawn.mckinley)
For more information about our District's
Counseling program:
District Counseling Department | Classroom Guidance Units | Small Groups
Parent Education | Individual Student Counseling & Parent/Staff Consultation |
