Garfield Elementary School

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Counseling

Welcome to Garfield Elementary Counseling Department page. I love being a counselor with the Garfield students.counseling

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

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Garfield Elementary School
1914 Broadway
Boise, Idaho 83706
PHONE ~ (208) 854-4950
FAX ~ (208) 854-4951

Boise School District
8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise, ID 83709
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