What does a school counselor do?

My job at Dickinson is to make sure that all of our students are being academically and socially successful at our school. I work with students, teachers and parents to facilitate a positive school experience and identify struggling learners. I use my experience as a teacher, counselor and parent to help ensure that our students’ needs are being met.

I also spend a large portion of my time presenting guidance lessons in the classrooms. The lessons cover a variety of topics related to character development, academic success and decision making. While the topics are worthwhile, just as important is the opportunity to interact with the students and build positive, trusting relationships with them.

School counselors also work with students in small groups or an individual basis as needed. Small group counseling focuses on topics related to school success such as dealing with anxiety, developing social skills, improving self-control, handling emotions, and improving organizational / study skills. Students are recommended for small groups by teachers or parents and participate with parent approval.

Another part of my job is to promote a positive environment. I sponsor 2 student groups on campus that help promote a culture of caring and respect for others.  The Student Council consists of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students elected by their peers.  The focus of Student Council is on community service and school spirit.  The No Place for Hate Coalition is a group of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students nominated by their teachers to assist me in working toward our goal of being recognized as a "No Place for Hate" campus.  

No Place for Hate

For the last 12 years, Dickinson has been officially recognized as a “No Place for Hate” campus. If you visit during lunch, you will see our banners! Our goal is to be recognized again this year.  Students on the No Place for Hate Coalition will assist me in promoting school-wide activities that encourage kindness, acceptance of differences and respect for others. 

Character Counts

Character counts is a framework centered on basic values called the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  At Dickinson, these basic character traits form the basis for all of our behavior expectations.

PBIS

At Dickinson we work to promote common behavior expectations throughout the school and look for opportunities to recognize students for consistently meeting those expectations or going above and beyond to show good character.  Students are rewarded with Dolphin Dollars, which can be traded in for teacher coupons of used to purchase items from the Dickinson Prize Cart that comes to each classroom 3 times per nine weeks. 

My name is Suzanne Lowe and I am your new counselor.  I have been in education for 21 years and spent the last four years as a counselor.  I taught 2^nd, 3^rd, and 5^th grade both in Katy and Spring Branch ISD.  I loved teaching but felt I wanted to work more on the students’ social and emotional development.  All four of my years as a counselor have been spent at an elementary school, and I have truly loved working with the students and their families.  I grew up in Rosenberg and my family moved to Greatwood right before I left for college.  My old home is right down the street from Dickinson. I have one son, Luke, who is starting his sophomore year at Bridgeland High School and two bonus sons, Caden (14) and Michael (25).  I am looking forward to a wonderful first year!