| About Azalea Guidance |
| Our school's mission statement |
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| Azalea ES is my second home |
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Academics + Attitude + Attendance = Excellence.
Azalea's core values are: Support+Collaboration+Respect+Consensus+Enthusiasm= Success! |
| Guidance mission statement |
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| Seek Peace... |
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Assisting students in acquiring the skills and knowledge to maximize highest student achievement within a safe learning environment.
My Core Values include: Caring+Kindness+Tolerance+Responsiblity+Respect= A Loving Environment in which to bloom! |
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My name is Mrs. Maureen Walsh-Nolan. I have been working as a full-time counselor since 1975. I am a graduate of Loyola (B.A. Psychology) and of Mc Gill University (M.ED. Counseling Education) in Canada. I began my career in Montreal, working at the High School and College level in both English and French.
My husband and I moved to Florida in 1993. My diploma was endorsed by USF and I obtained my State Professional Educator Certification for Florida. I worked at Boca Ciega HS as well as PTEC South in Dropout Prevention before choosing to come to Azalea in 2005-2006.
I enjoy photography,movies, traveling, and swimming.
If you would like to speak with me, please feel free to call me at: 893-2187
You can also reach me by e-mail |
| Guidance Responsibilities |
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| 180 days filled with learning |
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As Azalea's Guidance counselor I wear many hats. The county expects me to address the following three major concerns: Academics/ Personal & Social / Career Exploration
ACADEMICS:
One of my main reponsibility is as "Interventions coordinator". I am the person who coordinates the Response to Intervention Process. I work with two Core Teams who help teachers implement interventions in Academics and / or Behavior in order to help all children be successful in school.My role is to coordinate the efforts of teachers, specialists and parents by setting up meetings and time frames to address the multiple concerns. Sometimes the interventions are not as successful as we would wish and I then help the Team proceed with necessary steps to get those children evaluated for possible Special Education Services.
I also coordinate our school's 504 Team. If your child is failing due to a specific medical problem, please speak with the classroom teacher to see what is already in place to help your child succeed. Should those strategies prove insufficient, contact me to set up a 504 evaluation meeting so that we can discuss eligibility for a 504 Plan for your child. This refers to specific legislation that is in place to help students who qualify under legal criteria. Should your child qualify, we would then discuss and put in place accomodations to help him or her become more successful. We will need a written medical diagnosis to get the ball rolling, as well as current academic results that indicate the disability is causing serious learning difficulties.
PERSONAL/SOCIAL
I assist in Character Education by providing our students and teachers information relating to "good character traits" and how to practice them to become successful citizens. We have a program called "Word Of The Month", that helps students learn what is right and appropriate behavior. Character is the outward actions upon which core values are expressed and implemented. The program helps children to understand, internalize, and act upon such values. These traits can be reinforced at home. I will be glad to share tips on how you can encourage your child to become a better person.
I also meet with students individually, at parents' or teachers' request. I conduct an annual needs assessment with teachers, offering "small groups" to address specific student issues. Based on needs, I have set up educational groups dealing with "improving social skills/ making friends", "self management, dealing with anger", " Dealing with seperation and divorce". I am not a licensed mental health professional, therefore I do not provide therapy for students.
I have resources that can help your child or family get through difficult situations. These would include homelessness, terminal illness or death of family members, grieving issues, divorce, etc. If you are going through a situation that is causing your child pain or discomfort, I can assist you in finding agencies that will help offer assistance or support. To the left of my website, I will post links to help you obtain additional information.
At certain times of the school year we will celebrate "Theme Weeks", such as
" No Name Calling Week" or "Red Ribbon Week" (saying NO to drugs). These are designed to direct our children and community to focus on solving certain social problems. I will try to keep you informed through our Parent Newsletter. Look for "The Counselor's Corner" in the monthly issue.
CAREER EXPLORATION
Azalea will have a "site license agreement" this year for a website called PAWS. I will meet with students of the fifth grade to show them how to use this career interactive website in such a way that they can learn more about themselves and about the world of work. The exciting part of this is that as parents, you too will have access to this instrument and can assist your children in exploring from home or from the local library! |
| In Closing... |
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| Life is a Journey, enjoy the trip |
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I take your child's welfare to heart. Together we can ensure that your child has a terrific school year at Azalea.
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