Welcome to
Tate Elementary's "Camp Warm Fuzzy!"
Camp Warm Fuzzy is a warm and fuzzy place for
students to come visit when they feel sad about something, or just need to talk
to their school counselor.
It is also a place for where many students
come to have counselor groups that are offered throughout the year to students
with specific needs.
A Note from the School Counselor Dr. S.:
Hello! My name is Michelle Stangline, and I am the school counselor here at Tate Elementary School. I am
here to serve you and your child. Along with our supportive staff I am here to
help your child be the best they can be, both academically and socially. The
most important part of my job is to make sure your child is happy and well
adjusted at Tate!
My experience includes elementary education teacher,
special education teacher, school counselor in middle school / elementary
school, college adjunct professor for counselor graduate students, private
practice, and a drug addiction mental health counselor. I am a graduate of
Portland State University and my B.A. is in Psychology and Education. My
graduate work was completed at Argosy University and Mercer University. My
Master's degrees are in Early Childhood Education and Community Counseling. My
doctorate degree is in Counseling Psychology.
What a
School Counselor's Role Is:
Classroom
guidance- I meet with every homeroom class once a month, where we discuss topics
that elementary students face each day. During each lesson we also work on
bullying prevention coping skills and practice role playing these skills. We
also focus on a "Character Word of the Month" and have a theme around that word
to promote character building skills for students. Also, each month a "Warm
Fuzzy Feeling" is introduced to the students and is also connected to the
character theme of the month and includes a character educational story and
lessons based on the ability level of each grade level.
Individual sessions- Our students are taught from day one how to contact me. I have a stack
of contact notes outside my door. Students are shown how to mark this note as an
"urgent note", or "within 24 hour note". Teachers and parents can also contact
me and I will be happy to speak to the student.
*Please note that I am unable to do "therapy" and must keep the scope of counseling on a school counselor level.
However, I will be more than happy to assist you in finding an outside therapist if need be. You can also go to the "Crisis Page" to get information if you need any outside assistance.
Small groups- Some children have
specific needs and may benefit from being in a group with other kids who have
the same needs. A variety of small groups, on several different topics, may be
offered throughout the year based on student population need:
-Positive Behaviors
- Grief
- Self-Esteem
- Friendship
- Organization & Study Skills
- Stress Management
- Anger Management
Career Counseling-
Along with classroom guidance lessons, we host Tate Career Day each May. Many
colleges are invited and speak to students about careers and career programs.
Parents are invited to Tate Career Day as well!
Response to Intervention:
I work with teachers, parents, and students in the R.T.I. process. I often
attend parent conferences as the R.T.I. Coordinator.
Bullying Prevention-
Please see the Bullying Prevention tab located at the top of the page to learn
more about this valuable resource.
Community Resources- Please see the
Community Resource tab located at the top of the page to learn more about
resources in Pickens County.
*If you ever need to speak with me, please
don’t hesitate to call me at school- 706-253-1860. You may also email me at
[email protected].