Counselor's Corner

Welcome!

Hello Parents!

Welcome to Stacy Hockaday's Counselor Corner!

Stacy Hockaday hockadays@gcs.k12.nc.us 919 528 0033

Meet Mrs. Hockaday:

This is my 10th year working at Wilton, although it is my 20th year as a School Counselor in Granville County Schools. I was the School Counselor at C.G. Credle Elementary School for 10 years before coming to Wilton. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master's Degree in School Counseling, both from UNC - Greensboro. I am a National Certified Counselor. I am also a native of Granville County and attended Wilton myself as a child. Wilton is definitely home for me and I am happy to be here. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Wilton family.

Counselor's Corner

Welcome to the Counselor's Corner!
25 Ways to be a Loving Parent

Every day, you show your children in dozens of ways how you feel about them.
Here are some new suggestions - from serious to silly - to show your kids how much you love them.

1. Help your child with their schoolwork.

2. Giggle together - share silly knock-knock jokes.

3. Bury a time capsule and dig it up 5 years later.

4. Have a backward dinner - serve dessert first.

5. Look through your family photo albums together.

6. Ask your child to draw a portrait of your family and then frame it.

7. Schedule regular Family Meetings where everyone gets to share their opinion.

8. Start a once a season parent/child date night complete with dinner and a movie.

9. Give your child the gift of culture take them to a museum, symphony, or play.

10. Start a collection together - anything from coins to seashells will work.

11. Take family walks after dinner.

12. Sit down at the table together to eat meals.

13. Give your child choices about what to wear, eat, do, etc.

14. Set realistic rules and expectations and make sure your child understands them.

15. Be a good role model.

16. Find time each day to talk one-on-one with your child.

17. Praise and encourage your child daily.

18. Give your children age-appropriate responsibilities.

19. Put a funny note in their lunch boxes.

20. Stick to your rules and be fair.

21. Be patient!

22. Let them know when you catch them being good.

23. Tell them how thankful you are they are your children.

24. Trust your child and let them know you respect them.

25. Hug your child every day.

from Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina

Monthly Newsletter

Character Education

Character Education at Wilton Elementary School

The following character traits will be highlighted on a monthly basis & are now paired with our 7 Habits:

September = Responsibility & Be Proactive
October = Perseverance & Begin with the End in Mind
November = Self-Discipline & Put First Things First
December = Friendship & Think Win-Win

January = Kindness & Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
February = Respect & Synergize
March = Good Judgment & Sharpen the Saw
April = Courage & Find Your Voice
May = Integrity & Living the Habits

Responsibility (September – Be Proactive)
Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties. Showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct. Being accountable for your own actions. Being committed to active involvement in your community.

Perseverance (October – Begin with the End in Mind)
Being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement. Exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.

Self-Discipline (November – Put First Things First)
Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose. Being in proper control of your words, actions, impulses, and desires. Giving your best in all situations.

Friendship (December – Think Win-Win)

Working to form positive relationships with companions or peers with whom you have common interests and emotional bonds. Always exhibiting characteristics of being a good friend such as loyalty, listening, caring, sharing, and helping.

Kindness (January – Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood)

Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others; showing care, compassion friendship, and generosity; and treating others as you would like to be treated.

Respect(February - Synergize) Showing high regard for an authority, other people, self and country. Treating others as you would want to be treated. Understanding that all people have value as human beings.

Good Judgment (March – Sharpen the Saw)

Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities; thinking through the consequences of your actions; and basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense

Courage (April – Find Your Voice)
Having the determination to do the right thing even when others do not and the strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd. Attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.

Integrity (May – Living the Habits)

Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things; acting justly and honorably.

Classroom Guidance

Classroom guidance units are done with each grade level. K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classes use the Too Good For Violence curriculum that focuses on being peacemakers, respecting others, getting along with others, and solving conflicts peacefully. Fourth and fifth grade classes use the Bully Proofing Your School curriculum. Other individual lessons are presented to all classes on a variety of topics such as our character traits, bullying, test taking strategies for 3, 4, and 5th grades, and career lessons.

Individual & Small Group Counseling

Individual counseling is a component of the comprehensive school counseling program where the counselor works with the student to address an immediate need or concern. School counseling is goal-oriented and generally short-term in nature. I can provide short-term discussions with your child in various areas of concern. Generally, if needed, I may meet with a student for four to six times on a specific issue. Please be aware that my role at Wilton is not as a therapist and issues that require more lengthy interactions may require referral to a community counselor.

Students can be referred to me by parents, teachers, and administrators. Students in grades 3-5 can also fill out self-referral slips located on my door. Some concerns that may be addressed include:

-Anxiety -Behavior/Impulse Control -Self-Esteem -Attendance

-Social Skills/Friendship -Study Skills/Organization -Anger

***Please Note: School counselors do not function as therapists, therefore I may refer students to speak with a private therapist if their needs exceed the realm of my ethical and professional standards.

Confidentiality - Privacy is an inherent part of the counseling relationship. As required by law, full disclosure must be made if a student indicates they wish to do harm to themselves, someone is harming them and/or they wish to harm someone else. In addition, confidentiality can be broken if given permission by the student.

Small Group Counseling

Small group sessions are for students that may need additional assistance in a particular area. Depending on the needs of the students, I may offer a variety of groups throughout the school year. Parents, teachers, or the administration may refer students for specific groups. Typically, groups meet for 30 minutes, once a week for 6 to 8 weeks. Examples of groups that may be offered include: study/organizational skills, friendship/social skills, anger management, self-discipline (stopping and thinking), and self-esteem groups. If you feel your child may benefit by participating in one of these groups, please contact me.