Spicewood Elementary School The PYP program believes that in order to conduct purposeful inquiry and be well prepared for lifelong learning, students need to master a whole range of skills beyond those normally referred to as basic in a traditional classroom– Approaches to Learning. These include skills, relevant to all of the subject areas and also transcending them, needed to support fully the complexities of the lives of the students. Our very own Sara Hougham, Spicewood’s school counselor, plays a major role in students as they develop social skills- accepting responsibility, respecting others, cooperating, resolving conflict, group decision making, adopting a variety of group roles.
How do you feel you add value to the PYP program?
As the school counselor, a component of my job is to be another layer of the PYP program, working alongside teachers to continue to support our students in their journey to be caring, global minded citizens. I strive to embed the IB learner profile attributes, attitudes, IB social skills, and communication skills in every component of the guidance program including visiting every classroom every three weeks through guidance lessons, facilitating small counseling groups, and working with students individually to support academic, social, and ultimately future career goals. I also try to ignite passion for taking action through building leadership capacity in our students through initiatives like No Place for Hate and Peer Mediation and by encouraging acts of deep care, empathy, and perspective taking as often as possible.
How do you contribute to classrooms within their Units of Inquiry?
As the PYP program is transdisciplinary in nature, I strive to make connections to the Units of Inquiry whenever I see them (which is really everywhere!). Whether teaching about positive conflict resolution while fourth grade inquires about various types of conflict in the world or teaching kindergarteners to express themselves with healthy communication about feelings, I work to reinforce and build upon what is being learned in the classrooms to enhance those connections in the brain.
What is your goal as a counselor at Spicewood?
As the school counselor, my goal is to support students in building a school family where every child feels valued, cared for, and welcomed by creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone knows they belong. I also want to provide students with the necessary skills so they are ready to surpass their own goals and take action in a positive way in our world. And as an elementary school counselor (and typically the first counselor students will ever encounter), I want every child to know that counselors care deeply for their well-being so that if and when they need, now or 50 years from now, they know counselors will be there to provide support throughout their life.
Be sure to take a look at Mrs. Hougham’s website! It’s full of lots of helpful parent resources and is a great way to learn more about her specific lessons and other programs she has here on campus to support our students.