• Meet Ms. Atherton

     

    Welcome to Dearing Elementary! My name is Leslie Atherton and I am so excited about being your child's school counselor this year. My education began when I attended Texas Womans University in Denton, Texas and graduated with a BA degree in 2006. I have taught Kindergarten through seventh grade, special education, and intensive behavior. During my years as an educator, I became passionate about helping families further and began to pursue my Master’s Degree in school counseling.  I graduated with my Masters in School Counseling in December 2016.  I live in the Georgetown area with my son Reagan and we have 3 dogs.

     

    Counseling Program Overview

     

    The school counseling program assists students in having a successful school experience by providing services such as classroom counselor lessons, small counseling groups, individual counseling, mentoring programs, community referrals, and assessments.

     

    Classroom Counselor Lessons

     Each month classrooms will visit my office to learn interpersonal and intra-personal skills.

     

       September: Getting to know the Counselor

       October: Bully Prevention  

       October/November: Personal Safety

       November: Respect                       

       December: Caring/Empathy

       January: Responsibility                    

       February: Fairness

       March: Career Awareness             

       April: Trustworthiness   

       May: Citizenship

     

    Small Groups

    Small counseling groups are offered in the fall and the spring. These groups are designed to teach students a process of identifying their goals and specific skills to be able to reach their goals. 

    Students are chosen because a teacher or parent thinks they may benefit from and enjoy the group. Small group members meet once a week over the course of six to eight weeks. Students are required to obtain parental permission before attending any small counseling group.

     

    Individual Counseling

    Individual counseling is offered on an as needed basis. The school counselor can provide parents with information for referrals to counselors and/or therapists in the community if needed.