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School Counselor

My name is Tanya Zegers and I am the new school counselor at Bakerfield Elementary School. I moved here 5 years ago from New York with my husband and two children. I worked as a school counselor in New York for 7 years and, before that, worked in New York City with individuals with mental illness and addiction. I love to hang out with my children, play and watch soccer and go shopping. I am very happy to be apart of the Bakerfield community! Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Bakerfield Elementary School Counseling Program

The School Counseling program at Bakerfield Elementary School is a comprehensive, developmental program that aligns with the American School Counselor Association National Model (ASCA) and the school improvement plan.The focus of the program is to preventatively foster positive social, emotional, and academic development and career/college awareness for all students.

Classroom Guidance

I teach preventative lessons to pre-k to 5th grade students. Many of the lessons focus on developing social and emotional skills (ie: identifying feelings, developing empathy, improving impulse control and enhancing problem solving skills). All students learn a deep breathing technique we call "smelling the soup" to calm down which means imagining that they are breathing in a bowl of soup through their nose and then cooling down the soup with their mouths as they breath out. In addition, all students are learning the Kelso’s Choice problem solving model. Students are offered solutions that are posted in classrooms to solve their own small problems. They are taught that big problems should go to an adult. I also teach career/college awareness and personal body safety lessons and other lessons as necessary/requested.

Counseling Groups

Group counseling is offered throughout the school year. Small groups help children learn coping skills, further develop skills in certain areas, and provide an opportunity to learn from other students. Groups encourage children to share ideas, help each other, and develop life skills. The sessions are interactive and based on the specific needs of group members. Topics depend on student need but may include problem solving, social skills or school success skills.

Counseling Individuals

Counseling is designed to help students gain a better understanding of themselves or others, identify their feelings, resolve conflict, develop coping mechanisms and work through family and personal concerns by working toward solutions. Students may meet with a counselor individually by student request, parent request, teacher referral, or counselor invitation. Third-fifth grade students have access to counseling passes in their classrooms. Students often access the counselor to talk about: friendship problems, family problems, a school problem, a worry/fear, physical problems or any other issue/concern that is getting in the way of learning. We may draw, talk, play a game or use puppets as we identify feelings, coping mechanisms and solutions. I frequently consult with teachers and parents regarding student needs.

School-wide programs

We launched the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative in the 2012-2013 school year. Students learned how to Be their Bronco BEST by Being Responsible, Earning Respect, Putting Safety First and Showing that Teamwork Matters on a daily basis. Students earn Bronco Bucks which earn them rewards such as extra free play, game time and many other incentives. Students are encouraged to do their Bronco BEST in the cafeteria by earning horseshoes for their class. All horseshoes are put into a drawing and winning grade levels earn "fancy lunch" as a reward. Student successes are celebrated at our Good News Assemblies.

Confidentiality

In any counseling situation, confidentiality is crucial. Therefore, confidentiality is maintained between the counselor and parent and between counselor and staff. Student confidentiality will be maintained unless the counselor has reason to believe that the student is in danger. In that case, the appropriate proper parties will be notified immediately.