COUNSELOR:
Mrs. Rhonda Blankenship
SCHOOL:
Saint John Catholic School
SCHOOL PHONE:
(850) 763-1775
I earned my Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Psychology
from Troy University and my Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education
(major instrument - violin) from West Virginia University. I earned the
first two years of my bachelor's degree from Houghton College in Houghton,
New York. I began teaching at St. John in August, 2006.
St. John Catholic School strives to nurture students who are smart and
good. The school seeks to work with parents to help each student reach his
or her age-appropriate level of development, in academic, spiritual,
artistic, and physical areas. The school guidance program is focused on the
development of self-knowledge, increasing awareness of one's gifts and
talents, and on learning to make wise choices.
Teachers play the major role in implementing the school developmental
guidance program. Much of the program is implemented in religion and other
classes, in class meetings, homeroom, student council, Beta Club, and
National Junior Honor Society activities. All diocesan programs for safe
environment and student behavior are followed. Teachers use a variety of
materials.
The school guidance counselor works with individual students and teachers,
and helps implement the guidance program with group (class) lessons. The
counselor also does academic and behavioral testing and screening. Students
may see the counselor by parent, teacher, or self-referral. The counselor
arranges for academic or behavioral testing which is available to school
families from Bay County schools.
The overall framework for the guidance program is based on diocesan
recommendations and the Catholic Elementary School Guidance Program
developed by the NCEA. This is used as a general guide, modified by
teachers as topics are covered in many curriculum areas. Program materials
and activities may be used, or teachers may use materials they have found
effective.
Student Objectives of the Guidance Program, which are implemented as
appropriate for grade level, include the following:
Understanding Self and Others
Courtesy and Respect for Others
Ccommunication Skills
Friendship Skills
Family Relationship Skills
Moral Decision-Making
Stress Management
Time Management
Self-Safety
Self-Direction and Responsibility
Substance Abuse Awareness
Describing and Expressing Feelings
Conflict Resolution
Awareness of Cultural Similarities and Differences
Loss and Grief
Awareness of Individual Differences
Christian Sexuality
AIDS/STD's
Note: Each student should have brought home a brochure entitled "Elementary
Guidance 2008," which was written by the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
(I apologize for the typographical errors that I noticed after I sent these
home. I read this brochure quickly beforehand and mistakenly assumed the
diocese would have corrected any errors.) This brochure outlines the goals
and objectives for ALL students, not just elementary students. The contents
of this brochure are posted on my web page entitled "Guidance & Counseling
Program."