2009 Course Review

From the voice of a counselor in the classroom. . .

Buhl School District
Counseling Services 

January 14, 2009 

Dear Sue and WTT,           

            I’ve been facilitating the Walkin’ the Talk program in the fourth and fifth grade classrooms this school year and I have become very impressed with the organization and worth of this curriculum to our students and faculty. After many years of counseling and teaching I was a bit reticent to implement this program in our classrooms.  I didn’t believe it could make much of a difference.  Boy! Was I wrong!  

            All too often we provide special programs to help the ‘at-risk’ children, such as PSR’s, support groups and counseling, but we rarely provide a program for all the students that helps them  recognize the good and the truth within themselves. I have seen many middle school and high school students who get excellent grades yet struggle with their self-worth, personal relationships and life goals.  They have learned to make the grades but are never given any time or training to reach inside of themselves and discover their uniqueness, talent, purpose, or worth.   

            The students love this program.  Even the students who aren’t very comfortable writing things down or getting in touch with their feelings enjoy the time spent to reflect on their goals, moods, and feelings.  They are excited to have me come into their room and many of the students have voiced disappointment when I have been absent or there’s a school function that interferes. 

            I have noticed marked improvement in the behavior and respect that the students show to others.  Most of the students are holding the doors open for other students and adults and there is more kindness and concern shown to each other. 

            We had major bullying issues with many of last year’s fourth grade students, but we are seeing a sharp decrease in that behavior this year with both the fourth and fifth grade students. When there is some of that behavior popping up the other students are reporting it more readily and reacting to it in a more appropriate manner.

             Students are able to handle their own feelings and moods with more awareness, control and understanding.  I’m seeing more confidence in the students and willingness to talk about their issues with others, or write about them.

             I believe this program will continue to be a benefit to our students over the next several years, and I am confident that the lessons they are learning this year will help the students in the middle school years which are such a challenge for teens.

 Sincerely,
Leslie Kaiser
Counselor at Popplewell Elementary
and Buhl Middle School
Buhl, ID 83316

NOTE: Sue B. and the Board of Directors thank Leslie for her gracious letter.

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