Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I extend my heartfelt welcome to you all as the school counselor here at Blackwell Elementary this 23-24 academic school year. My name is Jaimee Farrell and my role is not only to guide and support each student's academic journey, but also to nurture their social, emotional, personal, and career development. Together, we embark on a journey to help our students grow into confident and contributing members of their learning communities and society at large.

At Blackwell Elementary, our shared goal is to witness every student unfold their wings and soar to their fullest potential. As the school counselor, I am dedicated to collaborating closely with parents, teachers, and community members to ensure that each student's unique educational needs are met. It is my firm belief that by fostering a strong partnership between all stakeholders, we create an environment in which students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

I am thrilled to share with you the diverse ways in which I provide support to our students. Through engaging classroom guidance lessons, delivered to each class every other week throughout the school year, we explore critical topics using trusted curricula such as Second Step and Kelso's problem-solving program. Second Step covers a wide spectrum of essential life skills, from empathy and emotion management to problem-solving and personal safety, fostering holistic growth in our students.

For those students who may benefit from more targeted support, I offer small group sessions that focus on specific topics such as friendship, social skills, self-regulation, organization, and navigating changing family dynamics. These sessions provide a nurturing space for skill-building and personal growth, encouraging students to embrace their unique qualities.

Furthermore, I am always available for individual meetings with students. Whether it's to discuss concerns, work through challenges with friends, or navigate conflicts, I am here to listen, support, and guide. Students are empowered to self-refer, and I wholeheartedly welcome referrals from teachers and parents who recognize the importance of collaboration in a student's journey.

Together, we create a caring and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful community and look forward to building strong relationships with each of you. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time – my door is always open.

Here's to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and endless possibilities!

Jaimee Farrell (jfarrell@lwsd.org)

School Counselor- Blackwell Elementary