Ferndale Area Elementary School has developed and implemented a developmental guidance program.  A developmental guidance program is a comprehensive, balanced and sequential plan that is based on the results of a building-wide needs assessment regarding the students in the Ferndale Area Elementary School.  A needs assessment reviews the social, personal, academic and career needs of students in your school.  Programming is then directed to meet needs in each grade level as well as National Standards for School Counseling Programs.  Teachers, counselor and the principal then develop class activities and counseling initiatives.  Mr. Theys and Mr. Moran have included home visits to assist in meeting the needs of children and families in the Ferndale Area School District.

FERNDALE AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDANCE PROGRAM. . .Builds Character!

A student incentive program to reward positive behaviors and acts of good choices occurs throughout the school year. 

Every staff member has the opportunity to reward students for exceptional acts of honesty, kindness, responsibility etc. The program follows the philosophy of “Catch’em Being Good”.  Thumbs Up Cards are rewarded to students that demonstrate a positive act of character.   Winners receive a small prize and a certificate to take home and their name displayed on the elementary school’s wall of achievement.  During the 2004-05 school year Domino’s has generously donated  a “weekly free pizza” to one of the Thumb’s Up winner throughout the school year.  Thumb’s up to Domino’s.

Yellow Jackets say, “Thank you, Domino’s Pizza!”

The Guidance COMPETENCIES and support services will be delivered in a comprehensive developmental plan via classroom guidance, counseling, response services and attempts to connect the community and school via educational opportunities to meet the needs of Ferndale Area Elementary students.

At Ferndale Area Elementary School Family Support involvement is a preventative measure that involves parents as integral part of our educational team.

All academic tutoring is arranged via the family support team.  Team members include the parent, teacher, guidance counselor and principal.  Meetings review all areas of student development including:  social, emotional, academic, cognitive, and family dynamics.    Personal home visits are arranged when a parent is unable to visit the school for a meeting.  Principal and guidance counselor meet with parents in their home throughout the school year.  A family support plan is developed, implemented and reviewed within 30 days. 

Family Support Team: will

1.    Intervene with at-risk students to bridge their gap toward successful learning and

 living while at Ferndale Elementary.

2.  Provides the link to academic tutoring.

3.     Identify students who are experiencing behavior and/or academic difficulties which pose a barrier to their learning and success in school while offering support to the student and their family.

4.    Refer students for assistance as indicated by need (listed on request for assistance form).

5.    Make decisions based on observable behavior

6.    Function as a advocate for the student

7.    Work in conjunction with teachers, parents, family members to increase student success

Family Support Team: will not

    1.    Provide treatment to students

    2.    Rehabilitate students

    3.    Diagnose

    4.    Act as therapists

    5.    Establish school policy

    6.    Replace normal disciplinary procedures or supplant other existing student services

    7.    Prepare and implement treatment plans

 Family Support services urge parents to become actively involved with your child’s academic progress.  Family Support service meetings are arranged by Mr. Theys.  In order to bridge the communication efforts between home and school, Mr. Theys and Mr. Moran have implemented home visit arrangements to accommodate family circumstances as needed.

·         set a regular time to do homework.

·         check your child’s book bag and planner every night.

·         use the planner to communicate with teacher. 

·         have a quiet place for your child to do homework.  Remove distractions.

·         review with your child the homework assignment and make sure he/she understands what needs to be done.

·         be available to help with the assignment, but remember it is your child's homework.

·         check over the completed work.

·         give practice tests for spelling, go over addition or subtraction facts for 5-10 minutes every night. 

·         try to create a ritual to read a fun book to your child at night.