I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you especially our new students and families. My name is Carole Polzer and I serve as the school counselor. I have two Master’s degrees, one from Hunter College in New York and one from the University of Houston. I also have two wonderful daughters.
My goal as counselor and the primary focus of the guidance program is to enhance the growth of the total child. Engaging students in self-reflection and community building activities reinforces the knowledge, values and service aspects of the student’s overall education and formation at St. Michael.
This Fall I plan to visit all of the classes. During our guidance time together, I will present activities and interactive dialogue addressing different topics. For example, we may begin with understanding self and others, courtesy, respect, friendship and more themes that interest the students and meet their needs.
I strive to integrate our Catholic faith with the lessons and remind the students about living our lives in a Christian manner.
Also, I will meet with students individually when referred by their teachers, parents or when the student makes an appointment to see me.
In October, we celebrated Red Ribbon Days! Look for more on these days soon.
In Ms. Polzer’s third grade guidance classes, each student was given a tube of toothpaste and instructed to write their initials on a paper plate using the toothpaste. They were then directed to put the toothpaste back in the tube. Many students found it impossible, saying it was just “too hard”.
The lesson behind this activity is that this is what happens to our words. What we say, we cannot take back. We must try to think before we speak. Ms. Polzer reminded the students that even adults have to remember to watch our words. Words should not be for hurting. The class ended with hope knowing that Jesus will forgive us when we are sorry for hurting others and to try harder to think before we speak!
Seventh Grade "Trust Walk"
In Ms. Polzer’s seventh grade guidance classes, the students participated in a “trust walk”. Students were divided into pairs calling each other macaroni and cheese. Those who were cheese were blindfolded and led through an obstacle course by their macaroni partners, then vice versa. After the activity, students formed small sharing groups which were led by Ms. Polzer and the help of other teachers: Mrs. Homan, Mrs. Pinkerton, Mr. Lowen, Mrs. Petrosewicz and Mrs. Henderson. Discussion groups explored the concept of who do you trust, are you a friend people can trust and closed with exploring how faith and trust were related leading to our trust in God.