Welcome back to High Ridge Elementary!  I hope each of you had a wonderful, fun-filled, exciting summer!  I am very excited to start my fifth year at High Ridge Elementary, and watch our students grow as leaders this school year. 

Just to tell you a little about myself, this is my sixth year as a Guidance Counselor with the Northwest R-1 School District.  Prior to, I spent approximately nine years working with the State of Missouri Children's Division.  I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and received my Masters of Science in Education with an emphasis in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University.  I am also certified as a School Psychological Examiner and as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). 

I am a proud parent of two wonderful boys, and in my spare time, enjoy reading, photography, and traveling. 

Elementary School Guidance Counselors wear many hats.  I spend a large majority of my time conducting model guidance classroom lessons, group counseling (social skills, anger management, divorce, grief, friendship, and study skills), and individual student counseling.  I also work with staff, students, and parents to assist with community resources.  Additionally, I manage our wonderful, student-led Peace Patrol Program.  This year, it is set up a little differently, as HRE is looking to expand the program to allow ALL types of student leaders to be part of this amazing program!  

As most of you know, I have an "open door" policy with both students and parents, so please feel free to come visit, call, or email me at any time.  I can be reached at 636-677-3996, or via email.  Proud to be part of the BEST school around,

Mrs. Sparks

HRE won national character education recognition in 2011-2012!  Check out this link for more information!  http://www.character.org/schools-of-character/promising-practices-overview/promising-practices-award-winners/winners-list/promising-practices-2012/high-ridge-elementary/

 

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 HRE Peace Patrol:

Teacher Leaders

3rd Grade: Madi S, Nylin W, Eddy S, Ethan B, Hailey W

4th Grade:  Trinity C, Peyton M, Morgan M, Allie L

5th Grade:  Krysten P, Cheyenne D, Shawn M, Erin W

Assembly Leaders  Austin R, Kenny L, Grace S, Megan B, Shaley U, Sam B, Shawn M, Erin W

Public Relations Leaders  Alexis F, Lauren J, Erin W, Shawn M

Facilities Leaders  Riley C, Drew H, Shelby B, Savannah L, Cody S, Jacob W, Jason P, Jack T, Jaden K

Art Leaders 

1st Semester: Emily N, Sidney O, Erica S, Christina S, Haley D, Paige M, Trinity H, Desiree H 

2nd Semester:  Autumn B, Pura D, Shayna B, Shay R, Justice F, Brianna M, Emma B, Angelina P

Board Leaders 

1st Semester:  Kirsten L, Savana T, Gabe W, Dillon C 

2nd Semester:  Mackenzie B, Erica B, Nicole K, Claudia M

Greeter Leaders

1st Semester:  Megan B, Dustin F, Sara P, Brianna W, Destiny S, Christopher A, Katy F, Riley S, Taylor A 

2nd Semester:  Carissa S, Garrett H, Rocky S, Jaden N, Chase s, Anthony G, Hanna H, John D

 

HRE will be exploring The 7 Habits of Happy Kids in further detail this year!  Here are some books and websites I highly recommend:

www.seancovey.com/books_7kids.html

www.theleaderinme.org/the-7-habits-for-kids

 

Other useful sights:

What is a career?  http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/career_clusters.htm

Health Teacher at Home is a free website for parents to connect with the expert health content that teachers have in the classroom.  check the site out at:

http://home.healthteacher.com

www.gonoodle.com

http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/

www.nasp.org

 

 

 

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We are Bucket-Fillers at High Ridge Elementary! 

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Buy these great books to learn more and teach your children!
For more information & great resources click below.

 Here are some useful links:

http://www.bucketfillers101.com/ 

http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/