Be Responsible 
Be Prepared Be Respectful
Ellis School.
SCHOOL HOURS ARE:
| Building Open to Staff | 7:30 AM |
| First Bell | 8:25 AM |
| Tardy Elementary | 8:35 AM |
| Dismissal | 3:05 PM |
| Building Closed | 4:30 PM |
Elementary Guidance
Kathleen Hoppa - Elementary Guidance
Welcome to the Ellis School’s Elementary Counselor Page. My name is Kathy Hoppa and I will be filling in for Gina Genest and working with students in kindergarten through 4th grade this year at Ellis. I am fortunate to be a part of a learning community so full of dedicated teachers, staff, families and students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
National School Counselor Week
February 6–10 is National School Counselor Week! This year’s focus is “School Counselors: Helping Students Be Brilliant.” The week-long celebration, organized by the American School Counselor Association, is meant to highlight the impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
So have you ever wondered what counselors do for students here in Fremont? The counseling position has four components:
Classroom instruction: Counselors deliver standards-based lessons to all K-8 students on topics including personal relationships, social skills, and career planning.
Response services: Based on need, counselors meet with students, individually or in groups, to ensure that those students can be academically successful. Counselors also coordinate with a variety of community organizations, including SoRock, NHHEAF and SASS.
Individual student planning: Counselors serve as the 504 Plan case managers in Fremont (504 Plans serve students with disabilities that impact their education). Counselors may also sit on special education teams. Mrs. Farrar also coordinates the 8th grade transition to area high schools.
Administrative support: Counselors are a part of the administrative team, and often assist in both school wide planning and individual student interventions.
Counseling in the Classroom
February Topics
Kindergarten:
We will read books about feelings, starting with The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. What are feelings, and what do they do to our bodies?
First Grade:
First graders will delve deeper into their feelings and learn about how we can recognize a particular feeling, and how we can manage our moods. We will continue to use the Incredible 5-Point Scale to frame our discussion about feelings and how strong they can be.
Second Grade:
We will finish a month-long No Put-Down curriculum, developed by the National Center for Youth Issues. Throughout the month we will discuss why students say mean things to each other, how to "stay cool," respond, and protect ourselves. Finally, we will practice strategies to work together as a community by encouraging others.
Third Grade:
Third graders will talk about and practice group decision making skills and conflict management. Students will work in groups to develop an international space station that will give them the opportunity to practice everything they have learned!
Fourth Grade:
We will finish up our bullying discussion by focusing on what we all can do to create a bully-free society. We will also conclude our activities about group work and cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of an elementary guidance counselor?
My ultimate goal is to help your children better succeed in school. We do this by providing a comprehensive counseling program that meets the developmental needs of all students. Our program is organized around three areas essential to student growth and development: Academic, Personal/Social and Career.
What services does the counselor provide?
• Classroom instruction based on district curriculum standards
• Small group guidance and counseling (breakfast clubs, lunch bunches and other small groups)
• Short-term individual counseling
• Crisis counseling
• Long- and short-term academic planning
• Consultation and collaboration with school staff, parents, mental health professionals and community groups
What topics are included in the guidance curriculum?
Academic:
• Study skills
• Decision-making skills
• Stress management
• Self-confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem
Personal/Social:
• Friendship skills
• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution and problem solving techniques
• Anger management
• Feelings and coping skills
• Bullying
• Personal safety and drug awareness
Career:
• Career exploration
• Cooperative Group skills
How can my child see the counselor?
I see every student when I visit his or her classroom to deliver a curriculum-based lesson. If a student would like to see me privately, they can ask their teacher to visit my office. If I’m not in the office, your child can fill out the simple form hanging on the bulletin board near my office and slip it under my door. I will meet with them as soon as possible. If you would like me to talk with your child or if you need to speak with me for any reason, please contact me using the information below.
Who are you and where did you come from?
Well, I’m glad you asked! This is my third year as an elementary counselor. Before that, I was a stay-at-home mom and a middle school social studies teacher. I also serve on the New Hampshire School Counselor Association Board as the Public Relations Chair. I live in Hampstead with my husband, three children, and boxer puppy. In my free time, I like to read, play soccer on my women’s team, watch movies, and carpool my children around to their many activities. I am thrilled to be spending the year with your children at Ellis School … thank you for sharing them with me!
Kathleen Hoppa, M.Ed.
895-2511, x423