Sarah Figg - Shady Grove Elementary School Counselor
A little bit about me - I grew up in Austin. I attended Baylor University, where I earned my bachelor's degree with a major in Spanish in 1996. I graduated from Baylor again ten years later with my master's degree in counseling.
This will be my 25th year in education. I began my teaching career at Burnet High School teaching Spanish and Teen Leadership for seven years. I moved to Lake Travis ISD to be a counselor and have been there for the past 17 years. I am happy to be back in Burnet this year and eager to get to know the students and families of Shady Grove Elementary!
My husband, Wayne is a teacher at Burnet Middle School. We have three sons who are all Aggies. I love to do things outdoors - anything on the water - lake, pool, ocean or river. I love Baylor Bears and Texas A&M Aggies. Most of all I love spending time with my family - 1 husband, 3 sons, 1 dad, 3 dogs, 3 grand-dogs, and 2 horses.
What does a school counselor do?
*CLASSROOM GUIDANCE
Guidance lessons occur once a month with every K-2nd grade class in the school and are about 30 minutes in length. The lessons focus on developing social-emotional competencies such as understanding and resolving conflict, building positive relationships, processing emotions, and communicating thoughts and ideas.
* COUNSELING
The counselor works with students individually and in small groups. Students will work on such things as social skills, how to cope with anger or loss and conflict resolution. Students, staff members, or parents may initiate a referral to see the counselor.
* CONSULTATION
The counselor communicates regularly with parents /guardians to address any concerns they may have regarding their child's education. The counselor also consults with administrators, teachers and staff members to ensure a positive educational experience and social/emotional growth for students.
*HELP
Most of all a counselor is here to help! To help students, families, teachers, and staff - That may be answering questions, pointing someone in the right direction, providing resources, listening, or maybe just giving a hug. The counselor is here for you.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou