With the challenges that elementary students see on a regular basis, the West Geauga Schools have added a trauma trained counselor as a full-time part of the staff.
Trauma Trained Counselor Added
With the challenges that elementary students see on a regular basis, the West Geauga Schools have added a trauma trained counselor as a full-time part of the staff.
Kim Zannetti, a longtime member of the West Geauga High School counseling staff, has been transitioned to the elementary buildings after completing a trauma counseling certification.
Zannetti said, “With the tragedies that seem to plague our schools, sometimes on a weekly basis, it just seemed logical and necessary to have more in-depth training in helping our students should they ever need it. What I find very helpful is that this particular training is focusing not only on catastrophic trauma, but daily interventions as well. Children face incredibly challenging situations in their daily lives. Changing family situations such as divorce, domestic violence and drug/alcohol addiction can unleash havoc. Being aware and trained to offer support to our students is essential.”
The West Geauga counseling staff is working to be more available to elementary aged children. Having a full-time counselor in each building means that the district will be able to expand small group programming, academic and social interventions and individual counseling to students who need it.
Zannetti is hopeful that the changes in staffing will help the counseling staff to intervene earlier.
She said, “I think the main goal with elementary counseling is starting to work with our children earlier to hopefully catch issues sooner before they grow into more severe challenges. By working with our families in teaching and developing life skills with our students, it makes them more adept at handling the challenges that life will throw their way. Paying attention to issues of self-esteem and skills such as problem solving, communication and the ability to work with others will help us to lay a strong foundation for our younger kids.”
Gridiron Club Family Picnic
The Wolverine Gridiron Club hosted its eighth annual family picnic on for all of the West Geauga football players and their families to celebrate the start to the season.Included in the picnic were players from the Lion’s Club, middle school and high school football teams.
Chris Concilla, the president of the Gridiron Club said, “Family Day is definitely good for our organization. It lets parents meet each other and learn how much the Gridiron Club puts into the football programs.”
The club provides services such as assistance with parking for those who are disabled at home games, cleat collection for the Big Brothers & Sisters and donates money to the West Geauga football programs for supplemental equipment.
For more information about the Gridiron Club, visit www.wolverinegridironclub.com.
