Counselor
Welcome to the Counseling page! Learn more about our team below.
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Teacher
Newman
Sara N. Newman, M. Ed., CSC
Professional School Counselor
Carver Elementary School
Phone: (512) 943-5072
Hello Carver Colts!
I am the School Counselor for the Carver Elementary School Community. My background as a Texas educator began in 1995, when I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree (Hook 'em!) and became a teacher certified in Special Education. My first year I taught in Taylor I.S.D., and moved to G.I.S.D. in the fall of 1996. My teaching experience includes serving elementary students in Special Education in both small groups and self-contained, General Education Math and Reading Intervention, Dyslexia B.L.S. small groups, and Content Mastery support for all students. My time teaching in G.I.S.D. has taken me to several elementary schools including Williams (the original, now Hammerlin CLL), Cooper and Ford. In 2013, I graduated from Lamar University with my Master of Education in School Counseling, and became a Certified Professional School Counselor (CSC). I served as a school counselor for Tippit Middle School from July 2013 to June 2016, prior to coming to Carver in the fall of 2016. My husband and I have two children, and both are GHS graduates. Our daughter is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin (Hook 'em!), and our son is a graduate of Texas A&M College Station (Gig 'em!).
The Carver Counseling Office provides many services to support student success. Some examples include: classroom guidance lessons (district initiatives & character education), small groups, individual visits, coordination of benevolence, mentors/PALs, GT identification, and others. As your school counselor, it is my goal to be available to the Carver Community, including students, families and staff. Several resources have been provided for your information, which may be accessed by following the included links.
#LoveTexasWildflowers!
More Information
- Links to Helpful Resources
- Books of Interest for Parents
- Guidance Lessons
- Articles of Interest for Parents
- Calendar and Announcements
- Mental Health Resources
Links to Helpful Resources
Resources to Help Children Emotionally Cope - 2021 Winter Storms
These are resources created to support parents and educators as they help children to emotionally cope in the aftermath of the 2021 winter storm disaster in Texas.
Setting up a Calming Corner at Home
This link takes you to a blog post by Counselor Keri, where she shares information about how to set up your family calming corner at home, and provides printable supports to display in your family calming corner.
Simple Box Breathing Video
A tried and true strategy for self-calming is Box Breathing (also called 4-Square Breathing). This video simply gives a visual for the steps:
Set one's gaze on a fixed location.
Breathing through the nose (preferably), slowly inhale/ breathe in for a count of four, while also tracking one's gaze upward to make the left side of a box.
Hold the breath to a count of four, while tracking one's gaze to the right to make the top of the box.
Slowly exhale/ breathe out for a count of four, while also tracking one's gaze downward to make the right side of the box.
Hold the breath to a count of four, while tracking one's gaze to the left to complete the bottom of the box.
Repeat these steps as many times as is needed to slow one's heartrate, and to create a more calm presence.
Virtual Calming Room for GISD
The GISD Department of Guidance and Wellness has created a Virtual Calming Room available to be used by parents, students, and staff. All of us at some time will need to take a step back from whatever it is we are working on and make sure we are taking care of our well-being. The Virtual Calming Room has a variety of relaxation and refocusing activities, all just a click away! One example includes taking a virtual vacation to the San Diego Zoo via their live webcam. Check it out!
www.auntbertha.com Search Engine for Resources
This resource, www.auntbertha.com is a search engine that provides information about resources available by location.
BigLifeJournal.com
BigLifeJournal.com is a great resource for parents and educators. They send regular emails with FREE full color, downloadable and printable resources, many of which have enhanced the counselors office. You won't want to miss the opportunity to support your student by teaching them a "growth mindset," and how to think positively!
Back to School Parent/Student Interview Activity
Parents may download this free activity to do with their child(ren) to help them process their thoughts and feelings about the transition from summer to new school year. Doing so can help both identify and calm any fears they may be experiencing, as well as build anticipation for the good things to come.
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is an organization that provides educational information about using the internet safely. Now, more than ever before, it is important for parents to know what their children are doing and seeing online. This link will provide assistance in this endeavor.
Compassion It! Join the movement to demonstrate compassion each day.
Compassion It! is a movement that is making its way around the world. Check it out!
Kelso's Choice
In August 2017, Carver students began using the Kelso's Choice Conflict Management tools. Already we have heard some great stories of how students are empowered to be great problem solvers using the Kelso's Choice Wheel (K-3rd) and the KC's Choice Wheel (4th-5th). This website provides a little background to Kelso's Choice and what it offers students.
The Caring Place
Offering a multitude of services to families in need including food, clothing and connections to other local resources.
The Christi Center
The Christi Center is a wonderful resource for individuals and families maneuvering the grief process. Losing a loved one is devastating and the professionals at The Christi Center are there to help.
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services
Mission Statement of Bluebonnet Trails Community Services:
"Ensuring the provision of accessible, efficient, and effective services supporting the health, dignity, and independence of those we serve."
Williamson and Travis County Mental Health Resources
Pick With Austin has a passion for raising community awareness about youth and teen depression. For a wealth of information and links to quality local resources, please visit their page.
Books of Interest for Parents
Guidance Lessons
Articles of Interest for Parents
Calendar and Announcements
Mental Health Resources
Georgetown ISD has several mental health resources to support students. Your child's school counselor is the first responder on campus for mental health needs. School counselors are available to meet with students to address concerns presented in the classroom, on campus, or at home (parent referral). When the presenting level of need becomes more significant, there are other resources available to provide support.
School Based Therapy (SBT) is provided by licensed therapists within the district to students requiring a substantial level of support, and is available by referral.