McAlder Blog

As the McAlder school counselor, I disciple students through school life by providing Christ-centered tools that help them identify emotions, navigate feelings, thrive in community, learn appropriate behaviors, and grow friendships, ultimately enhancing their academic experience.

To help students recognize and manage their emotions, I created a Christ-centered booklet featuring an emotion wheel with a corresponding biblical response tool. This resource assists students in identifying their feelings and learning appropriate biblical responses. All students and their families receive a copy of the wheel, which can serve as a valuable reference throughout the school year.

Thriving in community requires learning how to make friends and how to belong. I organize “big body movement” morning activities that are open to all students, giving them a chance to burn off energy while fostering connections with peers they might not usually interact with. Students enjoy tossing weighted balls, playing lawn darts, and participating in lawn bowling. Throughout the week, I have small groups of three to six students from different classes for lunchtime gatherings. They engage in social-emotional learning games that emphasize positive behavior, friendship, and the importance of the 3Rs—Respect, Responsibility, and Relationship—while reinforcing the fruit of the Spirit.

To foster positive behavior, I teach important school-wide topics such as anti-bullying and conflict resolution, and I lead thematic class devotionals on topics like anger, self-control, failure, transitions, enticement, and the power of words. I also meet one-on-one with students to help them navigate their struggles.

Through intentional relationships and a focus on Christ-centered principles, I strive to create an environment that inspires positive behavior change, fosters a desire to succeed, and deepens the sense of belonging. Together, we are shaping a supportive atmosphere where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually.