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Show Volume II , Issue II Page 17 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS November 1999 MINIMIZING POWER STRUGGLES Snowcrest Has New Counselor on Board By Shanna Francis *Call For Details* *Call For Details* Roberta Blain of Eden recently the faculty by saying she’d get joined the staff at Snowcrest Junior something done, as soon as she got her, High as a student counselor. Originally ‘ducks-in-a-row.’ I bought some from California, Roberta moved to yellow ducks . . . put them in her box Utah in 1970, and to the Valley in 1976. at school with a note sayings, ‘As soon No matter how compliant a child, as you get your ducks-in-a-row, pass Mrs. Blain has 28 years of there will be times when s/he does not these on to someone who needs to do experience in; counseling/advising; want to put on his/her socks or when s/ the same.’ I received three little ducks teaching; program development and he refuses to pick up his/her toys. As from a fellow counselor when I had planning in school and community young children develop, they begin to been especially scattered organization; and in understand that they can make their doing a huge project. When helping children and own decisions. And occasionally they things were done, I found adolescents become make a power play at an inconvenient my ducks all lined up in a resilient; build selftime. neat row with a note saying, worth and obtain a sense ‘Good Job! You really have of belonging through While a power play can be your ducks-in-a-row!’” community service, and frustrating for the adult who is trying through learning to Now, when a student at to get the child to do something, it is a value and promote their Snowcrest earns their healthy part of children’s social/ own ideas and abilities. ducks-in-a-row award, it is emotional development. These announced that they have Some of the efforts incidents help children develop a earned it for reaching an and work Roberta has stronger sense of self and the capability important goal. Students been involved with to set their own limits. can also ring the “Bell of includes serving as a Excellence” in the school Adults need to react appropriately. youth liaison for the Roberta Blain mall at lunch time when National Federation of In many instances, trying to force the they have accomplished something Parents for Drug Free Youth, serving child to do what s/he has said s/he will they consider excellent. as co-founder of the Utah Federation not do escalates the situation into a fullof Drug Free Youth, receiving training Roberta states, “Having small blown power struggle. in Washington D.C. under the direction celebrations for the good things we do Try offering assistance instead. For of Nancy Reagan in order to bring the in our lives is so important to our well example, you might say, “You can put Red Ribbon Campaign to Utah for the being and personal motivation. on your socks by yourself or I can help first state-wide campaign. She has also Besides, it’s fun?” you this morning.” Or, “I could help served as a state PTA health and safety School counselors are not you put away your toys. Would you board member, trained PTA board therapeutic counselors, they are members statewide in drug prevention like that?” educators. Part of their job requirement programs, established a statewide is to be in the classroom. They are in Or offer choices, “OK, you don’t youth organization called R.E.A.C.H, want to wear these socks today. Would which held a conference and helped you rather wear blue ones or green organize peer support groups in many high ones?” “Let’s see. Which would be schools in Utah, including S.O.S (Support Our easier to start with: putting the blocks Students) at Weber High School. She has also in this tub or putting the cars back in taught Teen Power in Weber School District their case?” at Wahlquist, T.H. Bell, South Ogden, and North Ogden Junior High Schools, and Weber Power plays are simply a part of High School, and has been a counselor at growing up. When handled by adults Lakeview, Roy, Farr West, and Plain City in a calm manner, they offer Elementary Schools. opportunities for children to develop Roberta says that she has been motivated self-esteem and self-control. to be so involved with at-risk issues because she was an “at-risk” kid herself when she was Taken from Family-Friendly growing up. “I’ve . . . had many personal Communications for Early challenges associated with family life and Childhood Programs, published by school—a severe math disability and the NAEYC. Deborah Diffly and processing problem. I’ve also experienced the Kathy Morrison, editors. 1996. joy and sorrow associated with rearing my own five children, who came to me with a variety of genetic problems and all very different personalities. Receive a FREE Week of Preschool or Day Care Our joint failures and successes over the years have encouraged me to want to be P RESCHOOL there for others going through the same life challenges.” She LEARNING TIME states, “My greatest joy is in seeing young people being KINDERGARTEN READINESS PROGRAM successful in overcoming obstacles.” • Early Start Phonics Reading Program • Pre-Math w/Shapes & Numbers Roberta and her husband Ercell Blain who recently • Creative Learning Projects retired as a teacher from Valley • Self-Esteem Builders Elementary, together have 19 Reasonable Rates grandchildren and 12 children. Family Discounts She says that, as a new face at Flexible Schedule Snowcrest, she is still currently 2-5 Days Per Week known as, “‘Mr. Blain’s wife,’ Morning or Afternoon Classes or ‘Bridger Scadden’s Full Day Care Available & More grandma,’ or ‘Cailin Scadden’s mom.’ That is an honor to me =CALL TODAY-745-5600= to be associated with these Now Introducing folks, but I hope I’ll be able to Sunshine Generation Dance & earn a place as, ‘Mrs. Blain, my school counselor.’” Singing Classes To encourage kids to get in the habit of setting personal goals, Roberta developed, what she calls, the “Ducks-in-aRow” award. Students can “Quality & Learning You Can Depend On” earn a free yellow ducky and A Trusted Name in Preschool & Childcare be recognized for reaching Serving Ogden Valley Families Since 1996 their important goals. “It Receive a FREE Week of Preschool or Day Care started out as a joke when a teacher at school apologized to the schools to teach students social skills such as anger management, goal setting, how school relates to work, how to deal with loss and become resilient in the face of adversity, how to make friends, and how to identify what’s unique about each individual, including themselves. They are also career counselors. They consult and, when necessary, refer students for professional counseling outside the school system. Roberta states that counselors are also advocates for students, which means that they are working in the schools to make sure students; receive equal education; are not discriminated against; are protected from any negligence from the education system; receive help in achieving a sense of self worth, and receive help in obtaining the necessary skills to become successful; maintain hope and confidence that they can achieve, and get over, around and through barriers that are placed in their way. Counselors are in the schools to protect students’ right for an education, to teach students basic respect for one another, and the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions. Mrs. Blaine states that she is glad to be back in the Valley doing what she enjoys most, and is pleased to be able to offer her support to parents and students. |