Graystone Academy Charter School

Here at Graystone Academy we focus our efforts on developing the highest potential for each of our students as it relates to the three principles of the American School Counseling Association; personal/social, academic, and career development. At the beginning of the year the Guidance Counseling Department collaborates with all staff to implement a... behavioral model and a "bucket filling campaign. The behavioral model is called: GraystoneROCKS!!! R-Respect O-Ownership C-Cooperation K-Kindness S-Safety Every classroom is visited by the guidance counseling department one time per week to help educate them on social skills throughout the year. The focus of each lesson is to create an interactive atmosphere in the classroom using visual, auditory, and hands-on approaches. Some of the topics include: Friendship, Handling Worries, Qualities of a Learner (ex: listening, following directions), Accepting Others/Tolerance, Manners, Conflict Resolution, Honesty, Reporting/Tattling, Handling Bully Behaviors, Stranger Danger, and Career Exploration. In addition to guidance lessons the students and teachers also participate in a "bucket filling program. The inspiring book, "Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud is read to the students and age appropriate activities are conducted to help the children learn the concept of what it means to be a "bucket filler. This story provides many inspiring examples of how people's kindness and helpfulness will be emotionally satisfying for themselves and others. The children learn that when their bucket is full they feel happy and when their bucket is empty they feel sad. "A bucket filler is a loving, caring person who says or does nice things that make others feel special. To measure the effectiveness of the program teachers track the number of bucket filling actions their classroom engages in. Throughout the year the classroom with the most "bucket filling" actions wins a small prize. To purchase a copy of the book "Have You Filled a Bucket Today? please click the link below. ...Read More