Venice Elementary is a "Community of Caring" school. School programs
have been enhanced through a grant from the Venice Foundation of Sarasota
County and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center. Based at the
University of Utah, Community of Caring is a comprehensive character-based
framework emphasizing caring, respect, responsibility, trust, and family
that meshes well with the the school's award-winning Peacemaking Program.
I. CLASSROOM GUIDANCE
Everything that children do depends on interacting successfully with those
around them. Mr. Drummond works directly with kids, parents, and teachers to
help children learn how to act appropriately in school, to make friends,
show respect, and act responsibly.
The Peacemaking Program is the centerpiece of Mr. Drummond's school-wide
approach to guidance. Peacemaking is a program of social skills and conflict
resolution. Lessons are taught by the counselor and reinforced in follow-up
activities by teachers. The program makes meaningful connections to
character education and careers.
Stop by and see Venice Elementary’s very own Peace Pole in the school lobby.
Carved by local artisan, Bruce Elliott, this international symbol of peace
was awarded by the Southwest Florida Peace Coalition to Venice Elementary
School for its outstanding program in peace education. "Let peace prevail on
earth" is carved in a different language into each of the pole's six sides.
The Peace Pole initiative was started in Japan at the end of World War II.
Since then, peace poles have been awarded around the world to people and
organizations promoting peace.
Kelso’s Choices In this excellent program from Rhinestone Press, Kelso
the Frog offers young children nine strategies for problem-solving. Kelso
posters are in every classroom and serve as a frame of reference for
children each day when problems present themselves.
The Tree of Caring Good deeds are a choice. When a child does
something kind for someone or solves a problem in a peaceful way, the
teacher (or the student) writes a caring choice leaf. It is put on the
Caring Tree in the cafeteria for everyone to see. The leaves are later taken
down and sent home with a note to thank the child and family. The child
receives a pencil that says:
I AM A PEACEMAKER AT VENICE ELEMENTARY!
The Peace Corner The process of negotiation has been simplified into
five easy steps - easy enough for young children. In each class (grades 2-5)
a peace corner is provided. When kids have a problem, they get permission to
go there. With the help of a script, they talk through their problem and
decide on the best solution. For the last eleven years, the peace corner
success rate has always been 90% or higher. Since kids choose the solutions,
problems usually stay resolved. Mr. Drummond sends children an email to
thank them for being peacemakers by taking responsibility for their actions.
Peacemaking at Home If your children are driving you crazy with
bickering and fighting, maybe you need a Peace Corner at Home. Just contact
Mr. Drummond and he'll be happy to send you the materials. Kids in grades 2
through 5 know how to use them.
Mediation Sometimes, a problem is not resolved in the peace
corner. And, sometimes, a parent or teacher asks for assistance. At those
times Mr. Drummond holds a mediation with children to help them understand
how their actions affect others. And he helps them decide peaceful ways to
work together. Parents, please contact Mr. Drummond early before little
problems become big ones. We will do everything we can to ensure that our
children feel safe and eager to come to school.
II. GROUPS In the fall and in the spring Mr. Drummond offers 5-session
counseling groups for children in grades 1-5. Separation and divorce are
dramatic stressors in a child’s life. To help children work through this
difficult transition, Mr. Drummond holds NEW BEGINNINGS groups. He also
leads CHOICES groups to help children learn better decision-making
strategies. SOCIAL SKILLS groups help shy children role-play strategies to
help them meet and make friends.
III. INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS Mr. Drummond is happy to talk with children
who are having difficulties; teachers and parents frequently refer children
to him. Although his many duties do not allow him time to do long-term
counseling, Mr. Drummond can refer parents to resources within the school
system and counseling at outside agencies.
IV. REFERRAL Although Mr. Drummond cannot provide counseling for
parents, he can provide a listening ear. What affects a parent affects the
child. Mr. Drummond is happy to provide information about counseling,
tutoring, and financial assistance through community agencies.
