I am Mrs. Rice, a licensed school counselor. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your child. You may contact me at mary.rice@gocreek.org
937-458-2544.

As a School Counselor, I perform the following roles in order to promote positive development in academic, career, and personal/social domains:

• Individual counseling (short term)

• Teach problem solving strategies

• Classroom guidance (i.e. Large group counseling)

• Create and deliver our Character Education program for all students

• Create and deliver our Olweus Anti-Bullying program for all students

• Attend and participate in academic intervention meetings (IAT/RTI)

• Organize and administer building testing

• Observe students in various school environments

• Consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, social workers, and students

• Respond to student and/or school crises or emergency situations

• Provide information and resources to parents on a variety of issues

I am always looking out for the best interest of your child, but please remember that what a student shares with me is confidential unless someone is hurting them or they are at risk of hurting themselves or others. I work with them on strategies that will help them solve their problems, find words to clarify what they need, or just listen if that is what they need.
Additionally, I always encourage students to share their concerns with their family.

Connection and Community
I also work a great deal on the school climate at Main Elementary. We want to provide a positive school climate that allows everyone to feel safe and valued. Our school has implemented Positive Intervention and Behavioral Supports (PBIS) which has had a significant impact on our school climate. A more detailed description of what PBIS includes is explained in a separate tab. Our school has worked hard to incorporate our PBIS theme.

We have adopted the expectation of The Main Way: Be Respectful, Responsible, and Trustworthy. All students are familiar with this theme and they hear it mentioned each and every day.

I visit each classroom every month which allows me to get to know the students and for them to become comfortable with me. My classroom guidance lessons teach students how to handle conflict with others, deal with bullying behavior, improve their communication and listening skills, make good decisions, and develop lifelong relationships skills.

What is Character Education?

Character education involves specific, targeted efforts to communicate and integrate into the lives of children widely shared core character qualities (e.g. caring, citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness).

District-wide Character Education Pillars

"Building Kids of Character"

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don't deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable do what you say you'll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect
Treat others with respect ~ follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded ~ listen to others • Don't take advantage of others • Don't blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed ~ vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

Main Elementary kicked off the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program www.clemson.edu/olweus/ in the spring of 2010. This research-based program is designed to reduce bullying in schools. It also helps to make school a safer, more positive place where students can learn.

Although this program takes place at school, we need your help too. You can talk about bullying and our school’s anti-bullying rules at home with your child. We want to work with you to prevent bullying from happening in our school.

Each month, I will visit the classrooms and provide time to discuss what bullying is, our school rules regarding bullying, what to do if bullying occurs, and consequences for bullying behaviors. Each classroom teacher also teaches a lesson each month related to the Social and Emotional Learning which also addresses bullying behavior.
They will also be working extensively on building community within their classroom.

A great website you may want to check out is www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov

Main Elementary Anti-bullying Rules:

•  We will not bully others.

•  We will try to help students who are bullied.

•  We will try to include students who are left out.

•  If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

I want you to be informed of what we are trying to do at school to help your children feel safe. Please talk with your child if they are concerned about something at school and encourage them to talk to me or their teacher. Together, our goal is provide a place for learning that is nurturing and safe.

Thank you for all you do from home!
Mrs. Rice
937-458-2544

The Olweus Bully Prevention Program (OBPP) at Main continues to be ever-present. It has been a wonderful addition to the building but also one that takes some time to solidify. This is a learning process for all of us, including Staff, Students, and Parents. One difficulty we face when addressing any acts of bullying or episodes of conflict at Main is to try to determine which it is…….bullying or conflict. Sometimes it is hard to sort out but there are some criteria to keep in mind. These are the criteria spelled out by the OBPP and also the criteria we use at Main.

In order for something to be considered an act of bullying, it must:

• Be a negative action on the part of one or more persons;

• Happen repeatedly over a period of time;

• Include an imbalance of power (which means the bully holds a higher social standing amongst their peers than the target).
  

As we all know, children have conflicts. These young people are learning daily how to be kind to others, how to handle differences of opinion, how to share with many other people, and how to be fair to others. These are not easy tasks……so all of this takes some time. Please help your child examine events that upset them to determine whether they think it is true bullying or a conflict between two students. Either way, we want to help resolve the problem, but conflict is not bullying!

What can parents do?? Talk to your child about their school day. Encourage them to use their words when they feel picked on and tell the other child to STOP! If they don’t feel like they can do that, then encourage them to tell an adult at school. While we may never totally eliminate bullying at Main Elementary, our goal is to address all events that happen, educate the children involved, and teach all the children better ways to handle difficult situations. We need your help to do this.

If you have any questions, please call me.

Mary Rice, School Counselor
937-458-2544

There are times as parents that we desperately want to help our children but do not know where to turn. The following list of agencies and services in the community can provide help in various ways. While it is not an all-inclusive list, there are some really helpful resources out there.

AIM for the Handicapped, Inc

945 Danbury Road

Dayton, OH 45420
(937) 294-4611

This organization helps individuals with hearing, sight, emotional, learning, orthopedic and coordination problems to achieve their highest potential through the AIM method of Special Movement Education. Services include one-on-one movement instruction, a water program, recreational activities for siblings and parents, referrals, information counseling and follow up, distribution of donated items, and a newsletter.

Alcoholics Anonymous

120 W. 2nd Street, Suite 202

Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-2211

Alcoholics Anonymous provides a variety of support and information for individuals wishing to be free of alcohol abuse. Many AA groups meet throughout the area. Call for the location nearest you.

American Cancer Society

1141 N. Monroe Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

The American Cancer Society provides support for individuals with or recovering from cancer, or those with life threatening diseases; a one week summer camp for children with cancer; transportation to treatments; medications; dressings; hospital stays; loans of medical items; community health education, including a speaker’s bureau; and “stop smoking” and cancer screening clinics.

American Diabetes Association

8899 Brookside Avenue, Suite 102

West Chester, OH 45069

Offers a one-time, one-month supply of insulin for families in need; free blood screening for at-risk persons; education; an outreach mobile unit; classes on the control of diabetes; a summer camp for children with diabetes; an informational telephone line; and education scholarships for persons with diabetes.

American Heart Association

124 N. Jefferson

Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-3571 or 1-800-242-8721

Provides several formal programs, including Cardiac Life Support Training; CPR Classes; The Culinary Hearts Classes Nutrition Program; the Worksite Wellness Program; the School Lunch Training Program; and various school site education programs.

American Red Cross, Greene County Service Center

130 W. Second St.

Xenia, OH 45385
(937) 372-9983 ext. 11

Provides emergency housing; youth services help for military and veteran families, including counseling; tutoring in English; health and safety education; assistance to food pantries; and loans of medical equipment to families in need.

A New Direction For Counseling

1411 N. Fairfield Rd.

Beavercreek, OH 45432

(937) 426-2686

Provides mental health services for children and adolescents.


Ask-a-Nurse

Good Samaritan Hospital

2222 Philadelphia Drive
Dayton, OH 45406
(937) 276-8773

Ask-a-Nurse provides health care information and referral 24 hours per day.

Big Brothers / Big Sisters

184 Salem Avenue, Room 235
Dayton, OH 45406

(937) 220-6850

This program pairs a child with an adult community volunteer (male or female) to serve as a "surrogate" parent to offer one-on-one role modeling, support and companionship.

Bridge Riding for the Disabled

2981 E. Lytle-Five Points Road
Waynesville, OH 45068

Provides therapeutic and recreational horseback riding for children and adults with any disabilities recognized by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), including physical disabilities, mental retardation, developmental delays, emotional disabilities, and learning disabilities.

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation

1147 Bellbrook Avenue

Xenia, OH 45385

(937) 372-4415 or (937) 426-1475

Provides counseling and planning, personal and work adjustment training, vocational training, training supplies and books, occupational supplies, and job placement services. Babysitting is provided for all programs.

Child Care Clearinghouse

414 Valley Street

Dayton, OH 45404

(937) 461-0600

Provides a database of child care agencies and individuals, telephone counseling for families needing childcare, training and technical assistance to child care providers and support and advocacy for families.

Children's Medical Center

1 Childrens Plaza

Dayton, OH 45404

(937) 641-3000 or (937) 226-8300

www.childrensdayton.org

Provides assessment and management of childhood medical, developmental and behavioral issues with multidisciplinary teams, including doctors, nurses, dieticians, audiologists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, speech / language pathologists, and social workers. Support groups are also available. The website contains a great deal of resources as well.

FISH Food Pantry

(937) 222-5444 (Beavercreek location - locations also in Fairborn, Xenia, and Jamestown)

Pantries provide a three-day selection of non-perishable foods.

Greene County Children's Services Board

601 Ledbetter Road

Xenia, OH 45385

(937) 562-6600

CSB provides counseling, referrals, assessment and investigation of child abuse and neglect, and determination of need for protective custody; assistance with arranging supportive services such a homemaker and daycare; and foster parent training and child placement. Families can receive services in the home.

Greene County Domestic Violence Program

PO Box 271

Xenia, OH 45385

(937) 372-4552

This program offers 24-hour emergency services for victims of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence; 24-hour assistance with related legal matters; a domestic violence shelter for women and children; support groups and counseling; court appointment; and outreach.

Greene County Educational Service Center

360 E. Enon Road

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

(937) 767-1303

Provides preschool services for children with special needs as well as typically-developing children in cooperation with the seven Greene County school districts. Their website has a wealth of information and resources.

Greene County Public Library

3618 Dayton-Xenia Road

Beavercreek, OH 45432

(937) 426-4442

www.gcpl.lib.oh.us


Greene County Juvenile Court

2100 Greene Way Boulevard

Xenia, OH 45385

(937) 562-4049 (Contact Grace Winner)

The Greene County Juvenile Court sponsors quite a few programs designed for families that may have concerns about the adolescent in their life. These programs are designed as preventative programs prior to the child becoming court involved.

Kettering Youth Services

5350 Lamme Road

Dayton, OH 45439

(937) 534-0125

Provides a comprehensive in-patient program providing assessment and therapeutic treatment for children ages 4-17 undergoing depression, anxiety disorders, behavior problems, etc. Staff also provide family therapy and recreation groups.

Miami Valley Special Education Regional Resource Center (SERRC)

1831 Harshman Road

Dayton, OH 45424-5094

(937) 236-9965

The SERRC is one of 16 regional centers in Ohio that provide a continuum of services for schools, parents and children on issues related to disabilities. Major tasks include identification, assessment, coordination of human/financial resources, in-service training, library of resources, and informational materials and assistance to parents.

Oak Tree Corner (A Place for Grieving children and their families)



2312 Far Hills Avenue

Dayton, OH 45419

(937) 285-0199

www.oaktreecorner.com

A place for grieving children and their families.

Ronald McDonald House

555 Valley Street

Dayton, OH 45404

(937) 225-0047

Provides private overnight accommodations for families with a child hospitalized at CMC, including telephones and stocked kitchens. Free parking is also available. The Children's Medical Center is located directly across the street.

South Community Behavioral Healthcare

3095 Kettering Blvd

Moraine, OH 45439

(937) 293-8300

This community agency can assist with behavioral concerns.

TCN / Family Solutions Center

287 Cincinnati Avenue

Xenia, OH 45385

(937) 427-3837

This community agency can assist with behavioral concerns.


Parent Mentor:

Ann McGuire - (937) 427-0996

Dear Main Parent/Guardian,

There is a wonderful, community program called “Backpack Buddies”. This program is intended to support the nutritional needs of our young developing children of families experiencing financial hardships. The students involved will be provided, weekly, with a free bag of food to take home, prepare and eat over the weekend. The food items will be delivered discretely and care will be taken to not draw attention to the child.

Food will be made available by the local community and delivered to Main. Some of the items included will be cans of fruit, vegetables, pudding, microwaveable items, as well as cereal, granola bars, peanut butter and fruit juice. The food packages are meant to help families with a food source for their children over the weekend and also to help promote healthy eating practices.

This program is available in many neighboring communities such as Centerville and Kettering, and we want to make it available to our Beavercreek families also. Participation in the program is voluntary. Currently, this program is available in all 6 elementary buildings.

Please complete the form below and return it to your child’s teacher. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Rice, Main School Counselor, at 937-458-2544.

In an effort to provide support to our students in many areas, the school district has organized the Creek Clothing Closet. The closet provides clothing of all sizes, coats and jackets, some shoes and socks, and some personal hygiene items. This room is housed at the high school but is available to every student of Beavercreek City Schools. It is accessed through the school counselor at each school. If you are in need of any of these things, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Rice at 937-458-2544 or mary.rice@gocreek.org and ask about it. There are no forms to fill out and no need to justify your need. Please call and I will be glad to help.

Dear Parents, 

     We are living in uncertain times and unchartered territory. The district and the staff are working diligently to make a plan and implement that plan to the best of our ability. You will be hearing from all of your child's teachers with specific information for their classes as we begin this remote learning part of your child's education.

     My role in this effort will be evolving over time. First and foremost, I want you to know I will be available to help your child through this time of uncertainty to the best of my ability. I will add some links here to help you help your child. I will also hold office hours each day beginning March 30, 2020 from 10:00-11:00 am and also 6:00-7:00 pm. This is a time that you or your child can reach out to me via email if either of you have questions or concerns. Also, if there is something you need and you don't know where to find it, I will do my best to connect you with the proper resources. 

     Again, we will get through these difficult times and we WILL be stronger because of it. Remember to reach out if you have concerns or questions. If you email me outside of my office hours, I will respond to your email within 24 hours. 

     Stay calm, stay positive, and stay healthy. Those are the most important things to remember at this time.

Sincerely, 

Mary Rice

rice@gocreek.org

937-458-2544 

Food Resources:

Coronavirus: