Hance Elementary School

Tammy Godino, M.A.

Professional School Counselor

  Hance Phone Number: 724-443-1541, extension 3650

  Email: tgodino@pinerichland.org

Hi, my name is Tammy Godino and I am the school counselor at Hance Elementary.  As a counselor at Hance I wear many different hats, every day is different from the next and offers new experiences.  My roles and responsibilities include: consulting with parents, teachers, administration, and outside agencies regarding the social, emotional, and educational development of students; coordinating the Parent Volunteer program and "New Kids" program; working with students individually and in small groups with parent permission; being part of the educational support team, which helps to develop strategies to help students to be successful in all areas; and most of all, a resource for parents. 

Each year I begin the school year with a "New Kids" Tea.  New students are paired with a "buddy", who will be in their classroom.  The students participate in activities and go on a school tour, while the parents meet with the counselor, principal, PTO presidents, and other adults to learn more about the day-to-day happenings at Hance.  During the first month of school the counselor will facilitate "New Kids" Groups, which occur once a week at lunchtime.  These groups will help the students get to know one another and to have a smooth transition. 

The Volunteer Orientation usually occurs towards the end of September.  Parents will be given information about what is needed to be a volunteer and what opportunities are available.  The Pine-Richland School District looks at parents as partners.  Volunteering is a wonderful way to help have a part in your child¹s school experience. 

Other small groups I facilitated this year were:

K.I.D.S. GROUP – Kids in Divorce Situations—This group meet for six weeks and was facilitated by my intern and myself. 

STUDENT SUCCESS SKILLS GROUP – This is a group for fourth and fifth graders.  It began on February 22nd and will meet for ten weeks during lunch/recess.  This group focuses on a cluster of skills that are considered to be critical to school success.  These skills include: Cognitive and meta-cognitive skills like goal setting and progress monitoring; Social skills like social problem-solving, listening and teamwork skills; and Self-management skills like managing attention, motivation, stress and anger. 

SOCIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING GROUP—This is a group for first through third graders.  It began on February 28^th and will meet for six weeks during lunch/recess.  Because of the number of students that signed up a second session will begin on April 19^th.  This group focuses on teaching friendship skills, solving conflicts, and other social skills. 

Please remember that I am here as a resource for you.  Please feel free to call or email at any time with questions or concerns.