Colt Elementary’s 'C3' Program aims to develop leadership
Christina DeLoach talks with this year’s class of C3 Master Leaders over a “working lunch” Oct. 7.
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
Back in “the old days,” students who disrupted class were sent to the dreaded principal’s office; these days, they go see the counselor, who decides what to do next.
Christina DeLoach, in her second year as counselor at Colt Elementary School, maintains that “for the most part, when you come to my office you’re not in trouble, we’re going to talk about it.” With a student body of almost 600 children, she talks to 100-200 kids a week, ranging from brief conversations to complicated discipline issues.
“My job is to be here for the kids and get them back in class,” DeLoach said. “Teachers take care of the academics; I take care of the emotions. Teachers are our front line, they often hear about problems first.”
“There are so many kids here who need so much attention,” DeLoach said. “The biggest problem we have is time, not money: you can throw money at education all you want.”
She acknowledged that counseling can be “heartbreaking,” such as when she worries about sending a child home at night. “For some kids, school is the only safe place they have.”
Her students have assurance of confidentiality with DeLoach, unless one of four situations arise: the students says its ok, the student is hurting someone or being hurt, or if they’re going to hurt themselves.
She has a good relationship with child protective services.
The balance to the heartbreak is the success stories and everyday joys. “Some of these kids make me laugh so hard, they’re precious and you watch them succeed and grow and become better at who they are,” DeLoach said. “Eventually they become self-fulfilled adults.” She enjoys following up on students as they move through the grades. She said:
“I always say once you’re my kid, you’re my kid.”
For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.
