School Counselor
B. F. Day School Counselor
School Counselor Mr. Taylor
Hello B.F. Day Community,
I am John Taylor, the school counselor at B.F. Day. We are excited to make this year a great year. This school year we will have a school counseling intern, Ms. Shelly. She is currently getting her Master’s in Education, specializing in school counseling from Seattle University. Ms. Shelly did her practicum last school year at B.F. Day, and this year she is completing an internship with us. We are lucky to have her join our team! She will be here on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The school counselor role is one that is multi-faceted and unique. Duties may include, but not limited too; individual student planning, small groups on friendship/anxiety/emotional regulation/family separation collaborating with community resources to support families, advocating for students and families, responding to daily concerns from students/staff and families and lastly, being an advocate for our students and their needs. It truly takes a village to raise and support a child. I am happy and lucky to be able to play my part. Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing my career at BF Day for years to come. Thank you B.F. Day families for your continued support of my role here at B.F. Day.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” ~Dr. Seuss
B.F. Day Earns Prestigious Counseling Recognition
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) announced B.F. Day as a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). The school is the first in the district to achieve the designation.
The RAMP designation recognizes schools that are committed to delivering an exemplary school counseling program. Honorees are awarded for aligning their program with the criteria in the ASCA National Model, a framework for a data-informed school counseling program.
B.F. Day Principal Natalie Zisko expressed her admiration for the school’s counselor, John Taylor. Read Full Post on the District News Page!
Message from Mr. Taylor
Hello B.F. Day Community,
Earlier this week (March 2024), our school counseling program at B.F. Day was Recognized for a Comprehensive American School Counseling Program (RAMP). This recognition is awarded to programs that exhibit evidence of how each student received academic, social/emotional, and career development. One of the components of the RAMP application is showing how students benefited from our school counseling program. For the application, we showed how four academic lessons in fourth grade (academic anxiety, organization, time management, and academic mindfulness) raised student scores on unit tests. In addition to raising their test scores, students also reported increased knowledge of their own academic anxieties, helpful strategies to cope with those anxious feelings, and an understanding of the intersection between organization and time. This brings to light how social-emotional learning works alongside academic confidence and achievement.
I want to say thank you for all the support and recognition. Our school community has provided me with an opportunity to be at B.F. Day full-time for the past 8 years! Without the ongoing support and funding for my position, this kind of honor would not be possible. This recognition is a celebration for all of us. Together, we’ve done great work in supporting the social-emotional wellness of our students.
Thank you,
John Taylor
Career Week Was a Success!
Watch Recap on SPS First Bell
Thank You Guest Speakers!
Our B.F. Day Elementary held its annual Career Week this week thanks in large part to the school’s counselor, John Taylor, and counseling intern, Shelly Frappier. Throughout the week, fourth and fifth grade students heard from guest speakers who talked about their pathway to their career, obstacles they overcame, and responsibilities of their career. There were representatives from public service, arts, public safety, technology, and trades. The week ended today, with a special visit from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Thank you to all our speakers for sharing their journeys with our students. Thank you to our families that continue to support school counseling at B.F. Day. Career Week is celebrated during National School Counseling Week in February 2024. We’re looking forward to Career Week in the School Year 24-25, and already thinking about our upcoming panelists! ~ B.F. Day Principal Natalie Zisko
Continue Career Conversations at Home
Taylor’s Tidbits & Resources for Families
Watch updates in the Dayette, for a section called “Taylor’s Tidbits” where I shares relevant and helpful tips or strategies to support our students both at school and at home. This may be in response to current events going on in the world, or it may be in response to trends or patterns we are seeing at school.
Food Assistance
Food Bags for Families
I want to share a resource for families who may need weekly food assistance. We partner with Wallingford’s Family Works Food Bank to provide weekly, non-perishable food bags. Students will receive a bag each Friday afternoon. If you are interested in this form of assistance, please reach out to myself or Ms. Sonja and I will connect with you to follow up! ~John Taylor, School Counselor
Counseling Program: Goals & Services
“The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment.” (American School Counseling Association, 2017)
Please Note* I provide brief solution focused therapy I do not provide long-term therapy. Simply call 206-252-6016 or email Jrtaylor@seattleschools.org your concern.