Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Counselor builds connections and confidence

May 13, 2020 2:51 PM

A familiar face does much to lift the spirits of students and families at Hollibrook Elementary.

Four mornings a week, Scott Baldwin stands just beyond the drive-by food distribution station at Hollibrook to greet students, hand out lesson packets and school supplies, and collect outstanding library books.

Baldwin is the school’s counselor. His smiling eyes peak out above his mask, and his friendly expressions of care and encouragement in Spanish and English let his “customers” know he is there for them and they are not forgotten.

Baldwin regularly checks in with students and families via phone and Zoom, as well as in-person, socially-distant visits at their front doors. He also helps provide parents with information about available community resources.

The needs of the families are many; including medical care, food, clothing, shoes, more access to technology, and more.

Once a week, he sends Hollibrook students a homemade video on a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) topic, to supplement the lessons posted with the Spring Branch ISD Digital Backpack.

“I didn’t have a clue how to make a video,” said Baldwin of his early efforts. “Now I research, write a script for myself and make videos every week.”

Video topics, so far, include: Kindness, sharing, patience, gratefulness, how to build a daily schedule, and why we are learning from home. For each topic Baldwin makes a video for grades PreK-2nd and 3rd-5th grades. He teaches students relevant vocabulary and shares ideas for putting the concepts into action. See a sample video here.

What is happening now will impact Baldwin’s work in the future.

“As a school counselor, I have a better understanding of the challenges our students and their families face now, and especially after COVID-19,” he said.

“During this summer and next school year, our students will need additional support to express their feelings and emotions in small groups and face-to-face interventions to feel confident and obtain the assistance they need.”

Hollibrook Principal Anabel Taylor is very appreciative of Scott Baldwin going the extra mile with his videos and outreach to the school’s community.

“He is our liaison between teachers and families,” said Taylor. “He helped locate students who had not reported to teachers, register students to all software needed for lessons, and supported parents with many of their needs.