Skip to main content

Banks School

Be Your Best and Nothing Less!

Counselor

Joni Riley

About our Counseling Program

What does a Counselor do? A Counselor

Helps students understand self and others

Works with students in small and large groups to enhance study habits, self-concept, self-esteem, bullying, divorce, conflict resolution, child abuse prevention, improving academic performance, etc.

Meets with new students to help them adjust to our school

Talks with parents and teachers

Provides individual counseling for personal, social, emotional, or academic issues that students may be facing.

Assists with crisis intervention and supports students dealing with trauma, grief, or other emergencies.

Coordinates with outside resources like mental health agencies, social workers, or community services for students needing more support.

Supports students with special needs by participating in IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 meetings and helping implement accommodations.

Helps with career exploration and planning, especially at the middle and high school levels—like discussing interests, skills, and future goals.

Monitors academic progress and works with students and teachers to develop plans for improvement when needed.

Promotes a safe and inclusive school climate, encouraging respect, empathy, and positive behavior.

Leads school-wide programs such as Red Ribbon Week, Kindness Week, or Mental Health Awareness Month.

Acts as a liaison between school staff, parents, and students to ensure all parties are working together in the student's best interest.

Assists with scheduling classes and helping students transition between grade levels or into high school or college.

Provides professional development for teachers on student mental health, trauma-informed practices, or behavior management.

How to Register a New Student

Registration Dates:

Pre-registration for kindergartners is held during the Spring of the year, usually in April.

Pre-registration for 1st - 6th grade is held in the summer, usually during June

Regular registration is held during August each school year.

ALL REGISTRATION DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE, PARENTSQUARE APP, AND SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

 

Registration Packet

Registration Documentation required for new students:

Birth Certificate

Social Security Card

Alabama Immunization Card (Blue Slip)

Two proofs of residency (copy of power bill, telephone bill, lease, driver’s license, etc)

If not the biological parent, proof of guardianship is needed