My name is Drew Veal, and I have had the privilege of working with students at Mt. Zion Elementary since the 2008-2009 school year. Prior to working at Mt. Zion Elementary, I worked in community mental health at Tanner Behavioral Health (now known as Willowbrooke at Tanner) for seven years. In 2003, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia (Go West! Go Wolves). In 2006, I earned a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University (Go Panthers!). I have a beautiful wife, and two wonderful children.
I absolutely love being a Mt. Zion Eagle and I am honored to be able to work with the students here! Please review the information on this website to learn about the support and resources available for students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me with the information provided above.
What is the Role of a School Counselor?
The following is an excerpt from the American School Counseling Association discussing the typical daily activities and role of a school counselor:
"School counselors help all students:
apply academic achievement strategies
manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force)
Appropriate duties include providing:
individual student academic planning and goal setting
school counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards
short-term counseling to students
referrals for long-term support
collaboration with families/teachers/ administrators/ community for student success
advocacy for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings
data analysis to identify student issues, needs and challenges"
Our character value for the month of September is Trust. Trust is putting your confidence in someone you can depend on. At every age, kids need significant relationships. The significant relationships in a child's life include parents, teachers, relatives, coaches, and spiritual leaders. As a parent, you can encourage these relationships as a way to ensure that other trusted adults are surrounding your kids with the same messages and advice that you would. Join us in teaching our children about the importance and value of Trust!
