G.E.M.S.: Girls Empowering Minds & Spirits
This unique and holistic plan to help our struggling female population is both student and self-centered. As their counselor, I would be remiss to not state the obvious; most of our female population struggles greatly with self-image, poverty, identity, decision-making and relationships. Consequently these struggles greatly impact their academics and health. The vision of G.E.M.S. has been to identify these girls and educate, inspire, and encourage them to make healthy and good decisions. In our facilitated weekly support meetings, we explore various age-appropriate texts and discuss issues that abound through differentiated lessons. This group counseling allows peers to think aloud and offer assistance to each other. Throughout the past two years, it can be easily noted how our GEMS direct positive thinking among peers and practice conflict resolution skills like it was second nature. These girls have shown great improvement in their academics and have proven to be positive leaders among their peers. These sessions and the activities provided have proven to be an outlet for aggression and fill in the void for some of our friendless students.