Counseling

Counselor

Kristin Conner
(719) 391-3477

Kristin Conner

If you are in need of any additional resources-such as food, clothing, school supplies, or connections to community services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We often receive additional resources and if you could benefit from support we would love to add your family to our list. If you would like to be added to our list for potential resources, please reach out to me at connerk@wsd3.org or call at 719-391-3477.

Counseling Services

Welcome to the 2025/2026 school year at Talbott STEAM Innovation! I believe that all students learn best when their social and emotional needs are met. I am dedicated to the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student and ensuring I am a safe place where all students can feel welcome. This is achieved by providing the following:

Individual check ins with students / short-term counseling
Being present in classrooms
Peer conflict resolution & restorative circles
Social / Friendship skills
Classroom Guidance Lessons for Kindergarten through Fifth
R.O.A.R.S expectations modeled and encouraged with students
Modeling the No Place for Hate pledge
Grade Level Lunch Bunches
Collaboration with parents and teachers

Evidence demonstrates that social and emotional learning (SEL) improves mental health, social skills and behavior, academic achievement, and college and career readiness. My goal is to help all students feel connected, understood, and empowered. I strive to teach our students the importance of learning skills that will have a positive impact on their future. Whether it’s learning how to handle big feelings, making friends, or finding their own strengths. I am excited to expand the relationships I have and to build new ones!

Bullying and Conflict Resolution

One of my main goals is to ensure that Talbott is a safe place where all students can feel welcome. In doing so, I have recently taught our students about bullying, “mean moments”, conflicts, and conflict resolution. Our students here all agree that at Talbott we do not have a bullying issue, but instead conflicts that need to be resolved. The following is a visual that all classrooms have posted and students can refer to as a guide to define bullying behavior. Bullying is intentional aggressive behavior that is repeated over time.

In Kindergarten through second grade our students have learned about “mean moments”, misunderstandings, or conflicts. They have learned that the first two steps in conflict resolution is to STOP, get yourself calm and then to TALK. When you TALK you share your feelings and how you have been hurt and how together the problem can be resolved.

In our third through fifth grade classes our students have learned the six core reasons for conflicts. When we identify the source of the conflict we can identify the next steps in solving the conflict. Below is a visual of the six core conflicts we discussed.

Students have learned four main steps to take when resolving conflict. The first is to STOP, which involves getting yourself calm. The second step is to THINK: think about the source of the problem, how you feel, and how the other person may feel. The third step is to TALK. When you TALK you share your feelings and how you have been hurt and how together the problem can be resolved. The final step is to SOLVE. During this step you work on a solution, repair harm that has been done, or ask for help from an adult.

I encourage you to ask your children about the topics above and if at any time they need help resolving a conflict I am happy to help. My ultimate goal is for students to learn the tools necessary to resolve conflicts in life and to build positive relationships.