From Beaufort County Schools

 

CHOCOWINITY — Now in her second year as a member of the Chocowinity Primary School staff, counselor LesleaJones has become an integral, and busy, part of the CPS family.

With an undergraduate degree from Toccoa Falls College in Georgia and a masters degree in counselor education from East Carolina University, Jones came to CPS in 2012 after working at Stokes School in Pitt County.

Jones said she is enjoying her time at CPS.

“It’s a tight knit school and community in which teamwork is a key component,” she said. “The staff and administration go above and beyond to meet the academic, social, physical and emotional needs of the children.”

Jones’ day to day routine includes a variety of duties associated with her school counselor status.

“We wear many hats,” she said.

Along with individual and group counseling sessions, she coordinates the Student Support Team and the 504 Team, which addresses the needs of students with health impairments. She also coordinates support services for students, arranges outside therapy, oversees medication management and works with child protective services.

Each month, Jones coordinates the Character Education program through Beaufort County Schools and the Terrific Kids program, which is sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club.

Backpack Pals is another pet project, one that provides food for families in need through the generosity of Eagle’s Wings food pantry in Washington and Trinity Episcopal Church in Chocowinity.

But heading the list of Jones’ responsibilities is offering monthly guidance lessons for each classroom at ChocowinityPrimary School. This transcends into 28 different classes, from kindergarten through fourth grade.