Hello Grizzlies! My name is Marisa Bienek, and I am honored to be the school counselor at Adriane Mathews Gray Elementary. I began my career as a classroom teacher in 2004, transitioning to the role of a school counselor in 2019, all within Lamar CISD. I am a lifelong resident of Fort Bend County, graduating from Needville High School, then going on to receive my bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) and my master’s degree from Lamar University. Outside of my career, I enjoy spending time with my husband Chris and our two children, Hunter and Hallie.
What does a School Counselor do?
My job is to make sure that all our students are academically, socially, and emotionally successful at our school. I collaborate with teachers, students, and parents to facilitate a positive school environment. I will present guidance lessons that cover a variety of topics related to character development and social/emotional learning. I also will work with students individually and in a small group setting based on specific needs. I look forward to getting to know each student and building positive relationships!
- School Guidance Curriculum - designing, structuring, and delivering classroom lessons designed to achieve specific competencies in all grades PK-5 (personal/social, academic, career) and driven by the needs of the school population.
- Individual Student Planning - assisting students with goal formation/planning (behavioral, academic, etc.)
- Responsive Services - meeting immediate student needs (counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, referral, peer mediation, information-providing)
- System Support - school-wide program planning and implementation as well as consulting with other professionals and/or coordination of various supports for students and families.
I am excited to implement our district character education program here at Gray Elementary. Character Counts 5.0 embraces the 6 pillars of character which will be focused on monthly during classroom lessons. For more information visit www.charactercounts.org.
Character Counts Pillars:
- Trustworthiness (September)
- Respect (October)
- Responsibility (November/December)
- Fairness (January/February)
- Caring (March)
- Citizenship (April/May)