Counseling
School Counselor
Welcome to the new school year!
My name is Karla Vicknair, and I will be serving my 7th year as school counselor. It is hard to believe this is my 31st year in education, seventeen of those being as a classroom teacher and fourteen as a school counselor. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Nicholls State University and my Master of Education degree in School Counseling. This is my 16th year as a Tchefuncte Gator, and there is no place I would rather be than at TMS!
The counseling program at TMS provides direct assistance to students, parents, and school staff through a variety of services, including student assistance team (SBLC), gifted and talented screenings and individual or small group counseling. The role of the school counselor includes consulting and coordinating with parents, students, and school staff. The goal is to prevent academic/social/emotional barriers that may interfere with academic success. Social skills and problem solving skills are vital components of a positive school experience. I am here to provide short term support and guidance to all students and parents, teachers and staff in order to maximize success in the classroom and to help develop the whole child. Please note that school counseling is not designed to replace long term individual or family counseling.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at Karla.Vicknair@stpsb.org
Mental Health Provider
My name is Kelly Matherne and I am the Mental Health Provider (MHP) at Tchefuncte Middle School. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have practiced in the mental health field since graduating with my Masters in Social Work from Tulane University in December of 1998. I have worked in the inpatient psychiatric setting, private practice, and with adoptions. I began working with the St. Tammany Parish School System in August of 2004. Over the years, I have been assigned to every grade level including elementary, middle, junior, and high school. This year is my 10th year working at Tchefuncte Middle School. I am beyond thrilled to be once again working with the amazing staff and wonderful children at TMS.
Mental Health Providers deliver services to many children in our school system. We focus on the social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that some of our children face that can hinder their academic growth. We work closely with the school counselor, administrators, teachers, and paras, utilizing a collaborative approach to ensure that the student’s needs in the school environment are appropriately identified and addressed. MHP’s often work with children who need longer term services in individual and group sessions throughout the school year. MHPs are primarily responsible for providing counseling as a related service for students who receive counseling as part of their IEP.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at Kelly.Matherne@stpsb.org
Gifted and Talented Education
Gifted Services
What are Gifted Services?
The Gifted Program is a part of the Students with Exceptionalities Department in St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. In order to participate, a student must pass two levels of screening before qualifying for gifted services. Parents and/teachers may request a gifted screening by emailing Mrs. Vicknair, School Counselor, at Karla.Vicknair@stpsb.org
For helpful tips:
Talented Arts Program
What is TAP?
The Talented Arts Program is a part of the Students with Exceptionalities Department in St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. TMS offers talented art, music and theatre during the school day. In order to participate, a student must first complete a referral to be screened with a signed permission slip from a parent/guardian. The student must then pass a school level screening AND then a State Evaluation in order to qualify for talented services. These guidelines are outlined by the Louisiana State Department of Education. Preparation for both the screening and evaluation process includes:
ART - A portfolio of ten to fourteen finished drawings or paintings that shows the student’s full range of skills and subject matter
MUSIC - Two solo pieces of contrasting style, preferably memorized
THEATRE - A memorized monologue chosen from a given list.
SCREENING DATES
There will be two screenings this year. These will be held during the month of September and December. Exact dates will be distributed at a later date. Students must have permission slips to Mrs.Vicknair by the following dates. Late permission slips will not be accepted.
1st deadline: TBA for 2024-5 2nd deadline: TBA for 2024-5
If you have any questions or would like to receive a screening packet, please email Mrs. Vicknair, School Counselor, at Karla.Vicknair@stpsb.org