Meet Your Counselors:

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    WELCOME TO THE COUNSELORS' CORNER

    Ms. Bukuts & Ms. Swaim

     

    Meet Your School Counselors:

    Michelle Bukuts

    michellej.bukuts@cms.k12.nc.us

    Ms. Bukuts

    I am Michelle Bukuts, and I am the School Counselor serving Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th grades and Extensions. I am excited about starting my 30th year as a School Counselor.  I have four grown children, and I am married to an amazing husband.  I enjoy watching football, exercising, reading and being on the lake.  
     
    I am a Bucket Filler, and I am looking forward to teaching the children how to fill buckets each and every day!  I run the Pirate Ship Store, where students can purchase items from the points they earn for good behavior and attendance.  I will come to the classroom regularly to deliver lessons on various Social and Emotional skills.  I will also conduct small groups for extra support emotionally or behaviorally.  
     
    I welcome and value parent involvement throughout the year.  I would love to hear from you.  You are welcome to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have at michellej.bukuts@cms.k12.nc.us
     

     

     

     

    Kathryn Swaim

     
    Ms. Swaim
    Ahoy Pirates! My name is Kathryn Swaim, and I am one of the new school counselors at Lake Wylie. I will be serving 3rd- 5th grade and extensions. Just to let you know a little more about me, I'm originally from Salisbury, NC.  I graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 2019 with my Bachelor of Science, majoring in communications sciences and disorders with a minor in human development and family studies. I also completed my Master of Education in school counseling from Liberty University in December of 2022. I plan to serve students by utilizing small groups, individual support services, and classroom lessons. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, hiking, and hanging out with my family and friends. I also have a heart for animals and enjoy pet sitting as a side hustle. I appreciate and welcome parent involvement so feel free to contact me via email at kathryng.swaim@cms.k12.nc.us. If you have a concern about a student, please fill out our counselor referral form.   . 
     
     
     
     

    What Your School Counselors Do:

    -Counseling Services: Individual Counseling, Small Group Counseling, Classroom Guidance

    -Other Services: MCV Liaison, 504 Coordinator 

     

    Attendance Tips:

    -Set a regular bed time and morning routine.

    -Lay out clothes and backpacks the night before.

    -Don't let your child stay home unless he or she is truly sick. 

    -If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.

    -Lastly, avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

     

    Bullying:

    Bullying is: intentional, hurtful repeated behavior that humiliates, or harms another person physically or emotionally.

    There is also a real or perceived “imbalance of power,” which is described as when the student with the bullying behavior has more “power,” either physically, socially, or emotionally, such as a higher social status, or is physically larger or emotionally intimidating.

    Types of Bullying: physical behaviors, verbal, cyber.

    Bullying has implications for all students: Bullying is not just about the implications for those targeted by the behaviors, this behavior can impact all students in the school, including witnesses and those that engage in the behavior.