Mrs. Trish Sparks

Welcome back to High Ridge Elementary!  I hope each of you had a wonderful, fun-filled, exciting summer!  I am very excited to start my 9th year at High Ridge Elementary, and continue to watch our students grow as amazing leaders.  I am especially excited to see the growth, positivity, and leadership blossom with both students and staff in the Leader in Me status we have this school year!  

Just to tell you a little about myself, this is my 10th year as a School Counselor with the Northwest R-1 School District.  Prior to, I spent approximately nine years working with the State of Missouri Children's Division.

I am a proud parent of two wonderful boys, and in my spare time, enjoy reading, exercising, photography, and traveling. 

Elementary School Counselors wear many hats.  I spend a large majority of my time conducting model guidance classroom lessons, group counseling (social skills, anger management, divorce, grief, friendship, and study skills), and individual student counseling.  I also work with staff, students, and parents to assist with community resources.  Additionally, I manage our wonderful, student-led Peace Patrol Program.  This year, it is set up a little differently, as HRE is expanding the program to allow ALL types of student leaders to be part of this amazing program!  

You may notice my office will look a little different this year as I introduce play therapy in to the school setting with individual and group counseling settings.  "Play" is a child's natural form of communication and I am excited to begin this new technique with my students. 

As most of you know, I have an "open door" policy with both students and parents, so please feel free to come visit, call, or email me at any time.