Meet Dr. Ordoñez

photo: Dr. Olivia Ordoñez, Gordon's new school counselor

For their second issue of the year, the fifth and sixth grade newspaper interviewed Dr. Olivia Ordoñez, Gordon’s new school counselor. Here’s what Dr. Ordoñez shared:

Why did you want to work at Gordon?
I wanted to be part of a community that puts social justice, diversity, inclusion, and multicultural education at the center of their mission and to support Gordon students and the Gordon community in this important work. 

 

photo: Dr. Ordoñez in yesterday's Gordon News

What did you do before arriving at Gordon?
I am a social worker by training. This is my second year working in a school but my first year at Gordon. Before social work and school counseling, I was a teacher and a researcher. 

 

photo: Dr. Olivia Ordoñez's door

What do you love about your job?
My favorite part of my job is getting to work with students. I think that what happens in the classroom is so important, but there are so many factors that affect the self that students bring into the classroom. I love that it’s my job to acknowledge that students are full selves, made up of who they are at home, with friends, at school, in social situations, and helping to put those parts together to make school a good place to be is my favorite part.

 

photo: Dr. Olivia Ordoñez's self-referral form for students

How can students connect with you?
You can also ask your teachers for a student self-referral form or come to my office door and leave it in the mailbox when you’re done, and I’ll put a note in your locker when it’s time to come see me. I work with all grades, Nursery to eighth grade.

 

photo: the cover of yesterday's paper

The fifth and sixth grade newspaper is 100% reported, written and photographed by Gordon students. Issues come out every four days. Features often pop up on Gordon’s blog, but to be sure you don’t miss a thing, email news@gordonschool.org and the students will be happy to mail you copies.

 

photo: this fall's fifth and sixth grade newspaper team