Jesse Penland » About Me

About Me

Creating a Safe Space for Students

Hello friends, family, guardians, and/or caregivers of Wilson Elementary Spartans!

My name is Jesse Penland, and I serve as the school counselor for 3rd-5th grade students here at Wilson. 

I earned my Ed.S in Professional Counseling at Middle Tennessee State University in December of 2024, where I also obtained my bachelor's degree in organizational communication in May of 2021, and couldn't be more excited by the opportunity to work alongside you and your Spartan(s) this school year.

As your student's counselor, I will be doing all that I can to establish and maintain the support(s) you or they need/request as we all navigate the various challenges and pressures of the school year.

Ultimately, my mission is to help your student(s) accomplish theirs.

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Parents, Guardians, and/or Community Stakeholders with comments, questions, and/or concerns may reach out in one of three ways:

1. Email: [email protected]
2. Office Phone: (615) 904 - 3840 ext. 28983
3. Mobile: (615) 236 - 6463

*Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. Don't hesitate to reach out if it is outside of that window. If/when leaving a message, please provide your name, preferred contact information, and reason for contacting. Information regarding students is highly confidential and may only be shared with individuals afforded the proper permissions as noted within Skyward and/or upon written consent signed by a primary parent or guardian.

 

*Por favor, permita de 24 a 48 horas para recibir una respuesta. No dudes en ponerte en contacto con él si está fuera de esa ventana. Si deja un mensaje, por favor proporcione su nombre, información de contacto preferida y el motivo del contacto. La información sobre los estudiantes es altamente confidencial y solo puede compartirse con personas que tengan los permisos adecuados según lo indicado en Skyward y/o con el consentimiento por escrito firmado por un padre o tutor principal.

 

Posts

Parent Awareness Night_Human Trafficking

Did  you know that January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month? 
 
Partnered with Ancora TN, Rutherford County Schools will be hosting our next Parent Series on Human Trafficking Thursday, January 16th at Smyrna High School from 6:00 -7:30pm.  
 
We encourage parents, teachers, counselors and other staff to attend.  Together we will learn the dangers and reality of human trafficking in our area, signs to look for,  ways we can  protect our children as well as how to report it.

State of the Child - TN - 2023

TCA 37-3-103(a)(1)(E) requires the commission to (E) Publish annually, on or before December 31, a comprehensive report on the status of children and youth in Tennessee; and distribute the report to the governor, to each member of the general assembly and to each of the state’s depository libraries. 

The purpose of the State of the Child is to provide an annual overview of the well-being of children, youth and families in Tennessee through the available data. The report seeks to cover as many topics affecting children as possible, spanning from maternal and prenatal health to youth aging out of foster care. 
The data contained in this report comes from publicly available reports or data sets.
 
The commission relies heavily on reporting from state and federal departments as well as non-governmental organizations. Without their continual work and dedication to the children in Tennessee, this report would not be possible.

A-Friend-Asks-App

“A Friend Asks” is a FREE smartphone app that helps provide the information, tools, and resources to help a friend (or yourself) who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Download the app today and encourage friends and family to do the same. Education is the key to prevention and with information like this as close as your smartphone; you could help save a life!

The “A Friend Asks” App contains the following information:

  • warning signs of suicidal ideation
  • how to help a friend
  • how to get help now
  • what to do and what not to do
  • the B1 Program

If in an immediate crisis, call 911.  If you or a friend need to talk with a counselor for help or need resources available in your area, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (anytime 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255) or use the Get Help Now button on the app.

All Pro-Dad Program interest survey

All Pro Dad Chapters provide an opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their children before school to strengthen their relationship. One day a month, dads and their kids will meet together and walk through different topics that invoke meaningful conversations.
Tier 1 Services Available to All Students:
  • Individual Counseling (w/Consent of Parent or Guardian)
  • Small Groups/Lunch Bunches (w/Consent of Parent or Guardian)
  • Classroom Guidance Lessons
  • Conflict mediation between peers
  • 504 Coordination
  • Facilitation of Student Assistance Team (SAT) meetings (upon formal request by Parent or Guardian)
  • Resources / Referrals for needed services in and outside of the school.