My name is Michael Ball. This is my 31st year serving as an elementary school counselor here in Argyle. During that time, I have been blessed to work with truly amazing children, families, and teachers. My educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Austin College and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Student Services from the University of North Texas where I specialized in Play Therapy.

Here at school, I work with children in a variety of ways. Once every four weeks, I visit each classroom for a guidance lesson. During classroom guidance, I cover a wide variety of topics including bully prevention, abuse prevention, personal safety, making healthy choices, interpersonal and intrapersonal effectiveness, making and keeping friends, and much more. Individual counseling is another important part of our school's counseling program. Individual counseling sessions are intended to help kids through some of the struggles that they sometimes face while growing up.

I also facilitate several group sessions each week that we call "Circle of Friends", which are intended to help students develop important friendships and appropriate social skills. I also enjoy serving as our school's safety patrol sponsor. Our school's safety patrol is intended to help with morning drop-off while building leadership skills with selected 5th graders who apply for the position in May of their 4th-grade year. I enjoy coaching our school's UIL Chess Puzzle Solving team each fall and our chess club each spring. Chess Club is open to students in grades 1-5, regardless of experience level. I also serve as the coordinator of our school's 504 program as well as our Watch Dog program.

I am married to Amy Ball, who teaches 2nd grade here at our school. We are the proud parents of two children, Trinity and Tristan. Some of my interests include swimming, hunting, fly fishing, golden retrievers, music, guitar, chess, watching ice hockey, and going on adventures with my family.

If I can be of service to your child or to your family, please give me a call as I am eager to help. I can be reached by email at michael.ball@argyleisd.com or by calling (940) 464-0564  x51016.