{eagle}         Hilltop Elementary Counselor   Michael Ball, M.Ed.       Thanks for visiting my school web page.      My name is Michael Ball.  I have served as the Elementary School Counselor in Argyle for the past 17 years.  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 stranger awareness, drug addiction, bully prevention, self-esteem, 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 and afternoon pick-up, while building leadership skills with selected 4th graders who apply for the position in May of their 3rd grade year.  I also enjoy coaching our school's chess club each spring.    I am married to Amy Ball, who teaches 4th grade here at our school.  I am the proud father of two children, Trinity (age 8) and Tristan (age 6).  Our family attends St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Denton where I enjoy serving as the Moderator of Children's Ministry.  Some of my favorite things to do include swimming, hunting, fly fishing, geocaching, music, 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 mball@argyleisd.com or by calling (940) 464-0564  x5007.