Students are encouraged to write a note to meet with me when they are having a problem that they want help solving. Each homeroom has an envelope containing guidance passes to meet with me. Once a student has filled out the pass, they will deliver it to the mailbox hanging outside my room. I check for "mail" each day and send a pass back to the student letting them know when we can meet.
I encourage students to try to solve the problem on their own first, but if that hasn't worked, then to write me the note. I try to meet with students during lunch, recess and classroom break times, so as not to remove them from academic instruction.
Many times teachers will ask me to talk with students as well about things they are concerned could be impacting a student's day. If I plan on checking in with a student multiple times, I will get in touch with the parents as well to let them know. If a parent has a concern and would like me to talk with their son or daughter, I can be reached by phone or email to discuss the concerns.
My goal is always to have a student leave feeling better when they arrived. I try to convey this to them as we problem solve together.