School Counselor

Individual counseling is provided to students experiencing personal, social and academic difficulties.  A student can be referred to the Elementary School Counselor by a parent, a teacher or the Principal. Counseling is typically short term.  If the student requires longer and more in-depth assistance, the counselor works with the social worker, student and parents to refer the student for appropriate help.

Each month, the counselor will go into the classroom to interact with students in a large group setting. Each grade level will get at least one developmentally appropriate lesson each month that attends to personal/social, academic, and career/college related topics. The counselor will work collaboratively with teachers to integrate Character Education, goal setting, planning for the future, anti-bullying, social skills, self-esteem building, and other important initiatives into the classroom setting.

Group counseling is typically offered to students who might benefit from a positive social experience. Groups usually last 6-8 weeks depending on the student need. Students are generally referred to group by a parent, teacher, or Principal. Counseling is short term. If a student required more in-depth assistance, the counselor will work with the social worker, parents and the student to obtain appropriate help.

The counselor assists students with particular needs, such as adjusting to a new school, coping with grief following a crisis or a loss, dealing with substance abuse or other risky behaviors.  Responsive services are provided through individual and small group counseling, peer facilitation, and consultation.  The counselor also assists the social worker in referrals to community professionals trained in mental health and other specialties.

The counselor helps enhance school climate and relationships among members of the school community.  School counselors coordinate parent outreach services, community support services and consultations with other faculty and staff to facilitate collaboration and a greater understanding of students’ developmental needs.