Elementary Counseling Program

• Developmental Classroom Guidance Instruction
  The school counselor designs and implements classroom guidance lessons in grades Kindergarten through Sixth. The lessons attempt to meet the social, emotional, and vocational needs of all students. Topics include: Understanding of self and others, coping strategies, peer relationships, social skills, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, study skills, career awareness, and self-esteem.
  
  
• Individual Counseling
  Any student may request to see the school counselor to help address issues and concerns that may negatively affect their personal, social and/or academic-career development. Sessions are confidential and typically short-term in nature. School counselors do not provide therapy and referrals are made to outside agencies when necessary. Individual counseling offers needed support to guide students through a problem area. There is a wide variance in the purpose of individual counseling in order to meet the various needs of students. The needs of each student can vary from: An outlet to talk/vent in order to think things through, to the benefit received from a caring counselor /child relationship, to the support shared in dealing with a difficult situation that the child cannot change, to the assistance given to the child in creating a plan for things they can change, and to help in strengthening needed skills for success.
  
  
  
• Kids' Group
  These small counseling groups provide the oppportunity for students to express themselves and be heard, the opportunity to show concern for others and sense concern from others, and the chance to realize that others have similar problems or concerns. Groups are led by the school counselor and are confidential. They are held once a cycle for thirty minutes for a total of six sessions. The school counselor will work with classroom teachers to schedule an acceptable day and time. Group size can vary from 2-10 students depending on the age of the students. Topics include but are not limited to: Friendship Skills, Anger Control, School Success Skills, Self-Concept, Social Skills, Separation and Loss.
  
  
  
• Parent Consultation
  The school counselor is available for parent conferences throughout the year. Sessions may be requested by the parent.
  
  
• Information Gathering and Referrals
  The school counselor observes and assess students and develops behavior management plans for individual children. The school counselor also advocates for children by assisting staff members in planning developmentally appropriate interventions and making referrals for special services within the school and community.