Florence Roche Elementary School
342 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450
Maureen Cahill mcahill@gdrsd.org
978 448 6665 ext 4123
Meghan Sullivan msullivan@gdrsd.org
978 448 6665 ext 4108
Liz Gonzalas lgonzalas@gdrsd.org
978 448 6665 ext 4122
School Counselors assist students at all levels, acting as advocates for students' well-being and adjustment to school. We listen to concerns about academics, personal concerns and emotional or social challenges. We seek to find strategies and solutions that work for each individual in order to promote student success. Some of what we do:
Teach social-emotional classroom lessons
Facilitate short-term counseling to deal with school related issues
Provide immediate intervention for individuals in acute crisis
Work collaboratively with teachers and staff
Consult with parents
Provide information and/or referrals for community resources to families
We need elementary school counselors because:
A deliberate and comprehensive approach to teaching children social and emotional skills can raise their grades, increase enthusiasm for learning, reduce behavior problems, and enhance cognitive functioning.
Students who receive social skills instruction do better academically and socially but the reverse is not true - academic instruction does not increase social/emotional skills.
There is a strong connection between emotions and learning. Students who can recognize and manage strong emotions are better learners, more resilient, and happier people.
Pro-social behaviors exhibited by students in the classroom create a more positive school climate.
Mental Health is an integral part of overall health, and by making it part of every day wellness we eliminate stigma and secrecy.
Florence Roche Social-Emotional Learning:
Each classroom receives a developmentally appropriate lesson touching on a variety of issues every month. The lesson is the same for the entire grade, and subject matter is targeted to improve the social-emotional functioning and awareness of our students.
