School Counseling at Elmwood
Mission Statement
The mission of the school counseling program is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. I have found that building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with students, families, staff, and the community is essential to addressing the needs of a diverse group of learners. I support students individually and in small groups while maintaining a nurturing and safe environment through patience, flexibility, and constant support. Through a positive and proactive approach, students are able to thrive at school and build a strong academic foundation that will help them evolve into well-rounded students and individuals.
Classroom Lessons
Classroom Lessons are provided to students in collaboration with the classroom teacher as needs arise at Elmwood. Classroom lessons may focus on self-regulation, emotional control, relationship-building, and social-emotional skills. We may also go into the classrooms to support the classroom teacher with lessons about issues that are relevant in that classroom. Below is a list of common social-emotional topics that may take place in the classroom:
- Self-esteem- Friendships & Peer Relationships - Empathy - Standing up for yourself & others- Respect & Kindness - Communication Skills- Cooperation & Teamwork
Small Group Counseling
Small group counseling is available to all students in the school. In most cases, the goal is for small groups to run for 6-8 weeks and consist of 2-5 students. Groups will be focused on particular topics, which may include (but are not limited to): building social skills, developing coping strategies, learning how to problem solve, test-taking skills, stress and anxiety, and feeling identification and expression.
If you think your child may benefit from focused small group counseling, please contact your grade level School Adjustment Counselor at any time throughout the year.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling and support is available during the school day to help with issues that impact students' learning.
Individual counseling sessions can consist of seeing a student only a few times to deal with a particular situation (i.e. resolving a friendship problem), or may be more long-term in nature. In every situation, the school adjustment counselor will consult with both parents and teachers to determine the length of counseling services and monitor the progress that the student is making in school and at home.
If private counseling services are needed or recommended outside of school, the school adjustment counselor can assist in making a recommendation to a private counselor.
Consulting and Coordinating
We work closely with teachers, parents, and administrators in order to promote healthy development and student achievement and to support students who may be struggling academically, behaviorally, and/or emotionally. We also collaborate with outside counseling supports in order to promote consistency across all settings.