All recurring individual or group counseling sessions will require parent permission. Mrs. Mennsfield will reach out to coordinate permission prior to beginning any recurring group or individual sessions using the contact information for parents in Skyward.
Mrs. Mennsfield runs counseling sessions throughout the week. These sessions are either initiated by the teacher or administrator for needs occurring at school or at the request of parents. Sessions are coordinated with teachers so that students do not miss out on classroom instruction and important learning. Permission slips for participation are sent home before sessions can begin.
All school counseling sessions are based on a solution-focused approach, encouraging students to be empowered as problem-solvers. Students are seen on a short term basis and the counselor consults with teachers to find the best time to pull from the academic day. If further counseling is needed, or if the issue is out of the counselor's professional area of expertise, outside resources will be provided.
The counselor also coordinates with the MTSS (formerly known as RTI) team and classroom teachers to provide behavior reward sessions for students who are struggling to meet the classroom expectations. Students who are not ready to meet in a group or whose concerns are not appropriate for a group setting are met with individually.
Mrs. Mennsfield also holds lunch bunch groups and new student groups during lunch or recess times. The lunch bunch groups are open to all students in 2nd and 4th grades and run throughout the school year. The Lunch Bunch groups are divided by gender and grade level and focus on ways to build self-confidence and to be successful in and out of school. The new student groups begin in the fall and help students to acclimate to GRE and build friendships. Permission slips are sent home for these sessions as well.
Students may self-refer to the counselor as well. All teachers have passes for students to use to ask to visit with the counselor or they may scan a QR code to request a visit. Following a visit to the counselor, Mrs. Mennsfield will reach out to touch base about the visit and how we can partner together to best help your student.
If you think your child could benefit from group or individual counseling, do no hesitate to reach out via phone or email. Mrs. Mennsfield is happy to help!