Elementary School Guidance

School counselors provide proactive, developmentally appropriate services designed to support all students. While counselors are available to help students through difficult situations, much of their work focuses on teaching important life skills before problems arise.

Our elementary school counseling department provides:

Classroom Lessons

Counselors visit classrooms throughout the year to teach age-appropriate lessons that help students develop important social-emotional and academic skills. Topics may include friendship, kindness, emotional regulation, problem-solving, conflict resolution, growth mindset, and personal safety.

Small Group Counseling

Some students benefit from meeting with peers who share similar experiences or challenges. Small groups may focus on topics such as making friends, coping with anxiety, managing emotions, building confidence, family changes, grief, or developing social skills.

Individual Student Support

Students may meet individually with a counselor for short-term support related to school concerns, emotional well-being, friendships, or problem-solving. Counselors also help students identify strengths, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Parent Consultation

Parents are valuable partners in supporting student success. Counselors are available to collaborate with families, answer questions, discuss concerns, and provide guidance or resources that may benefit their child.

Collaboration with School Staff

Counselors work closely with teachers, administrators, specialists, and support staff to ensure students receive the support they need to be successful both academically and socially.

Community Resources and Referrals

When students or families need services beyond what the school can provide, counselors can connect families with trusted community agencies and mental health resources.

Elementary school counseling lessons focus on helping children build the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Friendship Skills

Students learn how to make friends, include others, communicate respectfully, resolve disagreements, and build positive relationships.

Emotional Regulation

Children practice recognizing their emotions and learn healthy ways to calm their bodies, express their feelings, and make positive choices.

Bullying Prevention

Students learn how to recognize bullying behavior, respond safely, seek help from trusted adults, and help create a respectful school environment.

Growth Mindset

We encourage students to view mistakes as opportunities to learn, develop perseverance, and understand that effort leads to growth and success.

Problem Solving

Students practice identifying problems, thinking through possible solutions, making responsible decisions, and learning from experiences.

Respect and Responsibility

Counseling lessons reinforce the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, honesty, and responsibility both inside and outside the classroom.

Self-Control

Students develop strategies for managing impulses, following expectations, and making thoughtful decisions even during challenging situations.

Conflict Resolution

Children learn age-appropriate communication skills that help them peacefully resolve disagreements and strengthen relationships.

Parenting comes with questions, and you don't have to navigate them alone. Below you'll find trusted information, practical strategies, and community resources to help support your child's academic, social, and emotional well-being. If you have concerns about your child, please don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor."

Helping Children Manage Anxiety

Feeling worried or nervous is a normal part of growing up, but sometimes those feelings can become overwhelming. Parents can help children build confidence by listening to their concerns, encouraging healthy coping skills, and maintaining consistent routines.

Helpful Tips

• Validate your child's feelings.

• Encourage your child to face challenges one step at a time.

• Maintain predictable routines.

• Model calm behavior during stressful situations.

• Celebrate effort instead of perfection.

Building Healthy Friendships

Learning how to make and keep friends is an important part of childhood. Parents can support friendship development by helping children practice kindness, empathy, communication, and problem-solving.

At Home You Can:

• Practice introducing yourself.

• Talk about what makes a good friend.

• Role-play difficult social situations.

• Encourage playdates and community activities.

• Praise acts of kindness.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Children who get enough sleep are better able to learn, manage emotions, and stay focused throughout the school day.

Helpful Tips

• Keep bedtime consistent.

• Turn off screens at least one hour before bed.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine.

• Avoid caffeine later in the day.

Technology & Screen Time

Technology can be a wonderful learning tool when used appropriately.

Family Ideas

• Create a family media plan.

• Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.

• Encourage face-to-face conversations.

• Monitor online activity.

• Talk regularly about internet safety and kindness online.

Supporting School Success

Parents have a tremendous impact on their child's academic growth.

Ways to Help

• Ask about your child's day.

• Read together regularly.

• Establish homework routines.

• Encourage independence.

• Celebrate progress and effort.

• Communicate with teachers when concerns arise.

Helping Children Through Family Changes

Children may experience stress when families go through divorce, separation, illness, relocation, or the loss of a loved one.

Helpful Strategies

• Maintain routines whenever possible.

• Encourage children to express their feelings.

• Answer questions honestly using age-appropriate language.

• Reassure children that they are loved and supported.

• Reach out to your school counselor if additional support is needed.

Supporting Mental & Physical Wellness

Healthy minds and healthy bodies go hand in hand.

Encourage:

• Daily physical activity

• Nutritious meals

• Plenty of water

• Family time

• Adequate sleep

Community Resources

School counselors can help families connect with:

• Mental health providers

• Family counseling

• Food assistance

• Housing resources

• Medical services

• Clothing assistance

• Crisis services

• Parenting support groups

If your family needs assistance, please contact your school counselor. We are happy to help connect you with local resources.

Please consider reaching out to your child's school counselor if you have concerns about:

• Changes in your child's behavior or mood

• Anxiety, worries, or excessive stress

• Friendship difficulties or peer conflicts

• Grief or the loss of a loved one

• Family changes such as divorce, illness, or relocation

• School avoidance or difficulty adjusting to school

• Social-emotional development

• Community resources or outside counseling referrals

• Questions about your child's overall well-being

Our counseling department is here to partner with families to support every child's success. If you're unsure whether the school counselor is the right person to contact, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help.