Mission Statement

The goals of the Ridgewood Avenue school counseling program are achieved through monthly classroom guidance lessons; focusing on understanding of self and others; coping strategies; peer relationships and effective social skills; communication; problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, study skills; career and multicultural awareness. In addition, referred students may also benefit from discussing and exploring a variety of topics including but not limited to being a new student, grief or loss, self ­esteem, managing emotions, personal judgement, family changes, interpersonal concerns, academic development, and behavior through individual or small group counseling sessions. Students may self ­refer for individual counseling or through a parent or teacher. Many resources are available for parents as well

My number one goal is to implement a comprehensive developmental counseling program that will meet students’ needs through prevention, early identification, and intervention on academic, social, and emotional levels. Comprehensive developmental counseling is based on prevention, providing goals which are integrated into all aspects of children's lives. Early identification and intervention of children's problems are essential to change some of the current statistics regarding self-destructive behaviors. If we wait until children are in middle or high school to address these problems, we lose the opportunity to help them achieve their potential, as well as feelings of dignity and self-worth. For many children, the school counselor may be the one person who provides an atmosphere of safety, trust and positive regard.