Services

The school counselors teach lessons to each class, one to two times per month for 30-45 minutes. The foundation for this instruction comes from the American School Counselor Association's Mindsets and Behaviors. The lessons are based on our local school’s needs as identified through school data, and are designed to match the developmental levels of our elementary students. Our lessons cover three domains of academic success, career exploration, and social/emotional development.

The counseling department offers a variety of small groups throughout the school year based on students' needs. Parents, teachers, or the counselors may refer students for specific groups. In order for a child to be in a group, we must have parent/guardian permission on file. Typically, groups meet 30 minutes, once a week, for six to eight weeks. The groups we offer vary based on need but may include study/organizational skills, friendship/social skills, anger management, anxiety, grief and loss, and self-esteem groups. If you feel your child may benefit by participating in one of these groups, please contact the counseling department to find out more.

Occasionally a student may need to see the school counselor individually. Students may request an appointment or they may be referred by the classroom teacher or their parents. We work with the child's teacher to determine the best time for these sessions to take place. Sessions typically last about 15 -20 minutes. The situation may be resolved in one session or a student might see the counselor for 3-4 follow-up sessions. If the situation requires more than this we may suggest that the student join a small group or we will talk with the parents about other recommendations. These sessions are kept confidential unless the child discloses that he/she is being hurt, is hurting someone else, or wants to hurt him/herself. In these cases we are legally obligated to report the information. If the student shares other information we feel the teacher or parent needs to be aware of, we discuss it with the child before sharing this information. If you feel your child would benefit from individual counseling please contact the counselor.

Sometimes a student's needs can be best served by a parent consultation with the counselor. Parents are the main influence on a student and many student situations need the parents' involvement. In addition, the school counselor has a unique perspective on the student and school issues that can be helpful. The counselor will be glad to talk with you, please call or email for an appointment.