School Counseling @ Lalor

The Lalor School Counseling Program aims to provide all students with equitable access to comprehensive services that promote academic achievement, foster resilience, and support social/emotional development and enhance student well-being. The Lalor School Counseling program delivers developmentally appropriate interventions to ensure all students in our diverse community graduate prepared for future academic and personal success.

💛 Tier 1: All students benefit from Tier 1 support through the school counseling program. The Tier 1 supports encompass school-wide initiatives and events that promote positive behavior, a healthy school climate, and student well-being. Examples include: conflict resolution programs, character education initiatives, anti-bullying interventions and supports and lunch bunches for grades 2-5. 

💛 Tier 2: Students may be identified for additional support by a parent/guardian, teacher/staff member or self-identify and request additional support. Tier 2 interventions in addition to the universal support are targeted interventions which include behavior plans and small group sessions. If you think that your student would benefit from small group sessions offered throughout the school year, please fill out this interest form:  SMALL GROUP INTEREST FORM

💛 Tier 3:  Students identified as experiencing difficulties despite universal and targeted support receive Tier 3 interventions.  Tier 3 interventions are specific, individualized supports.   Examples of these supports include - individual sessions, daily check-ins, and outside referrals.

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Meet Lalor’s School Counselors 

💛Ms. FrancoKopec 

My name is Elizabeth FrancoKopec and I am excited to start a 3rd school year at Lalor Elementary School.  I have been working with children and families as a counselor for 10 years. I live in Hamilton with my husband, 3 children - Josephine, Pax and Dorothy, and my dog - Dierks.  We love to play outside, explore new places, and spend time together in the kitchen cooking and baking. I love donuts and pierogies and learning new things from books and podcasts!

💛Ms. Shaw 

My name is Kristina Shaw, and I am excited for another year at Lalor Elementary School. This will be my 3rd year as a school counselor in Hamilton, and my 6th year in total! I have been a lifelong resident of Ewing, where I live with my dog, Luna. In my spare time I enjoy baking, reading, volunteering with Special Olympics NJ, outdoor park adventures with Luna, and spending time with family and friends. If I say “no” to chocolate, check on me!

What is the difference between a School Counselor and a Clinical Counselor/Therapist?

Therapists delve deeper into individuals' emotional and psychological issues, while school counselors focus on addressing immediate challenges within the school context. The role of a school counselor is very different from that of a therapist or counselor in a community agency.  “Checking-in” or seeing the counselor in school should not be used as a substitute for outside therapy or counseling.  If your child is in need of outside counseling, we can provide resources and information for clinicians in the community to address a variety of needs.  

Accessing mental health resources can be challenging.  The district has compiled this list of resources, it may be a useful place to get started: Mental Health Resources for HTSD Children 

Please reach out if you are in need of a referral or have specific questions about your student:

Ms. FrancoKopec - efrancokopec@htsdnj.org - 609.631.4156 x 3880

For mental health support, text "HOME" to 741741 or call 988.

 If you or your family member is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.  

Additional Resources: 

PerformCare (mental health support for children for non-life-threatening crisis): 877.652.7624

NJ family resources (housing, food, counseling, etc.): 211