Counseling Services
School counselors do many things to help students be successful in school. First and foremost, they develop relationships with students, provide a listening ear, and provide support and encouragement. As a school counselors, we support the social, emotional, and academic growth of all students at Reed Elementary through four specific areas: School Counseling Curriculum, Responsive Services, Individual Planning, and System Support. *see below for a description of each
School Counseling Curriculum: Perhaps our favorite counseling duty, we love going into the classroom and teaching whole group lessons. This year, all classes (K-4) will receive 10 base lessons (one per calendar month). However, if a teacher requests additional lessons (based on class need), we are always happy to accommodate that request. Lessons cover a variety of topics including the role of the counselor, understanding and expressing feelings, making safe and responsible choices, self-esteem, goal setting, careers, growth mindset, and conflict resolution.
In addition to the counseling lessons we will deliver, we are also fortunate to have several outside organizations provide in person lessons to our students each year. In the fall, students will receive 4 lessons from Prevent Ed (formerly NCADA) centered around friendships, relationships, and self esteem. In the spring, students will receive a lesson on about safe touch from Jewish and Family Services as part of our child abuse prevention program.
Responsive Services: Short term individual counseling services are provided for students surrounding issues that may negatively impact their personal, social, emotional, or academic success. Students may be referred to see me by a parent/guardian, a teacher or staff member, a principal, or through self-referral. It is important to note that a school counselor's role is different than the role of a therapeutic counselor. If concerns continue long term or it seems that a student is in need of more intensive services, parents will be provided with referrals for specialists and/or outside counseling services.
Small groups are also offered periodically to students who may benefit from spending additional time developing academic, social or emotional skills alongside their peers. Examples of small group curriculum offerings include: Worry/Anxiety (Worry Warriors), Self Esteem (Proud Panthers), Social Skills/Friendship (Friendship Club), Divorce/Separation (KUDOS-Kids Understanding Divorce and Separation), Anger Management/Self Control (Cool Cats), School Success (Smart Lab), Grief/Loss (Healing Hearts).
We pride ourself on being a resource for parents and care givers and would be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. We can also help connect families to appropriate resources as needed.
Individual Planning: The individual planning component of a school counselors job is to help support students during transitions (New to Ladue Students or from grade to grade). It also pertains to encouraging the exploration of students interests, abilities, and skills as well as information about goal setting and career development.
System Support: System support includes attending professional development, program planning as well as fair share responsibilities at Reed Elementary. It also includes being the case manager of 504 plans, coordination of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Testing, and ongoing collaboration with teachers and staff members.
Quality school counseling programs are based on research findings and data analysis. The delivery of the four key program components ensures that all students benefit from curriculum and services and works best with the support and involvement of the school community (including parents and community partners). Such collaboration enhances equitable access to the program and fosters a safe and supportive school climate.
For more information about a school counselor's role, please visit the sites below:
American School Counselors Association (ASCA): The Role of the School Counselor
American School Counselors Association (ASCA): Impact of School Counseling
Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE): School Counseling