Welcome to first grade at Kensington Parkwood! Our school counseling program is here to support your child’s social and emotional growth as they continue to learn, grow, and build relationships at school. We want every student to feel confident, connected, supported, and ready to learn.
First grade students will participate in classroom counseling lessons twice a month focused on building important social and emotional skills. Throughout the year, we will explore topics such as identifying and managing emotions, using coping skills, making and maintaining friendships, understanding social cues, communicating feelings and needs, solving problems, handling conflict, showing empathy, including others, standing up for themselves and others, building confidence, developing positive relationships, and so much more.
Beginning in September, we will also offer small counseling groups to provide additional support and give students opportunities to practice these skills in a smaller, supportive setting.
Our goal is to partner with families and teachers to help each first grader develop the skills they need to navigate friendships, manage big feelings, overcome challenges, and feel successful both socially and emotionally throughout their school experience at Kensington Parkwood.
Classroom Counseling News
September 2026
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well! My name is Beth Wert and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the School Counselor at Kensington Parkwood. I’m excited to support your children as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school year. I was able to go into your child’s classroom today to talk all about my role and how I am here to support them at KP.
As the school counselor, my role is to help create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. I work with students through classroom lessons, small groups, and one-on-one check-ins to help them develop important life skills such as emotional regulation, friendship building, problem-solving, goal setting, and more.
Each month, I will visit your child’s classroom 1–2 times to deliver counseling lessons that are engaging, age-appropriate, and focused on building social-emotional skills. Additionally, I will be forming small groups to provide more focused support in areas where students may need extra help, such as managing emotions, improving peer relationships, or boosting confidence.
Students who would like to speak with me individually can do so by filling out a Google Form, which will be available to them through their classroom Clever portal. Please note that this form should only be filled out during the school day with permission from a teacher or staff member.
I look forward to partnering with you and your child this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if I can be of support in any way. I’m here to help every child feel safe, supported, and ready to learn!
Smiles,
Mrs. Wert
Elizabeth_A_Wert@mcpsmd.org
240-740-3697