fourth grade

Welcome to fourth 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, build relationships, and become more independent at school. We want every student to feel confident, connected, supported, and ready to learn.

Fourth grade students will participate in classroom counseling lessons once a month focused on building important social-emotional skills that help them succeed both in and out of the classroom. Throughout the year, we will explore topics such as identifying and managing emotions, navigating healthy friendships, practicing kindness and empathy, understanding different perspectives, solving problems, communicating effectively, managing stress and big feelings, handling conflicts, making responsible choices, building confidence, developing resilience, recognizing personal strengths, and so much more.

Beginning in September, we will also offer small counseling groups to provide additional support and give students opportunities to practice and strengthen these skills in a smaller, supportive setting.

Our goal is to partner with families and teachers to help each fourth grader develop the skills they need to feel safe, supported, confident, and successful socially and emotionally. Together, we can help students continue to grow, become more independent, and feel ready to learn here at Kensington Parkwood!

September 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to school! My name is Dana Goozh, and I am excited to introduce myself as one of the school counselors at Kensington Parkwood Elementary School. This is my first year at KP, and I am thrilled to join the counseling team!

I am excited to support your children as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school year. Next week, I will visit your child’s classroom to introduce myself, explain my role as the school counselor, and share how I am here to support them at KP.

As a 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 individual 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 one to two times to provide engaging, age-appropriate counseling lessons focused on building social-emotional skills. Additionally, I will be forming small groups to provide more focused support in areas where students may benefit from extra guidance, such as managing emotions, improving peer relationships, building confidence, and developing coping skills.

Students who would like to speak with me individually will also have the opportunity to do so by completing a Google Form available through their classroom Clever portal. Please note that this form should only be completed during the school day and 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 there is any way I can be of support. I am here to help every child feel safe, supported, and ready to learn!

Smiles,

Ms. Goozh
Dana_J_Goozh@mcpsmd.org
240-740-3697