Third grade is an exciting year of growth and independence at Kensington Parkwood! As students become more independent learners and their friendships and social relationships become more complex, our school counseling program is here to help them navigate the many social, emotional, and academic changes that come with this important year.
Third grade students will participate in classroom counseling lessons twice a month focused on skills they need to thrive at school and beyond. We will explore topics such as navigating changing friendships, handling disagreements and conflict, understanding different perspectives, recognizing social cues, communicating assertively, setting healthy boundaries, including others, managing peer pressure, showing empathy, and knowing when and how to ask for help. We will also focus on emotional regulation, coping with stress and disappointment, building resilience, developing confidence, and learning from mistakes.
As academic expectations increase in third grade, students will also learn strategies to manage academic stress, organization, perseverance, frustration, and the challenges that come with more rigorous schoolwork. Our goal is to help students develop a growth mindset and understand that struggling with something does not mean they cannot be successful—it means they are still learning.
Beginning in September, we will also offer small counseling groups to provide additional support and a safe space for students to practice social and emotional skills, build connections, and work through challenges with peers.
Our goal is to partner with families and teachers to help every third grader feel supported, capable, connected, and confident as they navigate increasingly complex friendships, growing independence, and the academic challenges of third grade.
Classroom Counseling News
August 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