About The School Counseling Program

The school counseling program at Takoma Park Elementary School delivers intentional, evidence-based, data-informed activities and interventions that remove academic, career, and social/emotional barriers, helping all students reach their potential in all subject areas and develop a sense of belonging and sense of efficacy in their community.

Our students seek out new experiences and are equipped to face challenges with the belief that with hard work, curiosity, and compassion they can succeed in the short and long-term.

The School Counselor's Role:

• Counsel individually with students in brief solution-focused counseling sessions

• Teach monthly guidance lessons in classrooms

• Conduct small group counseling sessions

• Consult with parents and families regarding concerns

•  Consult with teachers

• Provide information on community resources for families

• Provide support during personal crisis

• Promote a positive and safe school climate

• Be a visible, proactive, positive support for ALL staff and students

The School Counseling program provides support in the following capacities:

Whole Class Lessons

All grade levels receive lessons in Personal Body Safety at the beginning of the school year.

Additionally, we implement the SecondStep Social-Emotional Learning program across all grade levels. SecondStep teaches children important skills for learning, development of empathy, emotion management skills, and problem-solving skills.

Small Group Counseling/Lunch Bunches

​Small Group counseling offers the opportunity for students with similar concerns to learn and talk with each other in a safe and fun environment. Permission slips will be sent home prior to a student participating in a small group. Students love participating in these groups!

Possible Group Topics:

• Changing Families/Divorce

• Anger Management

• Social Skills

• Stress/Anxiety Management

• Friendship

• Good Grief (Grief/Death)

• Self-Esteem & Confidence

• Problem Solving /Making Good Choices

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is available to all students to discuss academic, personal, and social issues.  School counseling is not therapy but rather brief, short-term support for a student during a crisis situation, an immediate personal concern or a problem that may be affecting their academic success and their ability to focus in school.