Cicero Elementary School 315-218-2506 mmurphy2@nscsd.org
Mrs. Molly Murphy
School Counselor at Cicero Elementary School
FAQ
Q: How can my child see you for counseling?
A: You can email or call me to request counseling. Your child’s teacher may also request counseling. I will send a permission slip home for your approval before your child starts counseling.
Q: Can any child see the counselor?
A: I am here for all students. If your child is having difficulty in school, then I will work with them, their teacher and you, to find a solution. If your child is doing well in school, they typically do not need in-school counseling. I can help with finding resources for counseling in the community.
Q: How do I find counseling in the community?
A: The district has a webpage under the social worker link with resources. You can also start with your child’s pediatrician for suggestions. You will also want to check with your insurance coverage. There are many wonderful providers in our community.
Q: When will my child see you for counseling?
A: I work with your child’s teacher to find a time that will least impact their instruction. Often I see students during their lunch times for group or individual counseling.
Q: What happens in a lunch group?
A: We start by sharing our feelings, and how our day is going, then work on learning coping strategies to help us manage our feelings, behavior, worries and/or friendships (depending on the group).
About Me
I have worked as a school counselor at NSCSD since 2001. Before Cicero Elementary, I was at North Syracuse Junior High School. Previous to my time at NSCSD, I was an Elementary School teacher.
What is an Elementary School Counselor?
A school counselor is a certified professional:
All professional school counselors in New York must have a master's degree and meet other certification requirements defined by the state.
Why do schools have elementary school counselors?
The American School Counselor Association describes the role of the elementary school counselor in developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for our children to become healthy, productive adults. Counselors work as a team with students, parents and community to create a caring atmosphere whereby children's needs are met through prevention, early identification and intervention. For many children, the school counselor is a person within the school building who creates an atmosphere of safety, trust and positive regard.
Elementary School Counselors:
Implement effective classroom guidance focusing on understanding of self and others, coping strategies, peer relationships and social skills, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, study skills and career awareness.
Provide individual and small group counseling dealing with self-image and self esteem, personal adjustment, family issues, interpersonal concerns, academic development, behavior management, peer facilitation and peer mediation.
Provide assessment by helping students identify their skills, abilities, achievements and interests through counseling and guidance activities and interpretation of standardized tests.
Work with specialized populations and needs that require special attention, such as culturally diverse populations and students with varying abilities.
Provide consultation with teachers, administrators, school psychologists and outside agencies concerning the welfare of the students.
Make appropriate referrals for special services for students and families within the school and community.
Communicate and exchange information with parents/guardians by way of conferences, parent education workshops and newsletters.
Participate as members of the school improvement and interdisciplinary teams and work as liaisons with parent and teacher organizations.