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School counselors support students and teachers throughout the school day in many ways.  On any given day, a school counselor may do one or more of the following:

• Respond to students in crisis and provide support.

• Listen to students’ concerns about academic, emotional, familial or social problems.

• Help students process their problems, plan goals and steps to reach them.

• Mediate conflict between students and teach them how to mediate conflict themselves.

• Conduct whole-class lessons addressing topics of concern.

• Address career and future readiness.

• Organize and facilitate psychoeducational groups. 

• Refer students and/or families to community professionals and other mental health resources.

• Participate in various school committees and other activities to improve school climate.

Learn more about the role of the school counselor from the American School Counselor Association.

Open Circle and SEL Curriculum

Open Circle is a social-emotional learning (SEL) program used by schools nationwide to develop children's social-emotional skills and help schools develop a safe and engaging community. Learn more…

Tier 1 Monthly Social Emotional Learning Programs:

• September: Name That Feeling

• October: Kindness Bingo

• November: Turkey-Grams

• December: My Special Gifts

• January: It’s Not Just You!

• February: What I Love About Myself

• March Madness: Coping Skills Edition!

• April Showers of Compliments

• May, How We’ve Grown

• June: Preparing for Next Year

Tier 2 Small Groups 

• Psychoeducational small groups meet once weekly for 6-8 weeks during lunch and recess. These afford opportunities for referred students to learn social, academic and organizational skills.

• Group offerings include Anxiety Strategies, Social and Friendship Skills, Emotional Regulation and Impulse Control, Executive Functioning and other topics as requested by staff.

• Parent permission is required for group participation.

Tier 3 Meetings with Individual Students

Students may be referred to the school counselor by their teacher or other staff whenever their feelings become too big for them to regulate on their own.  School counselors help students to reflect on what they are feeling, why they are feeling it, and brainstorm what to do as a result (if anything).  Topics discussed include peer conflicts, academic concerns, family or social concerns, and/or recent successes.

Supporting your child's development and well-being is a collaborative effort between home and school. Here are some effective strategies for parents:

• Establish a Consistent Routine: Children thrive on predictability. Set regular times for homework, meals, and bedtime to provide structure.

• Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Active listening fosters trust and understanding.

• Promote Reading Habits: Dedicate time each day for reading. This not only enhances literacy skills but also strengthens the parent-child bond.

• Monitor Academic Progress: Stay engaged with your child's schoolwork. Regularly review assignments and communicate with teachers to address any concerns.

• Foster Social Skills: Encourage participation in group activities, such as sports or clubs, to develop teamwork and interpersonal skills.

• Model Positive Behavior: Children often emulate their parents. Demonstrate kindness, patience, and resilience in daily interactions.

• Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries on the use of electronic devices to ensure a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

• Encourage Problem-Solving: Allow your child to face challenges and think critically to find solutions, fostering independence and confidence.