It can referred to as counseling, wellness services, social emotional learning skill building, and coaching for kids. This service includes individual meetings and small groups in which the Counselor works with students for a period of time to strengthen their life and people skills. Individual work with a student is short term and goal focused, and is available for children in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Coaching is available for student success skills (executive functions, focus, motivation, cooperation, test anxiety, confidence, growth mindset, etc.), as well as for a wide range of behavioral and emotional health needs (anxiety, self-esteem, social health, conflict resolution, family relationships, etc.) For more details: What is Counseling?

It is important to note that emotional, behavioral, mental health goals for children are most effectively fulfilled by working with whole families.

Each year, though the SEL programs may differ, they all share a common goal: contribute to the well being of as many students as possible and improve the health of the school. For a number of years we ran "Peace Patrol"; a program in which 4th & 5th grade students were trained in peer mediation and conflict resolution to support a peaceful playground. Last year we rolled out "Character Buddies," pairing primary students with upper elementary students in a recess time mentoring program. We recently experimented with "Homework Buddies", an opportunity for students of all ages to receive homework support from local high school students.

Next on the agenda is "Brain Training: a mindfulness program and "The Gift": personal growth for gifted children.

Social Emotional Learning lessons are offered to all classrooms, TK/kindergarten through fifth grade. PUSD uses a nationally renowned, evidence based SEL curriculum designed by the Committee for Children called "Second Step." Material is integrated from the locally created program "Sanford Harmony." Your Counselor also supplements curriculum by designing lessons and activities dedicated to the development of emotional intelligence. Mental health education is an integral addition to conventional academic content as it promotes the kind of self knowledge and abilities that enable successful performance in the other areas.

SEL is often thought of as five core competencies:

1. Self-Awareness

2. Self-Management

3. Social Awareness

4. Relationship Skills

5. Responsible Decision Making

Your School Counselor is available for may types of parent and family meetings including behavior brainstorms, goal driven action plans, evaluations, preventative parent education, and family health support sessions. Parent meetings are about one hour and are available in person and via videoconference.

Working with caregivers is the one of most powerful and effective ways to support skill building and goal setting with children.

Parent meetings are filled with laughs, realizations, new awareness, encouragements, supports, and a personalized plan of action.