Structured lessons and morning broadcast videos for every K-5 classroom on social-emotional topics, such as:

• bullying and teasing,

• making and keeping friends,

• conflict resolution and decision-making,

• staying safe and healthy habits

• goal setting,

• developing a healthy sense of self and coping skills,

• dealing with stress and test anxiety, and

• exploring college and careers

​​Students learn these skills with a variety of interactive teaching methods, including listening to and discussing stories, participating in activities and games, and practicing skills with puppets or role plays.  Additionally, lessons may be held in one of our many outdoor spaces at Laurel Mountain, to allow for exploration and collaboration on our lesson content in a natural environment.  Click here for a list of what the School Counselor anticipates teaching in classroom lessons this year.

​

Collaboration and consultation with parents/guardians, students, and staff is available to assist with planning and problem-solving in regards to academic, social-emotional, or behavioral needs of students. 

There are a vast number of resources in our community to support our students and families. Resources such as clothing vouchers, food pantries, outside tutoring or counseling are often just a phone call away. Mrs. Justice is eager to help our families find the appropriate resources to fit their needs. 

Individual meetings with students consist of brief, solution-focused, strengths-based interventions to assist children with difficulties that may negatively affect them during the school day. Sessions are limited, and referrals to outside providers are available for more in-depth counseling as appropriate. School Counseling is not equivalent to outside counseling or therapy in depth or breadth. Referrals for an individual meeting with students can be made by students, teachers, or parent/guardians.

Groups are held periodically through the year, are time-limited in nature, and are focused on topics based upon current student needs within a grade level. Topics in the past have included parental separation, improving self-esteem and confidence, grief and loss, managing stress or other strong emotions, school-behavior, and developing and maintaining friendships. Students look forward to these activity-based sessions. Parent/guardian permission is needed for students to participate in a small group, and most small groups run in the spring semester. Small group counseling does not cover the depth or breadth of outside counseling services. 

All students who are new to Laurel Mountain in August will have the several opportunities to meet with the counselor, learn about our school, and interact with other new students from their grade level. Some students choose to continue to meet and check-in on a regular basis during the first semester, and periodic gatherings will be held with the counselor for new students who enroll after August. Mrs. Justice can also check in with new students throughout the year to see how they are adjusting to Laurel Mountain and assess the need for further support, if requested. Parent/guardians and teachers are encouraged to contact Mrs. Justice with concerns about a student's adjustment to school.

Each year we have about ten Westwood High School students, called PALs, who volunteer their time to meet with individual or small groups of Laurel Mountain students (referred by parent/guardians, teachers, or student self-referral) once a week for approximately 30 minutes. PALs develop a buddy or mentor-type relationship with their elementary school partners, and work on projects, play games with an academic or pro-social focus, read, or practice friendship skills. Parent/guardian permission is needed for students to receive this support, and PALs are assigned based upon student need at the discretion of Mrs. Justice.  

Educational parent/guardian workshops are held periodically on various topics of 'parental' interest and need. Additionally, a multitude of parent/guardian resources and books are available through the counseling office, or can be checked out through the library system. If you are looking for information on a specific topic, please contact Mrs. Justice.

This annual calendar shows the timeline and scope of services anticipated to be provided by the counselor this year. The calendar is a "living document" and adjustments in services will be made as needed to fit campus and student needs.