The Role of the School Counselor

You may be asking yourself: What is my role? As a Student Assistance Counselor, I am a resource for students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff. When a student or family is experiencing some sort of stress, I may assist in determining the needs of the child and family and coordinating resources, which are available in school and outside, within our communities.

As part of a network of specialists within our school, I work very closely with our school nurse, child study team members, principal and assistant principal in order to best serve the entire Monmouth Junction community. All of our specialists share the goal of helping our students to become the very best learners they can be.

I spend time getting to know your children by visiting the classrooms and sharing lessons with them. Typical lessons cover topics such as personal safety, making friends, celebrating uniqueness, solving conflicts, anger management, showing respect for others, and learning to deal with teasing and bullying. I share the same goals for our students as those developed by their classroom teachers.

I meet with students both individually and in “Friendship Groups”. Our meetings are always scheduled at the convenience of the classroom teacher. Our group activities are always centered on the idea of respecting all students and developing a richer knowledge of others and ourselves. The groups also focus on improving social skills, coping skills, communication skills and self-esteem.

My favorite part of my job at Monmouth Junction is getting to know the students. I sometimes eat lunch in my office with individual students or small groups of children. It may be to discuss a particular issue, resolve a conflict or simply for fun at their request.

I coordinate The Peer Mediation Program in which 4th and 5th graders are trained to help their peers resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. Mediation is a non-judgmental process that allows children to constructively work out their differences. Children may request mediation or teachers may refer a dispute to mediation.