Schuylkill Valley Elementary School
School Counseling Department
"In our schools, our future lies."
"In our schools, our future lies."
The mission of the SVSD School Counseling Program is to provide services to students to support their academic, social-emotional and career readiness development. School Counselors accordingly collaborate with administrators, teachers, parents and community agencies. The SVSD School Counseling Program strives to teach students the skills and tools to be successful academically and social-emotionally as well as to prepare all students for post-secondary life.
What is the best part of being a School Counselor at SVES?
Mrs. Bricker: "I enjoy being deeply integrated throughout the building. It helps us to get to know every student by name and something special about them. At SVES, the students value our support and look forward to interacting with us, and at this level we can be silly and creative while providing supports, which is what makes this job so fun!"
Mrs. Phillips: "Some of my favorite experiences are being able to watch students grow their sense of self, build meaningful friendships, and feel empowered with new skills. It is such an honor to be part of that pivotal time in their lives."
Elementary School Counselors...
provide individual, short-term counseling.
lead small support and skill-building groups.
teach classroom lessons focused on social-emotional skills and bullying prevention.
explore career and education opportunities with students.
provide families with resources to support students.
aid teachers and administrators in helping students.
coordinate and assist with standardized testing.
participate in committes such as Child Study and SAP.
create and maintain Section 504 plans.
promote a positive school climate and safe environment for all.
The short answer is, "Yes!" All students will interact with the School Counselors at some point in the year since they are heavily incorporated at this level. Counselors utilize the tiered system outlined below to support students towards our mission.
LEVELS OF SUPPORT
Tier 1: All students see the school counselor during weekly social-emotional and bullying prevention classroom lessons. Counselors also help with duties and activities around the building such as arrival and dismissal, Career Day, standardized tests, covering classes, clubs, etc.
Tier 2: Students might work with the school counselor in a small group to build personal, social, and/or academic skills.
Tier 3: Students can meet with the school counsleor individually by staff, parent, or self referral. This level of interaction is short-term and periodic, and is dependent upon progress and availability.
Schuylkill Valley collaborates with two external agencies to provide therapy during the school day with Licensed and Certified therapists. If interested, please contact your student's school counselor for referral information.
The SAP program is comprised of teachers, counselors, administrators, nurses, and a Educational Alliance Specialist from Caron Treatment Centers to provide support and resources to students and families who may be struggling with medical, emotional, or social concerns that impact a student's learning and growth. Referrals to SAP can be made by school, guardians, or self.
Second Step curriculum is an evidence based program that offers education and skills to students on topics such as bullying prevention, emotion identification and regulation, communication styles, and interpersonal effectiveness. This is taught weekly by a school counselor in the classroom setting, making it accessible to all students.
Dads of Great Students (DOGS) is open to male parents or guardians of SVES students. This program helps to provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. Meanwhile, they provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying and provide a greater sense of campus safety allowing students and teachers to focus on learning and instruction. To enroll, please go to SVSD WatchDOGS website or click the link above. Volunteer clearances are required.