School Counseling Program

Core Curriculum-I see each class once a week for a classroom lesson. Through these lessons, the school counseling core curriculum is taught. These lessons are focused on academic, career, and social/emotional development.

Individual Student Planning-My goal is to see all students individually at some point. Even though it is early for students to be thinking about their future, we will still talk about careers. I will discuss with them their goals and what they would like to do when they are older.

​Individual and Group Counseling-Through group counseling, I can help several students with the same issue. Groups may be offered on the following topics: academic skills, feelings and coping strategies, friendship, grief, self-esteem, social skills, and worry. At the beginning of the year, an opt out form is sent home with the first day packet. If you do NOT want your child involved in any groups, please sign and send back this form. I will also see students that are referred to me by you or their teacher or that self-refer. Please understand that school counselors do not provide "therapy" or "traditional counseling." If a student needs continued counseling, there are outside sources that can help.

Parent Consultation-One of the most important aspects of the community at Dowds is effective communication. Parent consultation with the school counselor takes on a valuable role in this community building process. Counselors may visit with parents regarding academic or social/emotional issues related to their children. The parent, teachers, administrator, or counselor may initiate the consultation.

Teacher Consultation-Consulatation with teachers is another important part of our community at Dowds. The counselor has ongoing communication with teachers through collaboration, meetings, e-mail, conferences, and written notes to support students' learning and growth. Teachers may consult the counselor regarding student concerns, the counselor may approach a teacher related to a student concern, or there may be times when a counselor or teacher communicates messages to the other at the wish of the parent so everyone is able to support the student here at school.