Our Counseling Program

Counseling Program Vision Statement

All Alston Ridge Elementary School students will be equipped with personal/social, academic, and career skills necessary to be life-long learners. Every student will be empowered through the school counseling program to grow through risks and overcome challenges, to strengthen diverse needs and talents, and to be respectful and kind to themselves and others in their communities and communities across the globe in a complex and changing world.

Counseling Program Mission Statement

The mission of Alston Ridge Elementary School counseling program is to provide access, support, services, leadership and advocacy for every student; by providing a comprehensive school counseling program aimed to ensure equitable learning outcomes through rich collaboration, critical thinking, clear and honest communication, as well as creative problem solving so that every student can achieve their greatest potential.

Why School Counselors?

Elementary School Students’ Developmental Needs

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.

FAQ

1. Can you see my child for counseling all year?

Since the counselor needs to be available for all students, we are here to assist with short-term counseling (4-6 sessions). We will be glad to assist you with finding outside counseling services for your child.

2. What kinds of issues to you see children for?

We are here to assist with any issue that may be interfering with their education. We work with students to help resolve friendship issues, academic concerns, dealing with the death of a family member, how to handle feelings and how to develop/use coping skills.

3. Will my child be embarrassed to leave the classroom with the school counselor?

The counselor is seen as a normal part of the school atmosphere and students are usually excited/not nervous about seeing the counselor.

4. What should I do if I suspect my child is being bullied?

1.) Focus on your child. Be supportive and gather information about the bullying. Never tell your child to ignore the bullying, this often leads to it becoming more serious. Don't blame the child being bullied, don't assume your child did something to provoke the bullying. Listen carefully to what your child tells you about the bullying. Ask him or her to describe who was involved, and how and where each bullying episode happened. Empathize with your child, tell them that bullying is wrong, it is not their fault and that you are glad they had the courage to tell you all about it. Ask your child what they think can be done to help.

2.) Contact your child's Teacher, Counselor or Administrator. Parents are often reluctant to report bullying to school officials, but bullying may not stop without the help of adults. Do not contact the parents of the student who bullied your child. This is usually a parent's first response but sometimes it makes matters worse.

3.) Help your child become more resilient to bullying. Help to develop talents or positive attributes of your child. Suggest and facilitate music, athletics and art activities. Doing so may help your child be more confident among their peers. Encourage your child to make contact with friendly students in his or her class. Your child's teacher may be able to suggest students with whom your child can make friends, spend time, or collaborate on work.