About Counseling

Counseling

Elementary Guidance Philosophy...

  • Encourage academic, personal, social, and career development based on the National Standards developed by the American School Counselors Association
  • Provide a systematic arrays of curriculum, interventions, and services
  • Provide counseling, consultation, coordination, and curriculum development
  • Work with students, staff, families, and community members
  • Attain our ultimate goal for children to become effective students, responsible citizens, productive workers, and lifelong learners

 

Please contact your school counselor if you have any questions or concerns about your child including:

  • Family changes (moving, illness, death, divorce, or separation)
  • Home stress or financial hardship
  • Classroom performance
  • School/home behavior
  • Peer relations
  • Low self confidence
 

The elementary school guidance counselor...

  • Teaches monthly classroom guidance lessons
  • Conduct small group counseling sessions
  • Provides immediate and short-term individual counseling
  • Works collaboratively with teachers and staff
  • Consults with parents
  • Conducts parent/teacher workshops
  • Participates in curriculum development
  • Provides information and/or referrals for community resources to families
 

When to Make a Referral to the School Counselor

Today’s children face many unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on their academic achievement.  School counselors collaborate with teachers and staff to support and promote student achievement through a variety of direct and indirect services.  Please consult your school counselor in the following situations:

  • You notice a severe change in the child
  • A child has been absent/tardy excessively
  • The child's self concept is low
  • The child seems preoccupied with home problems a major portion of the school day
  • You suspect child abuse or neglect
  • The child is having a difficult time dealing with family changes
  • An illness or death in the family is upsetting the child
  • You suspect extreme financial hardship in the home and the child needs supplies, shoes, etc.
  • The child has mentioned that in the home there is violence, substance abuse, addiction, or recovery from these
  • The child seems to concentrate on his or her home life to the point that is interferes with their school performance
  • Something seems to be bothering the child
  • A family crisis has occurred
  • A child is frequently visiting the nurses office
 

Please remember that individual and small group counseling require parental consent, are short-term and are only two of many services to support a child in need.  Referral forms are included in your folder and can be requested at any time.  Notes and emails are also encouraged.  Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions, concerns or comments