The elementary counseling program is designed to meet the needs of all students.  We believe in order for students to be successful in school, they must first feel confident about themselves and their abilities to cope in various situations.  

 

The mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment in which all students have the opportunity to attain knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed in academic, career, and personal/social development to become life-long learners, independent thinkers, and responsible individuals.   

 

To accomplish this the counselor provides support in the following four areas:  counseling, classroom guidance, consultation, and coordination.  Each of these services is aimed toward helping children learn and develop to their highest potential.

 

                                Counseling Services 

Individual Counseling - The school counselor provides a comfortable setting where students can express their feelings and concerns to promote self-understanding, personal growth, and support.  One to one counseling services are available to all children and may be provided on a weekly and/or as needed basis.  Individual counseling support is intended to be a short-term service; in some situations an outside referral to counseling may be recommended.  

 

Group Counseling - The counselor provides group settings that give children an opportunity to discuss common developmental and/or personal issues.  The focus of counseling groups is to support students and provide participants with the opportunity to learn new skills and strategies that will help them academically, socially, and emotionally.   Some issues that are addressed include: being new, friendship, self-esteem, study skills, anger management, family changes, feelings, and social skills.   *Parent permission is required for student participation.

 

Community Counseling Referrals & Resources – The counselor is happy to share information about and/or make referrals to community counseling services and supports that are available to students and families.  

 

    *School Counseling Referrals can come from parents, teachers, staff, or the student. Counselor-student confidentiality is honored at all times except in cases of possible harm to self or others and report of abuse. Students are encouraged to discuss their feelings and concerns with their parents.  Receiving counseling is voluntary because it is our belief that counseling can only be effective for those who want help or have a desire to change.

 

Classroom Guidance - The school counselor provides developmental classroom guidance activities at every grade level.  Lesson topics address academic, personal/social, and career national standards developed by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as well as support the New York State Learning Standards. Throughout the school year the counselor will meet with each class and teach skills that assist students in becoming problem-solvers, collaborative workers, and responsible citizens. 

     Classroom guidance topics include:

            3rd grade:  Second Step:  Skills for Social and Academic Success

            4th grade:  Study Skills

            5th grade:  Anti-Bullying/Conflict Resolution 

 

Consultation - The school counselor consults and collaborates with school personnel to best meet the educational, social, and/or emotional needs of students. 

    *The counselor consults with parents to better understand the whole child and to develop a positive school-to-home relationship that best meets the needs of the child.  

    *When needed the counselor consults with community agencies to develop and provide a full range of available services to children and families.  

    *The school counselor meets with building administrators to ensure open communication of children's needs and to ensure the most effective level of service delivery is provided.

 

Coordination - The school counselor coordinates with administrators all functions of the counseling program within the school.  This includes classroom guidance, group and individual counseling, meetings, referrals, special programs, and projects.  

    *The school counselor helps coordinate the efforts of school personnel, families, and community service agencies to provide services for children, to avoid duplication of services, and to develop a team approach to serving children.

    *The school counselor coordinates with middle school counselors to promote a positive transition for students going to the middle school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Counselors...Helping ALL students get the most out of school.