PURPOSE OF School Counseling
- to provide a safe place to express feelings
- to validate feelings through sharing
- to help children in problem solving and coping skills
- to increase self esteem by realizing they are not the only ones with special needs
- to support parents and school staff in working with kids
- to increase communication among children, parents, and school
CLASSROOM GUIDANCE:
Throughout the school year I love coming to classrooms for periodic age/developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that help students learn to understand themselves better, communicate clearly, and get along with others. Possible topics may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Understanding school environment
- Decision-making and problem solving
- Strategies for academic and personal success
- Friendship and communication skills
- Anger management and conflict resolution
- Exploring careers
- Self discipline and self control
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE:
My door is always open! I often meet with students to help with new school adjustment, friendship issues, anger management, or to help them figure out what they can do differently to make their school experiences more successful and satisfying. Referrals for students to meet with the school counselor can be made by classroom teachers or other school staff (i.e., school nurse or principal), by parents or through student self-referrals. My goal is to get to know all of our students so they will identify me as an adult in the school they would feel comfortable talking to if there was ever a need.
SMALL GROUP GUIDANCE:
As a school counselor one of the key ways that I assist students is through small groups. Being part of a small group enables students to express themselves more openly, without having to worry about how others will view them while learning and practicing new skills in a safe environment. It has been my experience that when kids know there is a safe place and time allotted for them to talk about these things, they can be more focused during academic instruction. Groups are need-based usually meeting for 4-6 weekly 20 minute sessions. Students must have parent permission to participate in a small group. Confidentiality is respected but I will contact parents if specific concerns arise. I have included information about groups I have offered in the past. Of course I will offer additional groups as needs arise. If you have specific concerns or ‘issues’ you are dealing with, please call, email or stop by my office.
My Inner Superhero – This is a new this year that I am excited to get started. The group focuses on the book Even Superhero’s Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker. The purpose of this group is to build our understanding of emotions or the big feelings we get, appropriate ways to handle big feelings and responsibility.
The Power to Choose – This is also a new topic this year!! The group focuses on the book What Would Darla Do? by Ganit & Adir Levy. The purpose of this group is to build
Past Groups:
- Being My Best Me! – This group focuses on self-esteem and self-awareness.
- Friendship! – Discusses ways to create and establish friendship and handling conflict.
- Girl Code – Helps to create strong bonds between female participants to encourage compassion, community, optimism, respect for diversity, empathy, and empowerment and to reduce instances of relational aggression.
- Inside Out – Yep, just like the movie, this group navigates understanding and handling emotions and appropriate reactions to our emotions.
PARENT/STAFF CONSULTATION: Our services also include consultation with parents and staff in the best interest of your child. If you would like to meet with me, please feel free to call or email to set up an appointment.
TESTING:
- FSA Testing Coordinator
- K-BIT2 (screening instrument used to identify gifted students)
- IPT – English Language Learners
RTI TEAM MEMBER: I assist with the process used to identify students who are struggling with grade level academic instruction. Together we identify and facilitate research-based interventions to help raise the student’s academic performance to meet grade level expectations.
LIMITS: I am not a licensed mental health counselor or licensed clinical social worker. I am not able to provide intensive, long-term counseling services. I may, however, be able to help you identify and locate helpful resources.
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