Guidance

Students can meet with their School Counselor by self-referral, counselor referral, teacher request, or parent request. The counselor helps students to cope with family changes that may occur, develop decision making skills, handle conflicts as they arise, manage anger, and learn problem solving strategies.

The School Counselor offers counseling sessions throughout the year for students in grades Pre-K through 4th. This experience is a great way for students to benefit from personal growth as well as to gain support from their peers with similar needs. The school counselor typically plans groups through parent and teacher referrals. Groups are created as needed according to varying topics and usually last for about six weeks. Small groups may focus on anger management, friendship, social skills, study skills, motivation/confidence building, changing families/divorce, and mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness is helpful for children with anxiety or attention difficulties.

Small groups enhance skill building by allowing students to practice skills in a smaller setting and to give/receive feedback from peers. Small groups also provide encouragement and support.

The School Counselor delivers a comprehensive guidance curriculum to all students with a focus on academic, personal/social, and career development. Since being proactive is extremely important, classrooms receive monthly lessons throughout the year on various topics to help enhance student life skills. The curriculum is delivered to students through individual and small group counseling, classroom guidance lessons, as well as through school wide programs. The School Counselor also delivers daily messages from Project Wisdom over the intercom every morning.