Counselor's Corner

School Counselors are educators trained in school guidance counseling, just as other educators are trained in math, science, or English.  The Elementary Counselor is to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive School Counseling Program designed to meet the needs of every student.  To accomplish this goal, schools provide classroom guidance lessons, individual student planning, responsive services, and systems of support.

Classroom Guidance Lessons help students understand themselves and others. Through classroom guidance, school counselors help students develop peer relationships, effective social skills, decision making skills and study skills, effective communications, conflict resolution, coping strategies, and explore safe and healthy choices. 

Individual Student Planning helps students set goals, establish academic and career plans, understand their own strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for the transitions.

Responsive Services assist students with particular needs, such as adjusting to a new school, coping with grief following a crisis or a loss, dealing with substance abuse or other risky behaviors.  Responsive services are provided through individual and small group counseling, peer facilitation, and consultation and referrals to community professionals trained in mental health and other specialties.

Systems of Support enhances school climate and relationships among members of the school community.  School counselors coordinate parent outreach services, community support services and consultations with other faculty and staff to facilitate collaboration and a greater understanding of students’ developmental needs.