The Elementary School Counselor offers a range of prevention and intervention services. They actively engage with students, assisting in the cultivation of effective communication skills, decision-making skills, friendship development, executive functioning skills, and coping strategies.

Moreover, counselors design and present classroom guidance lessons focused on imparting social, emotional, and academic skills. They conduct small group counseling sessions, offering short-term counseling as needed, and extend support during personal crises. Additionally, counselors collaborate with caregivers and teachers, working together to enhance students' success in academic, career, and personal and social development.

Students have the option to meet with the counselor through self-referral, referral by a teacher or staff member, or at the request of parents. The reasons for referral to the school counselor may vary, encompassing any situation where the student requires support in some capacity.

Feel free to reach out to the school counselor at your convenience through phone, email, or a private message on ParentSquare. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the counselor anytime they need assistance or information.

Regular individual sessions, spanning 6-8 sessions, may occur during the school day or as necessary. Each session typically lasts around 20 minutes. Similarly, small group sessions, lasting 30 minutes, are conducted during the school day for 6-8 sessions.

Not every interaction between the counselor and the student falls under formal counseling. Occasionally, the counselor may engage with students to address conflicts or assist with problem-solving. Notification to parents is done at the counselor's discretion. If the counselor deems that individual counseling sessions could be beneficial for a student, they will inform the parent and seek parental consent.

Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless:
1. The child is in imminent danger.
2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
4. The child gives permission to disclose.

When a breach of confidentiality is necessary, the School Counselor would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation.

Note: School Counselors and all other school district staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to any time there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse.

The school counselor is dedicated to aiding students throughout their school day, addressing concerns like challenges with friends, test anxiety, social issues, and home-related difficulties impacting their academic experience. In situations involving challenges at home, such as divorce, loss of a loved one, or deployment, there may be instances where external therapeutic counseling becomes necessary. If you determine that therapeutic counseling is essential for your family, the School Counselor can provide you with information to connect you with local therapeutic agencies.

When your student receives a slip with the Counselor's name on it, it doesn't imply that your student is in trouble or deemed "bad." On the contrary, a counselor serves as a supportive adult advocating for your child! An advocate is someone eager to listen to your students' concerns and assist them in finding sensible solutions to improve their situation. While the counselor may not solve the problem for the student, they provide a safe space for them to turn to when they are uncertain about what to do.

The school counselor has the ability to cooperate with external service providers as necessary. You may receive a form from the school counselor authorizing the sharing of confidential information between the counselor and the service provider. It's important to note that this information remains confidential and is not disclosed beyond the two authorized parties.