Elementary Guidance Program:

The elementary school counselor serves the needs of all elementary students, to help them develop, academically, socially and emotionally. The school counselor"s role is constantly changing, reflecting the needs of the many people in our school community; children, parents, teachers, and administrators. A variety of services are provided:

Guidance Lessons
Elementary counselors present regularly scheduled classroom lessons to all students in grades one through five. Kindergarten lessons are offered periodically throughout the year. The elementary guidance curriculum is child-centered and developmental - in that it considers the characteristics and needs of each age and grade level. The curriculum encourages students to:
- develop positive self-image
- become more aware of the relationships between themselves and others.
- recognize their own needs and goals.

Individual Counseling Services
Elementary school counselors meet individually with students to provide support for school-related issues. The counseling strategies vary with each student"s needs and are provided on a short-term basis as determined by the school counselor. Students can refer themselves to the counselor or can be referred by parents, teachers, or other school staff.

Group Counseling Services
Elementary school counselors meet with small groups of students on various topics. Topics are determined by the children"s needs and interests.

Consultation
School counselors, parents, and teachers work together to support children.

Elementary school counselors work with parents:
- to exchange and gather information
- to provide recommendations; and
- to discuss parenting concerns

Elementary school counselors work with teachers, administrators, and other staff:
- to provide information, materials and referral assistance
- to address student needs, especially within the Instructional Support Team (IST); and
- to promote a positive learning environment.

Is it time to speak with the counselor?
Parents should feel free to call the counselor when they notice certain signs of potential problem in their child:
- You see a dramatic change in your child"s behavior. A happy child becomes withdrawn. A friendly child wants to be alone.
- There"s been a change in your family. A new marriage, a severe illness, a divorce or a new baby can all effect school work.

Your child begins acting out and fails to respond to your usual methods of discipline. The behavior that you see at home may also be occurring at school.