Samantha Clock, Guidance Counselor
What does the Counselor do?
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:
Individual Counseling Services: Elementary 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 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. Frequent Group topics include:
Friendship and self-esteem
Separation and Divorce
Grief and loss
Anger Management
Substance/Physical Abuse
Families in Crisis
Classroom Guidance Lessons Elementary counselors present scheduled classroom lessons to all students in kindergarten through fifth grades. The lessons consist of conflict resolution, anti-bullying strategies, and friendship making skills.
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
To promote a positive learning environment
Is it time to speak with the counselor? Parents should feel free to contact the counselor when they notice certain signs or changes in their child:
You see a dramatic change in your child’s behavior.
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 methods of discipline. The behavior that you see at home may also be occurring at school.
Helpful Website:
Kindergarten Readiness
Back to School Readiness Checklist
Pacer: Kids against Bullying
CHADD
Character Counts.org
Department of Family and Child Services
Education.Com - Stop Bullying
FSSA - Hoosier Healthwise
Good Character.Com
Grand Marose.Com
Grief Resource - Brooke's Place
Grief Resource - Dougy
How to Study
Indiana Parent Network
Internet Safety
IRCA - Autism Website
Kids Health . Org
Parenting - John Rosemond
Stop Bullying Now
PBS Website