Counselor's Corner

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