SCHOOL COUNSELING "Helping children to become all that they are capable of being." Created by Tammy P. Roth, MEd Licensed School Counselor

“Today’s young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies and expanding opportunities. To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders and citizens, every student needs support, guidance and opportunities during childhood, a time of rapid growth and change. Children face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement. – “Toward a Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Developmenta National Priority,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

What Is Classroom Counseling? Classroom counseling lessons are taught in the regular classroom setting to all students in each grade level throughout the school year to help students gain an awareness of self, others, and the world around them. The focus of classroom guidance and counseling are to foster students’ academic, social, emotional and career development through a planned series of guidance activities. Specific topics may be addressed in different grade levels. The goals and objectives for the classroom counseling program can be found in the Morris Area Elementary School’s Classroom Counseling Scope and Sequence.

Topics understanding self and others; coping strategies, relaxation, and stress management; peer relationships and effective social skills; personal safety awareness; career awareness and the world of work; substance abuse awareness education; multicultural awareness communication, problem-solving, decision- making, conflict resolution, and study skills.

What Is Group Counseling? Group counseling is offered to provide additional services to children with common needs or concerns. Groups meet for a few times to few weeks for 30 minutes each time. Group size is usually between 3 and 8 children.

Types of Groups Offered Include Friendship Skills Personal Adjustment Anger Management Skills Interpersonal Concerns, Academic Development Behavior Modification Self-Image and Self-Confidence Family Issues such as Separation, Divorce, Grief and Loss  If you have any questions or requests, feel free to contact your licensed school counselor.

What Is Individual Counseling? The licensed school counselor works with individual students to help them better understand their concerns and problems, to better understand themselves and others, and to work toward positive educational, personal, and social development.

Who Do Elementary School Counselors Help... Boys and Girls Parents/Caregivers Classroom Teachers Other Educators Administrators

Elementary Counselors Help Boys and Girls Individually and in groups with their concerns, plans, goals, and achievements. Understand themselves and others to strengthen cooperation and interactions. Establish and maintain healthy relationships with others Learn decision making and interpersonal skills. Learn a shared language at school to communicate w/ educators and each other. Gain optimum benefit from their school experience.

Elementary Counselors Help Parents Learn about their child's growth and development. Individually, to appreciate their child's abilities, limitations, and progress in school. Encourage a home atmosphere for emotional security and personal growth. Participate in parent education groups to further enhance parent-child relationships. Increase knowledge and skills by sharing information.

Elementary Counselors Help Classroom Teachers The licensed school counselor consults with teachers to evaluate behaviors and individual needs of students, to assist in enhancing the total development of the students and to implement interventions to enhance student success.

Elementary Counselors Help Other Educators The licensed school counselor is an educational consultant who is available to meet with other educators who have questions or concerns about students. All educators collaborating to provide the most effective learning atmosphere schools can offer.

Elementary Counselors Help Administrators School climate Behavioral management plans School-wide needs assessments Student data and results Student assistance team building

Counselors Work to Promote Growth In Understanding of self and confidence in daily interactions. Positive attitudes toward self, family and community Communication skills in relationships with peers, family, neighbors, and school staff Motivation for success in school and community activities. Decision making skills involving exploration of alternatives and realization of consequences Career awareness for future planning Emotionally healthy school learning climate Cooperation between home and school. Community resource programs for students, family and school personnel.