SCHOOL COUNSELING Fran Hensley, M.A.Ed. School Counselor NC Licensed Professional Counselor NCC, NBCC

Licensed elementary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. Elementary school counselors don’t work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success. Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program. The American School Counselor Association’s National Standards in the academic, career, and personal/social domains are the foundation for this work. The ASCA National Model: A Framework For School Counseling Programs (ASCA, 2002), with its data-driven and results-based focus, serves as a guide for today’s school counselor who is uniquely trained to implement this program. The Counseling Program Glen Arden Elementary School The School Counseling Program aligns with the School Mission Statement of Glen Arden: Our Mission is to collaborate with all stakeholders to provide a safe, caring and engaging learning environment that prepares all students to become responsible citizens in a diverse global society. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, 2nd edition (ASCA, 2005), serves as the guide for the School Counseling Program at Glen Arden. The domains of the ASCA National Model are Academic Development, Career Development, and Personal/Social Development. Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success.

School Counselors work with students in The counseling classroom setting every other week. Student support groups which usually meet once a week for four to six weeks. Individual counseling sessions.

What are Classroom Counseling Presentations? Classroom counseling lessons are taught to each classroom in every 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 is to foster students’ academic, social, emotional and career development through a planned series of developmentally appropriate counseling activities based on the NC Guidance Essential Standards.

Topics Discussed in Classroom Presentations Exploring peer relationships and effective social skills; Developing awareness of diversity and tolerance; Exploring problem-solving and decision-making; Understanding conflict resolution strategies, negotiation, compromise and peer mediation; Investigating careers and the world of work; Identifying learning styles, study skills, time management and test taking strategies.

What Is Group Counseling? Group counseling is offered to provide additional services to children with common needs or concerns. Groups meet once a week for four to six weeks. Group size is usually between 3 and 6 children. Referrals for group participation can be made by parents, teachers or by the students themselves. In every case a letter is sent home to the parents who may say “No, Thank you.” if they do not want their child to participate.

Types of Groups Offered Coping with family changes; Investigating and practicing leadership skills; Exploring feelings regarding adoption; Dealing with the grief of losing a loved one; and Exploring Friendship Issues. Please contact your school counselor if your student has a particular issue and would benefit from being in student support group.

What Is Individual Counseling? The school counselor works with individual students to help them explore their concerns and problems, to better understand themselves and others, and to work toward positive educational, personal, and social growth. Students are referred by parents, teachers, administrators or through student self-referral.

Elementary Counselors Collaborate with Teachers The school counselor consults with teachers to evaluate behaviors and individual needs of students. The counselor may observe a student in the classroom setting as a means of evaluating the child’s learning. The teacher and counselor may discuss whether a parent-teacher meeting to create an FBA (Functional Behavioral Analysis) might be beneficial.

The School Counselor Provides Support for Parents by Facilitating a seven session parent support group based on the Love and Logic curriculum. This group will be offered in Fall, 2013. Coordinating with community resources when parents are interested in accessing these services. Examples are Family Preservation Services and other counseling services in the community that can support parents and families. Connecting parents to the School Social Worker when resources are needed. Making a referral to the School Nurse when there is a physical concern. The school counselor consults with parents to follow up on concerns regarding the progress of the child.  Please do not hesitate to email or call the school counselor for assistance.  The school counselor is available to meet with parents who have questions or concerns about their children.  Parents are welcome to make an appointment with the school counselor to share and discuss  those concerns. 

What else does the school counselor do? The School Counselor…. Develops Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) plans with the parents and teachers of children who need a personal plan to help them be more successful at school. Encourages a safe and caring school climate by facilitating Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) plans, Student Service Learning projects and the Peer Mediation program. Develops 504 plans for students who would benefit from special accommodations due to medical disability.

Be sure to read the Counselor’s Connection in the Glen Arden Friday Flyer! There will be information about activities and educational technology we are using in class. There will be volunteer opportunities for parents who want to get involved with special projects.

“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 Development a National Priority,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Licensed elementary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. Elementary school counselors don’t work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success. Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program. The American School Counselor Association’s National Standards in the academic, career, and personal/social domains are the foundation for this work. The ASCA National Model: A Framework For School Counseling Programs (ASCA, 2002), with its data-driven and results-based focus, serves as a guide for today’s school counselor.