Student Support Services Merrymount Elementary School Kerry Bertrand, Guidance Counselor Jessica Sikora, School Psychologist

Student Support in the Building Group Counseling Short Term Individual Counseling Consultation Referral Resource Classroom Lessons

Counseling Services Group Counseling  Lunch Bunches Weekly, ongoing support in any one of numerous areas such as friendship, grief, study skills, etc. Individual Counseling  Short Term For support around a specific occurrence or need such as a death, divorce, trauma, or academic stressor.

Resource Guide Consultation  With teachers and parents We are a resource for any member of the school community who is in need of information on a variety of topics such as learning styles, diagnosis, and behavior management. Referral  For teachers and parents Support staff can be a liaison between the school or family and outside resources such as counselors, doctors, and academic supports.

Classroom Lessons Quincy Public School has implemented a district wide curriculum of developmental guidance lessons to be taught within general education classrooms. The lesson topics have been developed by the district, while each school is allowed flexibility as to how to present the information to their students, depending on the schools individual needs.

Kindergarten Identifying Feelings  Labeling six basic human emotions  People’s feelings can be different.  People’s feelings can change. Impulse Control  Solving Problems  Social Skills Sharing Taking Turns

1 st Grade Friendship  Identifying feelings  Recognizing the feelings of others  Predicting the feelings of others  Interpersonal Problem Solving

2 nd Grade Personal Safety  Getting Help  Check First & Buddy System  My Body is My Own

3 rd Grade Organization  Following Directions  Respect of Property  Study Skills  Responsibility

4 th Grade Bullying  Recognizing Bullying Face to Face Behind the Back  How to Handle Bullying Refusing Reporting

5 th Grade Bullying  Managing Emotions Recognizing Feelings Calming Self  Appropriate Responses Dealing with Putdowns Dealing with Criticism Dealing with Being Left Out Conflict Resolution  Problem Solving Brainstorming Solutions Predicting Consequences

Summary The support staff here at Merrymount provides developmentally appropriate guidance curriculum to all students. Our goal is for children to achieve their personal best given proper instruction, access to services, and support which recognizes individual differences and learning styles. Development of the whole child, socially, physically, intellectually, and emotionally is critical to lifelong success.