The School counselor is involved in the classroom, on the playground, through
parenting workshops, and with individual families by appointment.
The counselor spends time every week in each kindergarten through grade four
classroom teaching the Second Steps program, a program that emphasizes empathy
training, conflict resolution, problem solving, and anger management. Through
discussion and role playing, students learn valuable tools to help with social
and emotional development. The counselor also works with lower school children
on identifying and discussing what it takes to be a friend and how to “read”
social cues and understand what others are feeling. Artwork, games, and
activities are used to achieve these skills.
For middle school, the counselor holds community meetings and lunchtime
workshops to address topics that are of interest or concern to the students.
Speakers are brought in several times a year to talk about issues unique to
adolescents. For parents, there are six-week “Parenting with Love and Logic”
workshops. A goal of the “Love and Logic” sessions is to reduce stress in the
parent-child relationship while, at the same time, allowing the parents to
continue to instill the values their children will need as young adults moving
on to high school. These workshops are also available to lower school parents
with the discussion groups focusing on the developmental needs and concerns of
the younger child.
The counseling office has developed and maintains a comprehensive guidance
and emotional intelligence curriculum to assist faculty and parents in
identifying the social and emotional needs of students and to support students
in effecting personal growth. The counselor attends both divisional and
grade-level meetings to remain well-versed on student needs and concerns.
Professional development training is provided for faculty and staff in order to
explore practical skills for relationship building with students, classroom
management, and letting students learn important lessons from the natural
consequences of their choices.
Counseling Referrals
Referrals are made through the division heads, teachers, parents, or students
may self-refer. As per the guidelines of the American Counseling Association,
all conversations are confidential, unless the counselor determines that there
is possible chance of harm to self or others.
Outside Referrals
The counselor is responsible for referrals to outside community mental health
professionals and other community resources. A list of community mental health
professionals is updated on a regular basis.
Suggested Readings for Parents
“The Blessings of a Skinned Knee” Wendy Mogel, Ph.D. ISBN# 0142196002
Dr.
Mogel uses Jewish teachings to help raise self-reliant children.
“Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads” Rosalind Wiseman ISBN# 1400083001
Ms.
Wiseman talks about dealing with parents, teachers, coaches, and counselors who
can make or break your child’s future.
“The Price of Privilege” Madeline Levine ISBN# 0060595841
Increases in
material wealth do not translate into emotional health; on the contrary, they
can translate into several disadvantages. How to help children take
responsibility, control impulses, and be thoughtful. |