Lower & Middle School Counseling

What is a School Counselor?

The school counselor is a specialist who works cooperatively with the educational staff, parents, and community. She is also a child advocate assisting students with their social, emotional, and educational development.

What is the purpose of a School Counseling Program?

“Studies indicate that the presence of comprehensive school counseling programs is linked to an array of positive student outcomes ranging from better attendance to a stronger sense of connection to school.”

(Dimmitt, C., & Wilkerson, B. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling in Rhode Island: Access to services and student outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Careers-Roles/Effectiveness.pdf)

1. Prevention - FA prevention model is constructed through:

• The Middle School Weekly Advisory Program

“Research shows that through intentional efforts, school counselors can positively influence the social norms that fuel destructive rumor spreading by junior high students.”

(Cross, J. E., & Peisner, W. (2009). RECOGNIZE: A social norms campaign to reduce rumor spreading in a junior high school. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Careers-Roles/Effectiveness.pdf)

• The Lower School Weekly Classroom Guidance

“A clinical study showed a stronger presence of school counselors in elementary schools reduces misbehavior and significantly improves boys’ academic achievement.”

(Carrell, S. E., & Hoekstra, M. (2014). Are school counselors an effective educational input? Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Careers-Roles/Effectiveness.pd)

2. Intervention - Your child or teen might be a recipient of:

• Topical Group discussion such as Social and Friendship Skills, Managing Anxiety, Study Skills, etc.
• One on One sessions when he/she, a teacher or parent requests it to explore things like anxiety, divorce/loss, emotional regulation, anger, focusing, social challenges, etc.
• Referrals to professionals or programs in the community as needed or requested.

“Research supports the value of a range of interventions delivered by school counselors, with particular value associated with group counseling interventions.”

(Whiston, S. C., & Quinby, R. F. (2009). Review of school counseling outcome research. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Careers-Roles/Effectiveness.pdf)

3. Resourcing - Equipping and communicating with our parents is a top priority!

• Lower School Guidance topics and parent resource will be included in LS teacher newsletters each week.
• We will offer several parent webinars throughout the year on topics such as Cybersafety, Communicating with Teens, Love and Logic, etc.
• We can set up a face to face meeting or phone call anytime.
• “Nook of Books”- I am working on creating a resource library for parents to check out books, videos, etc.

When should I contact the school counselor?

• Academic concerns

• Divorce, separation, and family changes

• Drug and alcohol concerns

• Experiencing loss, death, and grief

• Peer relationship issues

• Problem solving skills

• School adjustment issues

• Stress reduction and coping skills

• Study skills

How does a student meet with a school counselor?

• Appointment made by the counselor.

• Appointment made by the student.

• Parent referral.

• Teacher referral.

Rachael Lee

I am beyond grateful and humbled that I have the privilege of working with the students, faculty, and parents at Frederica Academy. I am purpose driven, student centered, and outward minded. I am passionate about helping students become well-rounded adults, supporting parents in raising future adults, and continuously learning research-based practices that support social and emotional learning. I have a beloved husband who is as patient and keeps us laughing. I am a momma to three sweet lovelies- Kendall (high school), Jordan (middle school), and Colbie Jane (elementary school). I enjoy reading on the beach, chatting and drinking coffee in quaint little places, and riding bikes with my family.

I knew early on that I wanted to do something in the people-helping field when I grew up so naturally Psychology and counseling appealed to me. Throughout college and beyond, I have worked with children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings from summer camps and youth ministry to court mandated group work and private practice. I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University and am certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors as well as licensed in Georgia as a professional counselor (LPC). I worked in private practice for 7 years with teens and families, and I specialize in trauma recovery using EMDR. Most important to know is that I love working with people and providing social and emotional support for our community!  

REACH

We strive to affirm our students and help them REACH for greatness. We have all made a promise, The Frederica Promise, to: RESPECT others, ourselves and our property; show ENTHUSIASM for learning; work on ACHIEVEMENT, to do our very best; make COMMUNICATION a priority; and uphold the HONOR code, even when no one is looking! The counseling and Guidance department is committed to help reinforce these character traits in everything we do.

Middle School students will have an opportunity to be honored as our REACH Student of the Month (one from each grade monthly). This elite award is given to those students who consistently uphold The Frederica Promise and is voted on by administration and faculty.