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:
“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)
“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?
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Academic concerns
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Divorce, separation, and family changes
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Drug and alcohol concerns
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Experiencing loss, death, and grief
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Peer relationship issues
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Problem solving skills
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School adjustment issues
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Stress reduction and coping skills
- Study skills
How does a student meet with a school counselor?