INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Counselors are available to meet individually with students to discuss any concerns or worries.  Issues typically are those of friendship, grief, divorce, managing difficult situations or making good choices. Through individual counseling, students are able to express concerns in a safe environment where problem solving can then take place. All counseling interactions are confidential and will not be documented in the student's permanent school record.

​

Individual Counseling Parameters:

• While individual counseling is an integral part of every school counseling program, please know that it is not the role of a school counselor to act as intensive, long-term therapist.  School counselors practicing in such a way would be performing unethical practices and it would take away from their ability to meet the needs of the entire student body. If requested, a list of counseling resources is available.

REFERRAL/REQUEST

Students may be referred to the counselor by a parent, teacher or administrator.  Students may also refer themselves. There is a mailbox on my office door for students and teachers to place referral slips. Parents may refer a student by phone, e-mail, or in person.

SMALL GROUPS

Small counseling groups give students the opportunity to meet with their peers to work on a shared skill or issue. Groups usually consist of 6-8 other students in the same grade. While students are learning skills to use at home and school, the opportunity to spend time with peers who share their experiences is sometimes the most valuable experience.

SOARING SEAGULLS

Our Soaring Seagull recognition program highlights good citizenship as well as encouraging all students to make improvements toward their personal goals.

STUDENT HOST

Every year our school has several new students and we realize that changing schools can be very difficult for these students.
The Student Host Program has been developed to help students make a smooth transition to their new school. 
The position of Student Host is both an honor and a responsibility. These students have demonstrated positive character traits and actively seek to include other students.They serve as a friend to the new student, showing the student around the building as well as introducing the staff.

KELSO'S CHOICES

KELSO is a cute frog that teaches kids how to know if a problem is BIG (requires adult help) or a small (ones they can solve).  KELSO’S WHEEL teaches conflict resolution strategies that help generate ideas on how to solve a small problem. Self-confidence develops as a result of successfully solving problems. When a student comes to an adult to solve their "small problem," the adult suggests they try two of Kelso's Choices. If that doesn't work, then the adult intervenes. Students are always asked to talk to an adult for help in the event of a "BIG" problem.

Examples of "small" problems:

• When a friend doesn't want to play with you,

• Someone will not share with you

• Butting in line

• Not playing fairly

Examples of BIG problems:

•  physical aggression, stealing and threats.

BULLYING

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is repeated over time, intentional, and involves an imbalance of power (one-sided). If you have any concerns that your child is being bullied or is showing bully behaviors, please contact the school counselors, your child's teacher, and/or administration.