Role of the Counselor
The Parkland School District’s school counseling program is designed to provide all students with opportunities and resources to help them reach their goal of becoming contributing members of society. The counseling program is developmental and systematic in nature and is delivered through large group, small group, and individual experiences. The Parkland School District Counselors believe in the dignity and worth of all students and are committed to their role as advocates for students in the educational setting.
Individual Counseling
Counselors meet with students individually to facilitate their growth and development through the exploration of feelings and concerns related to issues impacting their lives. Parents and teachers refer students for individual counseling throughout the school year.
Small Group Counseling
Children in the elementary school are going through many phases of growth and development. During these years children normally experience many stresses due to academic demands, social relationships, and typical family issues.
In small group counseling, the counselor works with groups of approximately 4-8 students. Group discussions may be relatively unstructured or based on structured learning activities. The goals of the group are to improve problem solving and social skills as well as to increase self-esteem.
During the group sessions, students will become involved in fun activities such as playing games, drawing, role-playing, reading books, and group discussions. Students will learn ways of getting along with others, communicating more effectively, controlling their behavior, and resolving conflict.
Classroom Guidance
Large group instruction offers a good opportunity to provide support to the largest number of students in the school. The school counselor presents lessons that are developmentally appropriate for students in kindergarten through fifth grades. Lessons focus on understanding self and others, coping strategies, peer relationships, problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution.
Peer Mediation Program
The Peer Mediation Program provides an opportunity for students to find peaceful solutions to their conflicts with a little help from peer mediators. The fifth grade students complete applications that are reviewed by the school counselor and principal. Students are then selected and participate in a training program during their lunch and recess. A minimum of twelve students is selected and successfully participates in seven hours of training during their recess and lunch. They are engaged in a variety of activities designed to exercise and sharpen their listening, communicating, interviewing, and reflecting skills.
Teachers, students, the principal, school counselor, and playground aides make referrals to the peer mediators. Wanting to work out problems peacefully and agreeing to make compromises are skills all students can learn and benefit from in life. We are proud of the job our peer mediators do at Schnecksville Elementary School.
Lunch Bunch
Students come to the guidance office in small groups to have lunch with the school counselor. This helps the counselor have an ongoing, positive relationship with all the children in the school.
Resource
Please contact the counselor to obtain information on topics such as divorce, death, behavioral issues or homework routines.