Counseling

The counseling program includes classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling and some individual counseling.  My goal is to help all students achieve academically as well as grow to be a person of good character. Much of the program is based on our school-wide character education program. This program focuses on positive character traits such as respect, responsibility, cooperation, caring, fairness, honesty, self-control, citizenship and perseverance.

We often conduct developmental guidance lessons within the classroom.  Some of the topics include career awareness, social skills, service learning and our monthly character traits:

September

October

November/December

January

February

March

April

May/June

How can students receive individual counseling?

Parents often ask how their child can receive individual counseling. Here are some of the basic facts:

What is discussed?

Here at Mary B. Neal counselors offer limited individual counseling to students who are having difficulties that are affecting their success here at school. Students often have difficulties handling situations at home and then they are less able to concentrate at school. Students may also have conflicts with peers that disrupt their learning. These are some examples of topics covered during individual counseling.

How long is individual counseling?

Students meet with the counselor for 20 to 30 minutes to discuss problems they are having. The meetings are limited to less than 5 sessions and may happen weekly or biweekly. If the problem is largely based at home and it is unable to be resolved within 5 sessions the counselor can provide a list of outside resources that may be used for further counseling.

How can students receive individual counseling?

Students in grades three through five have self referral forms available to them in their classrooms. They can complete these forms and the counselor will then meet with them as soon as possible. Teachers and parents can also contact the counselor to request individual counseling for the student.

We work with small groups throughout the year which focus on learning specific social/emotional skills, such as: 

• Self-esteem
• Anger management
• Friendship
• Coping with parental deployment
• Coping with divorce/separation
• Coping with grief/death
•  Academic/Organization
• Test Taking Skills

Learning

• Prepare your child for more challenging work.
• Be there to help your child with homework.
• Help your child get organized.  Set up a quiet, well-lit study area.
• Discuss new schedules using lockers and getting used to a large building.

Socializing

• Talk to your child about being apart from old friends and making new ones.
• Discuss peer pressure - what it is and how to say no to it.
• Talk about bullying. Report any incidents to the school.
• Make sure your child takes part in any available orientation programs.

Talking

• Ask your child question about what he or she is excited about or worried about.
• Be ready to talk.  Listen closely.  Give your child your full attention.
• Be open to talking about physical and emotional changes, or other issues.

Get to Know School Staff

Talk with teachers, the principal and school counselors.  Be sure to ask questions – and get help if you need it.  Also get to know other parents and your child’s friends.