Counselor

At Stilson Elementary School, we offer a developmental guidance and counseling program.  The program:

 

·offers guidance and counseling services to all students

·believes in helping children become aware of themselves and their needs so that they can make healthy and responsible choices

·is based on the developmental needs of the students

·teaches students skills to help them live and learn more effectively

·involves a cooperative effort between parents, teachers, principals, and the counselor

 

 

 

 

How does Mrs. Grant work with students?

 

Classroom Guidance

Mrs. Grant schedules each class to come to her office to discuss various topics such as conflict resolution, making friends, getting along, etc.

 

Small Group Counseling

Mrs. Grant meets with groups of 4 to 6 students who share a common concern.  In this environment, students can provide a support network for each other while learning coping strategies and interpersonal skills.

 

Individual Counseling

Mrs. Grant cannot provide long-term “therapy” for individual students, but is available to listen to students’ private concerns.

 

How does a student get to talk to Mrs. Grant about a problem?

 

1.   The student may refer himself/herself by:

·telling his/her teacher

·coming to the Mrs. Grant's office

·leaving a note in Mrs. Grant's box

2.    Parents may ask Mrs. Grant to talk with

      their child.

3.    The teacher or principal may ask Mrs. Grant to

      talk with a student.

4.    Mrs. Grant may invite a student to her office if

     she hears the child is worried about

     something.

5.    Other students may sometimes alert Mrs. Grant

     about friends or classmates they are concerned

     about.

   

Confidentiality

 

     As the school counselor, Mrs. Grant is responsible for guarding the privacy of students and their families.  Information and concerns shared with her are confidential.  However, there are instances when confidentiality must be broken.  Cases of endangerment, such as child and sexual abuse, neglect, threatening harm to others, or suicidal thoughts are times when she has a legal obligation to break confidentiality.