KOSD School-Counseling Department Mission Statement:

The mission of Keystone Oaks School District counseling program is to foster academic, career, and personal/social development of all students in grades K-12. The program will support life-long learning in an ever-changing, global society and promote college and career readiness. The school counselor serves an an advocate for students and as a partner with teachers, parents, and the community. 

What is Elementary School Counseling?

Elementary school counseling describes a comprehensive, developmental and systematic program of services based on national standards offered to children in the school environment. Services are provided by a state-certified, professionally trained school counselor. Program services focus on improving developmental and situational concerns related to learning. (Myrick, 1997; Gladding, 2000; ASCA, 2005)

Hello! My name is Carly Devine, and I am thrilled to be entering my third year as the full-time counselor at Myrtle Avenue Elementary School! This is going to be a fun year filled with learning, growing, and lots of new adventures. I cannot wait to get to know you, your family, and most importantly your child!

First, I wanted to take a moment to tell you a few things about me. I am originally from Scranton, PA. I graduated from Duquesne University, where I obtained my Master’s in Counselor Education specializing in School Counseling. I spent four years as a School Counselor in Charles County, MD before returning to Pittsburgh and joining to KO family!

I consider myself to be so lucky to have the opportunity to pursue my passion, elementary school counseling. I am so excited to get the year started. My hope is that this school year will be full of fun and successful experiences for all students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you have about the counseling program or if there is anything I can do to assist you and your child!

Classroom Guidance Lessons:

Through out the course of the year, Ms. Devine conducts developmentally appropriate school counseling guidance lessons in the classroom. These lessons last for about 30 minutes and meet the American School Counselor Association's National Standards for student competency. Each month, a theme is chosen and a lesson is taught that corresponds with that theme. A counseling lesson may include an active learning activity, technology, arts and crafts, games and/or the use of visuals. **The guidance curriculum works to meet the academic, career, and personal/social needs of ALL students.**

Small Group Activities:

Small group activities may be utilized when identified students have a common need that maybe creating a barrier to learning and/or academic success. Small groups are made up of 2-6 students and take place at non-academic times during the school day (i.e. Lunch, recess, intervention time, etc). Possible small group activities may focus on social skills, learning to make and keep friends, grief and loss, divorce, organization, self-control, or self-esteem. **Students will be admitted into a small group only once a need is identified and parental permission is granted.**

Individual Services:

Day-to-day individual responsive services are available to meet the needs of your child. The school counseling office is a safe space for your child to come and talk freely and feel listened to. It is important to recognize that this is not therapy but a place within the school setting in which your child can talk in confidence about their personal struggles regarding behavior, classroom/academic pressures, problems at home, and/or struggles with friends. Students are told that "What you say in here, stays in here". There are three exceptions to this rule 1) If someone is hurting you, 2) You are hurting yourself, or 3) If you plan to hurt someone else. In one of those three cases, confidentiality will be broken in order to get your child the help they need. This understanding between your child and myself, helps to build trust and create a therapeutic relationship.

The ESAP team,which consists of teachers, counselors, specialists, and principals, comes together to discuss the problem that exists and suggests ways for the student and their families to deal with these problems. The team will create a plan that will enable students to be more successful in school. Any information that is discussed by the team will remain confidential.

Students are referred to the program by teachers, counselors, administrators, or parents. The program does not diagnose or treat students. The members have been trained by a state provider and certified by the state to make recommendations based upon the factual data collected in school. Throughout the process, parents will play a vital role in providing data as well as the implementation of plans to help the student reach his/her potential.