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.