Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child miss class to speak with the counselor?

Not necessarily. Frequently, meetings take place at lunch/recess. However, if this is not possible, every effort is made to coordinate convenient times with the classroom teacher.

If my child visits with the counselor, should I be concerned that there is a problem?

The counseling program at GMES is designed to benefit ALL students. All students are given the opportunity to come visit with me. Parent/Guardian contact is one of my first actions when significant concerns arise at school. If you have any questions or concerns about your student's behavior, achievement, and/or school activities, please don't hesitate to contact the counselor or other school personnel. 

How can my child see the counselor?

Referrals to the school counselor come from a variety of sources, including:

  • Teacher
  • Principal
  • School nurse
  • Student Support Team
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
  • Students may set up a time to see me  by filling out a Purple Slip and sliding it under my door. Purple slips are outside my office, in the main office and in classrooms.

What types of counseling supports are delivered by a School Counselor?

*Individual Counseling: A process where students discuss issues in a safe, positive, and confidential setting . Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friends, stress, academics, social skills, bullying, getting along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making.

*Classroom Guidance/Classroom Counseling: The Rochester School District has adopted a Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for K-8 students called Second Step. This K-8 curriculum addresses personal, social, academic and emotional needs at the child's developmental level. Topics may include self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying,empathy, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure.

What programs does the school counselor at GMES support?

  • Development, implementation, and monitoring of behavior plans
  • PBIS Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
  • Education that is Multicultural
  • Schoolwide Developmental Classroom Counseling Program
  • Second Step, Bully-Prevention/Intervention Program
  • Social/Emotional Learning/Character Development 
  • Ride the Wave (5th grade stress management)
  • Child Protection Curriculum
  • Parent-partnerships: conferencing, resourcing
  • ESD113 Mental Health Referrals
  • Section 504 plans
  • McKinney Vento Program

What types of activities does the school counselor at GMES typically use?

  • Ice-Breaker Exercises
  • Art, Play and Literature
  • Conflict-Resolution
  • Video-clip discussion/analysis
  • Role Plays
  • Therapeutic Games
  • Active Listening Skill-Development
  • Classroom Counseling Programs and Games
  • Sand Tray Therapeutic Play