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, if there is a
need. Parent/Gaurdian 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 personel.
How can my child see the counselor?
Referrals to the school counselor come from a variety of sources, including:
- Teacher
- Principal
- School nurse
- Child Assist Team (CAT)
- Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
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 (for a limited time, ongoing therapy
is not available at school). Topics are based on the needs of the
students and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure,
friends, stress, academics, social skills, academics, bullying, getting
along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making.
*Small
Group Counseling: A process where students, sharing similar issues and
concerns, work together in a small group environment consisting of about
5-8 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are
held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the
students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss,
friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger
management, self-esteem, and stress-management.
*Classroom
Guidance/Classroom Counseling: A process that requires the School
Counselor to develop and implement K-5 classroom curriculum. This K-5
curriculum addresses personal, social, academic, and career-related
needs at the child's developmental level. Topics may include
self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career
awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills,
responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying, feelings, 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
- Steps to Respect, Bully-Prevention/Intervention Program
- Social/Emotional Learning/Character Development
- Parent-partnerships: conferencing, resourcing
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