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