INDIVIDUAL
COUNSELING: Working with students on an individual basis is always
top priority for elementary counselors. At this age, many student
concerns are normal, developmental issues for the child. Listening
to the child and helping him/her work through the problem is a positive
approach for dealing with the issue. Parental, teacher, or student
requests for seeing an individual student should be made directly
to the child's counselor. YOUTH
SUPPORT GROUPS: Many childhood concerns can be dealt with effectively
in small group counseling programs. Children who share similar situations
or face difficult issues can often benefit from participation in a
peer support group. Support groups are offered according to the need
and the number of requests for a particular support group. The age
and grade level of the student is considered when a group is being
formed. Generally, children in kindergarten and first grade are more
successful in dealing with issues in an individual counseling session
or in a very small group (2 to 3 students). Students in the upper grades
benefit the greatest in peer support groups.
Parents are encouraged to contact the counselor for more information
about any of the support groups listed below. The following types of
support groups are offered throughout the school year:
CHANGING FAMILIES - To help students deal with family situations
such as separation, divorce, and step-families
FRIENDSHIP - To help students recognize the meaning of friendship and develop
new skills in making friends
NEWCOMERS - To introduce new students to Schuylkill Valley and encourage new
friendships
BEREAVEMENT - To help students work through their grief in the loss of a loved
one
BEHAVIOR/ANGER MANAGEMENT - To help students develop more appropriate ways
of behaving and expressing their feelings
YOUTH SUPPORT - To teach healthy ways of coping with stress, to develop decision-making
skills and increase self-esteem
DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDANCE ACTIVITIES: Planned, sequential, and developmentally
appropriate guidance activities are presented to all students in
kindergarten through fifth grade. The classroom activities focus
on personal, social, educational and career development goals. School-wide
initiatives such as Panther Pride monthly themes are incorporated
into the activities. A variety of resources are used in all grade
levels to attain the objectives set forth in the developmental curriculum.
Special projects, field trips or resource speakers are often included
in the activities.
CAREER GUIDANCE: In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of
Education Standards for Career Education and Work 2001, the counselors
have incorporated career awareness and planning into the elementary
guidance curriculum. These standards are achieved with a variety
of developmentally appropriate activities throughout the school year.
An annual spring Career Day for third, fourth, and fifth graders
gives the students an opportunity to learn more about the world of
work from speakers representing a wide range of careers. Students
in kindergarten, first, and second grades also learn about community
and school workers in a more simple career day format.
CHILD STUDY/INSTRUCTIONAL
SUPPORT: The counselors receive referrals
from teachers and parents for students regarding academic concerns,
behavior-related issues, social/emotional concerns, or requests for
enrichment screening.
EDUCATIONAL
SCREENING: To insure that all students are successful
in the classroom, the counselors are available for parental and teacher
consultation in regards to the student's academic progress. Individual
cognitive (ability) and achievement testing is available upon request.
Developmental, diagnostic, and fine-motor screening is also available.
The information obtained from the testing is shared with the parents
and recommendations are made. Upon parental permission, test information
may be shared with the Child Study Team to insure the child's success
in school.
PEER
MEDIATION: Schuylkill Valley Elementary has a school-based peer
mediation program in place in grades 4 and 5. Students who wish to
become peer mediators receive intensive training in listening skills,
problem-solving skills, and decision-making skills in order to help
resolve specific issues or conflicts among their peers. Our peer mediators
encourage their classmates to brainstorm creative, non-violent ways
to resolve conflict. The entire SV Elementary community benefits from
peer mediation by demonstrating that conflicts and difficult situations
can be addressed in positive, peaceful, and respectful ways.
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