How Do School Counselors Help?

Academic Support

  • Teacher Consultation
  • Parent/Teacher Liaison
  • Review of Records for Academic and Social/Emotional/Behavioral Support
  • Member of Child Study Team (CST) Meetings for  Academically At-Risk Students
  • Team Member for Special Education Meetings
  • Referral Assistance for Community Supports
  • Outside Agency Liaison
  • Develop Action Plans
  • Observations and Time-on-Task Assessments
  • PSSA Small Group Proctoring

Individual Counseling

Each year the students at Conestoga and Martic have the opportunity to take part in individual counseling based on parent, teacher, or self-referral needs.  Referrals can be made any time throughout the school year.

Although the list is often endless, students may come to see me for an individual appointment due to:

  • Friendship problems
  • New situations
  • Difficult decisions
  • Academic concerns
  • Family issues
  • Death or serious illness

Most students will see me for 2-3 times in order to address any concerns they may be having, although some students may need to see me for a longer duration.  If I feel that students need support beyond the scope of typical school counseling services, I will be in touch with parents to discuss outside therapy possibilities.

Group Counseling

Each year the students at Conestoga and Martic have the opportunity to take part in counseling groups based on parent, teacher, or self-referral needs.

Although the focus of each group may vary, topics usually include:

  • Meeting, making, and keeping friends
  • Learning more about family changes
  • Developing self-esteem
  • Learning to keep “cool” with stress management skills
  • Discovering ways to handle angry feelings
  • Succeeding in school
  • Working and learning with others.

Parents, students, and/or teachers may refer a child to group counseling at any time throughout the school year.

Classroom Guidance Lessons

The elementary counselors teach a variety of prosocial lessons in all grade levels throughout the school year.  Below are some of the many topics that will be covered:

Kindergarten: Getting to Know Your School Counselor and Feelings Identification

1st Grade: Prosocial Friendship Skills

2nd Grade: Prosocial Friendship Skills (continued) and Personal Safety

3rd Grade: Bullying Prevention

4th Grade: Bullying Prevention (continued) and Personal Safety

5th Grade: Career Exploration/Portfolio Development

6th Grade: Sexual Harassment Prevention and Cyber-Safety

All Grades: Kids at Work Day