The Liberty Benton Elementary Guidance program consists of three primary components: classroom guidance, small groups and individual counseling. In addition to these services, I am available for consultation with parents and teachers in order to identify the best way to meet a student’s unique needs.
The classroom guidance program consists of Second Step, a research based program that teaches empathy, impulse control, social problem solving and anger management. I visit Preschool, Kindergarten and First grades once a week for a twenty minute session. My Second grade visits are twice monthly and grades 3-5 are once a month. My presence in the classroom provides an opportunity to service the entire student body at LB Elementary. My primary purpose is to impart helpful skills for our students. The added benefit is that I get to know students and build important rapport with them.
Small guidance groups are offered to help students with specific needs. The groups are designed to help students with stress and anger, friendship skills, family changes and study skills. Students are referred by themselves, by parents, and by teachers.
Individual counseling is also available. Students can refer themselves through teachers, parents or notes to me through my mailbox in the library. Problems are handled during the school day and parents will be called if the problem is of a serious nature. It is important to know that a school counselor is not a therapist. Elementary school counselors have referral lists of area counselors who specialize in working with children for more complicated problems. Many times the counselor is able to send parents resource information or confer with them to solve student problems. Parents are always encouraged to call if they have questions about situation that are addressed.
