Guidance
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Guidance Counselor for Library Street School and Dr. H.O. Smith School
Melanie Curren
mcurren@sau81.org
886-1248 (X1100) or 886-1255 (X1200)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Hudson School District Guidance Counseling program is to empower all students to become responsible and productive members of society through the delivery of a proactive and comprehensive program that promotes the academic, social-emotional and career development of all students. The School Counselors address the need for students to acquire decision-making, conflict resolution and life awareness skills through the delivery of developmental classroom curricula, needs-based individual and group counseling, and school-wide programs that emphasize character development. The School Counselors collaborate with all members of the school community to enhance student awareness of the value of life-long learning and foster the well-being of all students
Guidance Services
Zone A’s Guidance Department provides many services as part of a comprehensive Guidance program.
· Classroom Guidance (K - 5th)
· Small Group Counseling
- Friendship/Social Skills
- Impulse/Anger Management
- Self-Esteem
- Divorce/Changing Families
· Individual Counseling
· Conflict Resolution/Mediation
· Crisis Intervention and Support
· Consultation with Parents and Teachers
Classroom Guidance
Our classroom guidance curriculum provides all students with important learning experiences which are presented through classroom lessons. The program addresses student needs in areas such as personal and social development, understanding character and values, making good choices and working with others. Classroom guidance lessons are designed to be appropriate to each grade level. Our Counselor uses parent and teacher feedback to plan and update the classroom guidance curriculum.The current topics being addressed during classroom guidance lessons include:
· Kindergarten: Feelings and new surroundings
· Grade 1: Feelings, Friendships and First Grade Behaviors
· Grade 2: Families, Diversity and Responsibility
· Grade 3: Self-Control Strategies for Success at School
· Grade 4: Learning Styles and Study Skills
· Grade 5: Growing Up and Decision Making
Small Group Counseling
In small groups counseling, the Guidance Counselor works with two or more students together. Group size generally ranges from four to six members. Group counseling meetings may be based on structured learning activities or may be flexible depending on the needs of the group. Group members have the opportunity to learn from each other. They can share ideas, give and receive feedback, increase their awareness, gain new knowledge, practice skills and think about their goals and actions.
Group counseling may be problem-centered, where attention is given to particular concerns or problems. Counseling may also be growth-centered, where general topics are addressed related to personal and academic development. Areas addressed in group counseling may include social skills development, family issues, anger management, or academic and behavioral concerns.
Individual Support
Guidance Counselors provide support for students through individual interactions in which they work together on a problem or a topic of interest. Individual counseling meetings offer students a safe environment in which to freely explore ideas, feelings, and behaviors. Counselors build trusting relationships with students and always consider their actions in terms of the rights, integrity, and welfare of students and families.
Individual counseling generally addresses the specific concerns of targeted students with identified needs. Students can be referred to the Guidance Department by parents/guardian, teacher, administrator or staff member. Counselors use individual counseling sessions to evaluate student needs and create plans for support. When appropriate, the Guidance Counselors may recommend that students receive additional support from school staff and/or outside resources.
Consultation
The primary focus of consultation is to help parents, teachers, and administration to be more effective in working with each other on the behalf of students. This team approach is a key factor in supporting and advocating for our students. During consultation, the Guidance Counselor works with teachers or parents to identify problems and concerns, develop strategies to address student needs, and create systems to provide academic, emotional and/or behavioral supports for students. Consultation may take place in individual or group conferences, through staff development activities, or parent education classes.
Individual/Building - Planning and Support
Teacher Assistance Team (TAT)
Guidance Counselors serve as members of the Teachers Assistance Team (TAT), which meets to develop individualized intervention plans for students in need of academic, emotional, or behavioral support. Guidance Counselor also work as members of the Special Education Team to provide consultation services regarding students who are being referred for evaluation or who have been identified as educationally disabled.
Section 504 – Americans’ with Disabilities Act
Students who have a handicapping condition or medical disability which substantially limits their access to education may be eligible for a Section 504 Plan under the Americans with Disability Act. The Guidance Counselor serves as the Section 504 Plan Coordinator and chairs the Section 504 Team, which is responsible to identify students in need of a 504 Plan and design appropriate environmental and academic adjustments.
Placement Team
The Guidance Counselor also works with members of the Placement Team to determine appropriate grade level and classroom placements for all students.
Coordination of Standardized Testing
The Guidance Counselor coordinates school-wide standardized testing, including the NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program) for third, fourth and fifth grade and the NAEP (National Assessment of Education Progress) for fourth grade. Test coordination includes ordering and inventorying test materials, determining necessary accommodations and staffing, maintaining test security, and assisting with test administration.
Guidance Goals
Our comprehensive guidance program works to help students learn important life skills such as:
· An awareness of self and others
· Responsibility at school and home
· Recognizing and managing feelings appropriately
· Tools for healthy friendships
· Cooperation at work and play
· Welcoming uniqueness and diversity
· Dealing with conflict, peer pressure and bullying
· Early understanding of careers
· How to make healthy decisions
WHY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELORS?
“Elementary school years set the tone for developing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for our children to become healthy, productive adults. With a comprehensive developmental counseling program, counselors work as a team with school, parents and community to create a caring atmosphere whereby children’s needs are met through prevention, early identification and intervention.”
American School Counselors Association
In other words …
There is clear connection between comprehensive guidance programs and school success. With a comprehensive guidance program, all students have the opportunity to learn how important they are and to learn the skills that will help them make the most of their education.
