Ebb Valley Elementary School

Counselor’s Corner

Welcome to the School Counseling webpage! My name is Lisa Spera, the School Counselor at Ebb Valley Elementary School. This page provides you with information about the School Counseling program, upcoming counseling-related activities and events, and counseling topics and resources.

The Mission Statement

The mission of the School Counseling Program is to facilitate the academic and personal growth of all students. Counselors, as integral members of the educational team, support students in making positive life choices and becoming responsible and caring adults.

Student-generated mission statement:

"Our mission at Ebb Valley is to safely and respectfully work together, doing our very best each day."

 What is the School Counselor?

A certified, trained, and caring professional who works with all students, parents, teachers, staff and the community, in order for each student to achieve academic and social success. School Counseling services are delivered in four specific ways:

• School Guidance Curriculum- designing ,structuring, and delivering classroom lessons designed to achieve specific competencies in all grades PK-5 (personal/social, academic, career)and driven by the needs of the school population

• Individual Student Planning- assisting students with goal formation/planning (behavioral, academic, etc.)

• Responsive Services- meeting immediate student needs (counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, referral, peer mediation, information-providing)

• System Support- schoolwide program planning and implementation (PBIS, Instructional Leadership Teaming, etc.), consulting with other professionals, coordination of various supports for students and families

What are the 3 “C’s” of Counseling?

1. Consultation and Collaboration – The School Counselor consults and collaborates with teachers and school staff, specialists, and outside resources in order to support students. The counselor regularly meets and talks with parents. If you have any concerns about your child, please feel free to contact the School Counselor. The counselor can refer families to outside resources.

2. Coordination – The School Counselor works with teachers, staff, and parents to assess student need in order to create and implement the most effective service program. The program is evaluated for success throughout the school year.

3. Counseling – The School Counselor directly provides counseling services to students in the following capacities:

Individual Counseling A process where students discuss issues in a safe, positive, and confidential setting (for a limited time, ongoing therapy is not available at school). Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friends, stress, academics, social skills, academics, bullying, getting along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Small Group Counseling A process where students, sharing similar issues and concerns, work together in a small group environment consisting of about 5-8 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, and stress-management.

Classroom Guidance/Classroom Counseling A process that includes teaching developmental skills using age-appropriate, classroom-based lessons. Topics may include self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying, feelings, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure. 

Programs Coordinated by the Counselor

• Assist in implementing new behavior plans/assist in monitoring existing plans
• PBIS Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
• Education that is Multicultural
• AAA Safety Patrol Program
• Schoolwide Developmental Classroom Counseling Program
• Take a Stand, Lend a Hand, Bully-Prevention/Intervention Program
• Social/Emotional Character Development 
   

Resources Used to Assist Students 

• Ice-Breaker Exercises

• Art Therapeutic Experiences

• Play Therapeutic Experiences 

• Bibliotherapeutic Experiences (relevant books)

• Letter writing

• Videos

• Role Plays

• Therapeutic Games

• Puppets and dolls

• Classroom Counseling Programs and Games