What does a school counselor do?
School counselors are licensed educators who improve student success for all students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors offer a number of services including:
Individual counseling
School counselors provide short-term counseling working with students who may
be experiencing emotional challenges or are facing changes at home or school.
School counselors also help students with academic planning and goal setting.
Students may ask to speak with the counselor by filling out a form located in their
classroom and outside of the counseling office. Teachers and parents may also
refer students to work with the counselor.
Small group counseling
School counselors work with students experiencing similar concerns in a small
group setting. Group counseling usually lasts between 8-10 weeks and can
focus on topics such as friendship, social skills, study skills, and family changes.
Parents/guardians will be informed before their student participates in small
group counseling.
Mental health care referrals
School counselors make referrals to outside counseling agencies when students
may benefit from counseling support on an ongoing basis.
Classroom lessons
The Waynesboro elementary school counselors utilize the Second Step curriculum
in classroom guidance lessons. This curriculum focuses on three content areas:
Social-emotional learning, bullying prevention, and child protection. For more
information on the Second Step curriculum and to learn how to create a parent
account, contact Ms. Mills.
Parent and teacher consultation
School counselors meet with parents and teachers to discuss student concerns
and develop a plan to best support the student at home and at school.
Meetings may be scheduled by phone or email.