Swiftwater Elementary Center Guidance Department
Jennifer Kasper grades K-1
Jade Flynn grades 2-3
Chris Lepore grades 4-5
Goals:
- To help students understand themselves and others.
- To help students build self-confidence and develop to his/her full potential.
- To help students recognize and make good use of their capabilities.
- To help identify students with special needs and ensure an appropriate educational program.
- To provide crisis intervention when necessary.
- To consult with parents, teachers and administrators.
- To encourage students to become lifelong learners.
How does a student see the counselor?
A student may be referred to a counselor by:
- A teacher
- A parent
- A friend
- An administrator
- Self Referral
Students are encouraged to stop in whenever they want to talk or are having a problem.
What does a counselor do?
For Students:
The Counselor works with the students both individually and in small groups. The counseling methods differ with each student, situation, and need.
For Teachers:
The Counselor consults with classroom teachers and shares information through observations and discussions to better understand the students and their behavior.
For Parents:
Conferencing with parents is an important part of the counselor’s job. The Counselor talks with parents regarding their children, scheduling meetings for special purposes, conducts pre-school orientations and provides parent specific programs. The Counselor also refers parents to outside programs when appropriate.
For School Staff:
All referrals including Speech, Gifted and testing for a learning disability are made through the counselor. The counselor meets with the multi-disciplinary team (includes psychologist, educational consultant and other school personnel) on a regular basis to discuss referrals.