WHAT CAN THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR HELP WITH?
Although not an exhaustive list, Elementary School Counselors can help your child with any of the following: Healthy communication, conflict resolution, building strong character, decision making, managing emotions, social skills, changing negative thought patterns, goal setting, grief and loss, improving relationships with family, teachers and peers, handling peer pressure, building self-esteem and a positive identity, academic success, career and college exploration, and planning for the future. All teaching is done through classroom presentations, small groups, and individual work as needed. In addition, counselors can help link families with needed resources within the community such as medical, dental, eye glasses, and clothing and shoes.
I WOULD LIKE MY CHILD TO MEET WITH THE COUNSELOR. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you feel your child would benefit from counseling services, contact your child's teacher, administrator, or counselor directly. Share your concerns with them and as a team you will identify the best services for your child. If counseling services are determined to be appropriate, you will need to sign a permission to counsel form. This can be obtained from the teacher, administrator, or counselor, as well as from the links below.
http://slcschools.org/departments/student-services/documents/ferpa_permiss-english.pdf
http://slcschools.org/departments/student-services/documents/ferpa_permiss-spanish.pdf
WILL THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR CALL ME IF THERE ARE CONCERNS?
The school counselor will call or meet with you if there are concerns regarding any of the following: Suicidal thoughts or feelings, self harm or reports of harming/wanting to harm others or self, bullying, reports of any kind of abuse, or any other harmful or illegal activity. You may also contact the counselor with any concerns or questions regarding what they are working on with your child, or areas of concern you would like them to address with your child.
The school counselor will call or meet with you if there are concerns regarding any of the following: Suicidal thoughts or feelings, self harm or reports of harming/wanting to harm others or self, bullying, reports of any kind of abuse, or any other harmful or illegal activity. You may also contact the counselor with any concerns or questions regarding what they are working on with your child, or areas of concern you would like them to address with your child.