Counselor+Services


 * About my professional role...**
 * __Guidance Instruction__ - I teach lessons in every K-2 classroom each month. In grades 3-5, the schedule is roughly the same, but we work around the months of March & April to accommodate the state testing schedule. Lessons focus on social-emotional skills (using the Second Step curriculum) and prevention of bullying & harrassment behaviors. This year marks the fourth year that Highland Park will be a "No Place for Hate" school, in coordination with the Anti-Defamation League. Students will sign a 'resolution of respect' and participate in three schoolwide activities that emphasize the importance of standing up for each other against all forms of prejudice and/or discrimination.


 * __Individual Academic Planning__- All 5th graders are required to complete an "Individual Academic Career Plan" with the counselor during the months of Dec/Jan. We use the monthly counselor lesson time to get this done in the fifth grade classes. This plan prepares them for the process of course selection in middle and high school and helps them get an idea of the strengths/interests that might guide their future college and/or career choices. In addition, I regularly consult with all K-5 teachers and parents about individual student learning needs as they arise. Please feel free to call anytime!


 * __Responsive Services__ - My job is to deliver short-term support, either individually or in small groups, so that your child can benefit from direct classroom instruction here at Highland Park. If more intensive or long-term support is desired, I can refer your family to outside resources. I offer small group instruction in four areas: Social Skills, Study Skills, Grief/Change, Anger/Anxiety. Groups are informal and based in play. Usually, we check-in on a 0-10 feeling scale, play in a group activity or game, then close with another check-in. All groups take place during lunch, once a week, for a period of 6-8 weeks. Students are selected based on parent or teacher referrals, and a parent permission form is required to attend. The school year allows for two or three different sessions- one starting in Sep, one in January, and if time/need allows: one in March. I will inform you directly if your child is selected to participate in a group. Please know that if a crisis or unexpected event happens at school, I am not required to obtain parent permission to offer support to your child. I will try to contact you directly as soon as I can, if this happens. Sometimes, students ask to meet with me on a one-time basis for help solving a problem with a friend or talking about their feelings. In keeping with my ethical standards, I honor these meetings as confidential. However, most students allow me to maintain open communication with their parents and I will let you know if I get the chance to meet with your child.


 * __System Support__- I serve as the Campus Testing Coordinator (Benchmark, STAAR & NAEP tests), Mentor/Tutor Coordinator, and Social Emotional Learning Committee Chair. One of my favorite 'extra duties" is walking the Kindergarten bus riders to their buses each afternoon. It's a great way to get to know students in their early HP years! Also, I work closely with our PTA to organize Parent Education opportunities throughout the year. I'm very excited to offer my expertise as an independent facilitator of the Parenting with Love & Logic series, and help with "Scottie Dads" - a group of men who volunteer to be an extra set of eyes and ears during less structured times of the school day.