Meet Kenneth Culbert Elementary’s School Counselor
I am Mrs. Jeananne Bresnan and am excited to work with all of the students at Kenneth Culbert ES this year!
Classroom Guidance
The purpose of the school counseling program is to help all students succeed both academically and socially.
Classroom guidance lessons are presented at each grade level, every other week, and cover a variety of areas
outlined by Virginia’s Board of Education. The lessons will be planned to benefit the entire class and address
developmental issues common to all elementary students. Lessons will fall under the categories of Academic
Development, Career Development and/or Personal/Social Development. Topics included will be bullying,
getting along well with others, decision making skills, strong feeling management, accepting responsibility,
developing study skills and career exploration. Improving capacity for calm focus and self-control are themes
that will be addressed throughout the year. Please look in the newsletter each month to see what your student’s
grade level is involved with!
Additional Counseling Services
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Individual Counseling – If your child is experiencing any issues of concern or special obstacles, please let
me know and I will work with your child on an individual basis.
Consultation with parents and teachers is offered to discuss any problem a child may have that interferes
with their academic or social development. Parents may call the school to reach me and we can either talk
on the phone or set up a time to meet in person.
Parent Resource Library – The counseling department offers a number of different materials and
resources available for parents. These resources cover a wide range of different topics and situations that
your family or child may be experiencing. Such topics include how to talk to your child about the death of a
loved one, getting through a family divorce or separation, etc. Materials may be checked out through my
office.
Small Group Enrichment
In addition to classroom guidance lessons, small group enrichment sessions are offered throughout the year.
Most of these groups will be held once a week, for thirty minutes, during lunch times and will last about four to
seven weeks. The groups are designed for children who are experiencing stressors that may hinder their
academic or social growth. Parent permission is needed to participate.
Participants for small group sessions will be selected primarily through teacher referrals. If you feel that
your child could benefit from a particular group please contact me. A list of small group topics and descriptions
is attached. Groups will be held throughout the school year. A letter will be sent home prior to each group
stating the start date and the day of the week it will be held and requesting parental permission if this was a
teacher referral.
(Over please)
DESCRIPTION OF SUPPORT GROUP TOPICS
Students for groups 1-3 are selected through PARENT REFERRALS. If you would like your child to
participate in one of these groups, please complete the form below and return it to school.
1) Changing Families – This group is for children who are coping with parental separation, divorce, remarriage
and/or blended families. The group activities will emphasize feelings, understanding different aspects of
divorce/separation, and coping skills.
2) Grief/Loss: This group is for students who have recently lost a loved one and need help adjusting to their
loss. The group discussions will focus on sharing feelings, understanding the grieving process, and
developing coping strategies.
3) Anger management–The purpose of this group is to help students handle their anger in a more peaceful and
positive manner. Problem solving may also be a topic.
Students for groups 4-7 are primarily selected through TEACHER REFERRALS. Please contact me at
(540)751-2540 if you feel that your child could benefit from one of these groups.
4) Self -control– This group is designed to help young children (grades 1-3) learn about appropriate and
inappropriate behaviors. They will learn effective strategies and ideas to better control their behavior.
5) Self- esteem/self- confidence –In this group, children will focus on self-esteem issues including
assertiveness and will also learn to appreciate themselves.
6) Friendship –A group designed to help children make and keep friends, learn appropriate social skills, and
cope with common friendship problems.
7) Stress/handling strong feelings –This group deals with learning ways to relax, and identifying stressors and
supports. Assertiveness and/or problem solving strategies may also be covered in this group when appropriate.
Please remember groups are offered at different times throughout the school year. A notice will be sent home to notify parents
that a group will be starting prior to the first meeting.
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Yes, I would like my child to participate in a group for:
______Parental Separation/Divorce
______Grief and Loss
______Anger management
Child’s Name: __________________________________________________
Teacher’s Name: ________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: ______________________________________________
Grade: ______________
Date: ______________
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
***Please return to Mrs. Jeananne Bresnan***
(Over please)