Classroom Guidance
Regular classroom instruction is provided to
students by school counselors and is reinforced
by teachers. Guidance lessons are in the
academic, career and personal/social areas.
The School Environment
 To become familiar with facilities and
procedures
 To learn more about the school
counseling program and the role of the
school counselor
Self and Others
 To understand characteristics, abilities
and interests
 To
recognize
and
respect
the
feelings,
needs, and uniqueness of others
Attitudes and Behaviors
 To understand how feelings and
behaviors are related to consequences
 To learn how behavior can be changed
Decision-making and Problem Solving
 To understand the decision-making and
problem-solving process
 To know when and how to ask for help
Individual Planning
Interpersonal Skills
 To learn appropriate social skills
 To learn how to appropriately
express feelings
 To learn conflict resolution skills
 To learn how to cooperate within a
group
School Success Skills
 To develop a positive attitude about
school and learning
 To learn how to set goals and
priorities
 To be academically successful
Career Awareness
 To understand and value the world
of work
 To understand the correlation
between interests, abilities, and
occupations
Parent Consultation
The school counselor is available to all parents
of our students. Some of the areas in which we
may work together are: new student
orientation, home/school relations, self-esteem
building, parenting issues, dealing with crisis,
referrals to community agencies, and helping
students achieve success academically,
personally, and socially.
Teacher Consultation
In addition to providing direct classroom
instruction, the school counselor assists and
consults with teachers in areas such as:
facilitating the Teacher Support Team (TST),
guidance related activities, group dynamics,
behavior managements, conflict resolution,
crisis intervention, special school wide activities,
and special committees.
Community Involvement
 To appreciate one’s home, school
and community and to be a positive
contributing member of one’s
environment
System Support
Students who need or desire more work in developmental guidance, or other issues, may participate
in individual or group counseling sessions with the school counselor.
Some of the common groups include: Building Self Esteem Improving Peer Relations, Improving
Communication Skills, Making Better Choices, Coping with Change, Dealing with Stress, Coping with
Separation and Divorce, Coping with Crisis, and Anger Management.
Responsive Services
Dear Families,
I hope this brochure is helpful to you
in understanding the Strafford
Elementary Counseling Program. I
feel privileged to have to opportunity
to work with you and your student.
It is my desire to help your child
reach their full potential at school
and home. If I can be of service to
your family, please contact me.
Mrs. Christy Willis
Elementary Counselor
christyw@straffordschools.net
736-7000 ext. 1237
Children should be
seen, heard, and
believed!
Why Elementary School
Counselors?
“Elementary school years set the tone for
developing the knowledge, attitudes and
skill necessary for children to become
healthy, competent and confident learners.
Through a comprehensive developmental
school counseling program, school
counselors work as a team with the school
staff, parents and the community to create
a caring climate and atmosphere. By
providing education, prevention, early
identification and intervention, school
counselors can help all children achieve
academic success. The professional
elementary school counselor holds a
master’s degree and required state
certification in school counseling.
Maintaining certification includes on-going
professional development to stay current
with education reform and challenges
facing today’s students. Professional
association membership enhances the
school counselor’s knowledge and
effectiveness.”
-ASCA American School Counselor Association
http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?conte
ntid=230
Strafford
Elementary
Counseling Program