MISSION
The mission of the School Counseling Program at Otis A. Mason Elementary School is to help every student strive towards their personal best! By maintaining a comprehensive school counseling program, we will maximize every students social/emotional development, academic achievement, and career development potential. the goal is for students to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners. We will focus our efforts through partnerships with parents/guardians, staff, and community members. Our program will enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a world full of diversity and change.
Comprehensive School Counseling Program
“A comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of the school’s mission. Comprehensive school counseling programs, driven by student data and based on the ASCA National Model: • ensure equitable access to a rigorous education for all students • identify the knowledge and skills all students will acquire as a result of the K–12 comprehensive school counseling program • are delivered to all students in a systematic fashion • are based on data-driven decision making • are provided by a state-credentialed school counselor” -American School Counselor Association 2017
Purpose of School Counseling
- To provide a safe place to express and validate feelings
- To help students with problem solving and building coping skills
- Assist in increasing self-esteem
- To support parents and school staff in working with students
- To teach communication skills and promote communication between students, parents and school
School Wide & Classroom Lessons
Throughout the year students receive education around the 6 Pillars of Character:
- Trustworthiness
- Responsibility
- Respect
- Fairness
- Citizenship
- Caring
In addition, students receive lessons focusing on Social Emotional Learning Topics such as:
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision Making
Other Possible topics covered (but not limited to) may include the following:
- Understanding our school community
- Academic and Personal Success
- What’s in our control
- Friendship and communication skills
- Anger Management and Conflict Resolution
- Career Exploration
- Safer Smarter Kids (State required safety program)
Individual Assistance
The School Counselor’s goal is to build relationships with all students so they feel comfortable trusting and leaning on them in their time of need. The School Counselor offers assistance to students with social/emotional needs, educational needs, and career development.
Students can be referred to the school counselor by classroom teachers, other staff, parents, or self-referrals.
The School Counselor is not a licensed mental health counselor or licensed clinical social worker. Services provided by the school counselor are typically short-term and solution-focused. If more intensive, long-term counseling is warranted, a school counselor may be a resource in helping identify those needs.
Small Groups
Being part of a small group enables students a safe environment to express themselves and learn skills that will help them be more successful students and citizens. Small groups can offer students a place to feel a sense of community and build stronger friendships.
Groups are typically 20-30 minutes and during lunch or resource time to avoid disruption to the educational process. Students must have parent permission to participate. Confidentiality is expected from all group members.
Collaboration with Parents/Staff
An important part of helping students grow to their fullest potential is the partnership established between all adults with the same goal in mind for each individual. Collaboration between those adults, as well as the student, is in the best interest of the child.
Testing
- FSA Testing Coordinator
- ACCESS for ELLs Testing Coordinator and Administrator
- CogAT (screening instrument used to identify gifted students)
- IPT – English Language Learners screening instrument
MTSS Team Member
The MTSS Team identifies students who are struggling with grade level academic instruction and/or behaviors. Together the team identifies and facilitates interventions to help students meet grade level expectations and behavioral expectations.