School Counseling

Yearlong Classroom Counseling topics are based on the VBCPS Graduate Profile. Monthly Lesson topics will include:

• September – Meet the Counselor/Zones of Regulation
• October – Bully Prevention/Relationship Skills
• November – Diversity/Social Awareness
• December – Conflict Resolution/Relationship Skills
• January – Kindness/Relationship Skills
• February – Growth Mindset/Self-Awareness
• March – Problem Solving
• April – Careers/Self-Awareness
• May – Self-esteem/Self-Awareness

We are here to help you and your students! Here are some ways we can offer support:

• Individual Counseling: By teacher, parent or student self-referral, we work with students on concerns impeding the learning process.
• Small Group Counseling: Also by referral, small groups and "lunch bunches" offer peer support and build social and emotional skills
• Classroom Life Skills Lessons: Monthly lessons address academic, career, and social/emotional domains. Topics are informed by schoolwide PBIS data and the VBCPS Graduate Profile.
• Consultation: We work with teachers and parents to understand and meet each individual students' needs.
• Coordination: We offer assistance in making use of community resources and referrals to outside agencies.
• Advocacy: We strive to support the rights of each individual child.
• Parent/Teacher Development: We offer presentations on topics of common interest or concern by request.
• Crisis Management: We offer support during times of trauma affecting individual students or the entire school community.

• Provide an appropriate study environment at home
• Establish fair and reasonable expectations
• Take time to listen to your child
• Maintain communication with teachers, counselors, and other school personnel
• Participate in school activities
• Help your child establish realistic career and educational goals
• Celebrate your child’s successes and recognize that mistakes or failures can be turned into positive learning experiences

Students may be referred to the counselor by parents, teachers, administrators, or they may also self-refer.