Grassland Elementary School Counselors

 

Rose Mary Lawler (Grades K – 3)                            Sharon Russell (Grades 4 & 5)

rosemaryl@wcs.edu                                                                  sharonr1@wcs.edu

472 - 4481 extension 1823                                                         472 ­- 4481 extension 1854

Full-time                                                                                   Mornings only

 

School counselors are masters-level professionals who are specially trained in counseling theories and techniques. A common misconception is that we only work with students who are having problems at home or school. In truth, we are here to serve all students and meet a variety of student needs at our school. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help you, your child, or your family, or if you have any further questions about the role we play at school.

 

What do elementary school counselors do?

·        Teach “lifeskills” lessons to all students in the related arts rotation

·        Conduct small group counseling sessions on topics such as divorce, grief, self-esteem, etc.

·        Counsel children individually

·        Process GEIT referrals and coordinate the GEIT process

·        Consult with parents

·        Consult with teachers and administrators

·        Coordinate parenting workshops and resources

·        Coordinate TCAP testing

·        Provide information on community resources for families

 

What topics are taught in the school counseling curriculum?

·        Character education

o       August: Character

o       September: Respect

o       October: Responsibility

o       November: Perseverance

o       December: Caring

o       January: Courage

o       February: Citizenship

o       March: Trustworthiness

o       April: Cooperation

o       May: Fairness

·        Emotional awareness

·        Career awareness and career-school connection

·        Conflict resolution

·        Decision-making and problem-solving

·        Goal-setting

·        Social skills

·        Self-esteem

·        Individual differences

·        Study skills

·        Personal safety and drug education

 

What do we do in individual and small group counseling?

·        Help children cope with difficult and/or unchangeable life events

·        Help children recognize and make use of their potential

·        Give children the opportunity to share their feelings and concerns and connect with children having similar experiences

·        Develop problem-solving abilities

·        Teach coping, decision-making, anger management, or other needed skills

·        Build self esteem and confidence

 

When should I contact my child’s school counselor?

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have concerns regarding:

·        Initiating the GEIT  (General Education Intervention Team) process

·        Family changes, such as divorce, separation, moving, a death in the family

·        Home stress

·        Classroom behavior

·        Peer relations

·        Responsibility and accountability

·        Emotional well-being

 

 

Links to Tennessee School Counseling and Career Guidance Standards: Grades K – 2 and Grades 3 - 5.

For more information about school counseling, please visit the American School Counselor Association.