Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is a School Counselor?
2. What does the counselor do?
3. When is a group most helpful?
4. How do I refer my child for counseling?
5. When should I be concerned about my child's emotional health?

What is a School Counselor?

Your School Counselor is a professional with a Master's degree in counseling 
or social work.  He or she is trained to help families and children with 
various social, emotional and behavioral problems which are interfering with 
school functioning.

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What does the counselor do?

A school counselor sees children individually and in groups to help them 
develop coping skills and deal with feelings or difficult situations.  
Because the counselor is also concerned with the social/emotional climate of 
the whole school, he or she may teach lessons in the classroom on topics 
such as bullying, friendship or dealing with feelings.

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When is a group most helpful?

A group is indicated when the issue is social skills or when a number of 
children are dealing with a common situation, such as divorce, transiton to 
middle school or negotiating friendships.

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How do I refer my child for counseling?

You can call me at 594-3446, email me at sgarrett@chicopee.k12.ma.us, talk 
to your child's teacher or to the principal.

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When should I be concerned about my child's emotional health?

Children show their distress in different ways such as:
1. changes in appetite 
2. sleep disturbances 
3. lack of interest in usual activities
4. an increase in misbehavior
5. seeming distracted
6. anxiety or worry
7. excessive clinginess
8. new fears
9. refusing to go to school
10. rituals such as things needing to be lined up a certain way 
11. crying excessively
12. talking about hurting self or others 

These may be signs that your child should be evaluated by a 
professional.

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