General Counseling Statement
The purpose of counseling in the school setting is to help 
students maximize their potential.  The school counselor works 
with students, parents, administrators, and community 
resources to achieve this goal.  Counseling can help when 
children have difficulties or disruptions in their lives. (e.g. new 
school, making friends, illness, death, divorce).  

Both individual and small group counseling are short-term, 
voluntary, and confidental.  Parent permission is required for 
extended counseling.  Outside counseling will be recommended 
when necessary.
    
As the guidance counselor at Dallas Elementary School I 
maintain an "open door policy" at all times for the students and 
their parents.  I encourage the students to stop by whenever they 
have a question or a concern whether it is social-emotional need 
or an academic.  At the beginning of the school year, I meet with 
each classroom to orient myself and the purpose of the 
counselor at the school.  This provides the students the 
"comfort" of interactions with me.   

Small-group Counseling
Each year I plan a variety of small group interactions with various 
grade levels.  This school year, I implemented an Odd Girl Out 
Group for all fifth grade girls.  This group was based on the book 
written by Rachel Simmons on how girls bully each other 
throughout their teenage years.