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

1. What does an Elementary School Guidance Counselor Do?
2. What kinds of issues does a School Guidance Counselor deal with?
3. What kinds of issues DOESN'T a School Guidance Counselor deal with?
4. What is a 504 Service Agreement?
5. What should I do if I believe that my child may be gifted?

What does an Elementary School Guidance Counselor Do?

1. I teach guidance lessons in grades K - 5. I have a guidance 
curriculum approved by the Pennridge School District that 
includes lessons on the following: appropriate expression of 
feelings, social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, and 
career preparation.
2. I consult with administration, teachers and parents/guardians 
regarding children who may be having emotional and/or behavioral 
difficulties.
3. I meet with students individually and in small groups to work 
on various issues relating to friendship, divorce, anger 
management, loss, adjusting to a new school, etc. When student's 
issues require more focused and in depth intervention that can be 
provided by specialists, a recommendation is made for the parent 
to pursue support provided by an outside agency or therapist. 
4. I contact community agencies and coordinate programs for the 
students. This includes NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance) who 
provides programs relating to bullying and internet safety.
5. I'm the advisor for the school's Student Council and work in 
   collaboration with parent volunteers.
6. I plan school-wide activities like Red Ribbon Week and Career 
Day.
7. I'm the school testing coordinator for all state standardized 
assessments provided to students in grades 3-5. 
8. I coordinate meetings and manage the cases of those students 
with 504 Service Agreements and Informal Behavior Plans. See 
FAQ's for more details about 504 Service Agreements.
9. I screen students who are referred for the Gifted Support 
program. See FAQ's for more details.

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What kinds of issues does a School Guidance Counselor deal with?

There are many ways in which a school guidance counselor provides 
assistance to members of the school community. The issues 
involving students relate to the following: conflict resolution, 
social skills (how to make and maintain friendships), appropriate 
expression of feelings, death, divorce and family conflict, 
behavioral problems, study skills, and bullying. This list 
evolves depending on the needs expressed by the parent or 
students. If you have a question or concern regarding a 
particular issue, feel free to call me and I will do my best to 
assist you.

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What kinds of issues DOESN'T a School Guidance Counselor deal with?

If a child demonstrates behavior that warrants the intervention 
of a medical, social, or mental health professional, I will make 
a recommendation that the parents seek a professional in the 
community. Please know that I am not certified to diagnose a 
child regarding any type of disability or 
disorder.

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What is a 504 Service Agreement?

A student may qualify for a 504 Service Agreement if he/she does 
not have an Individualized Educational Program (IEP), and has a 
diagnosis that impedes his/her learning. The IDEA (Individuals 
with Disabilities Education Act)provides equal access to 
education by providing eligible students(students 
who have certain types of disabilities and need special 
education) with specially designed instruction. It is for these 
students that an IEP (Individualized Educational Program)is 
developed. Section 504, on the other hand, protects all 
handicapped students, defined as those having any 
physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or 
more major life activities (including learning). Examples of 
students covered under Section 504, but not covered by the IDEA, 
are students who have diabetes, juvenile arthritis, and attention 
deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 
If the school believes that a student needs specialaccommodations 
in order toparticipate in the school program, a team will meet to 
develop a "504 Service Agreement. The team includes the 
principal, parents, classroom teacher(s),guidance counselor, and 
instructional support teacher. Any questions aboutthis process 
can be directed to Mrs. Kunakorn.

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What should I do if I believe that my child may be gifted?

Both teachers and parents may refer a student to be screened for 
the gifted program. If you believe that your child may be gifted, 
I recommend that you first talk to your child's teacher about how 
he/she is performing in the classroom. After speaking with the 
teacher, you can make a request to the Guidance Counselor for 
a "Gifted Screening". The Gifted Screening involves a Non-Verbal 
Ability Test, parent/teacher checklists, and review of student 
report cards and standardized testing scores. After collecting 
this data, a recommendation will be made that: 1) The student 
continues with the same educational program and does not go on 
for formal evaluation, or 2) A student goes on for formal 
evaluation with the School Psychologist.  If you have more 
questions about this process, ask Mrs. Kunakorn.

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