Small groups offered through the school counseling department have proven successful in helping
students with their academic endeavors and personal challenges. Each group meeting will last
approximately 30 minutes for six to eight weeks. Groups are always scheduled with the students’
classroom teacher in order to minimize interruption of instruction time.
Suggestions for students to be included in small groups will be taken from teachers, school personnel,
administration, and parents. The counselors will then organize the small groups to be run throughout
the year. If you would like for your child to participate in one of the groups described below please
contact the school counseling department at Bennett Elementary as 703-361-8261, or email Miss
Flaherty at flaheree@pwcs.edu.
SMALL GROUPS AT BENNETT ELEMENTARY INCLUDE:
STUDY SKILLS: Improves motivation and success in school and study positive characteristics and
strategies as well as consequences of certain behavior. Focuses on paying attention, following
directions, organization completing assignments on time, and showing a positive attitude.
FRIENDSHIP, SELF-CONCEPT, AND SELF-ESTEEM: Assists students in developing a sense of belonging
and acceptance by learning how to be a good friend and strengthen those personal characteristics
which are essential to making and keeping friends. This group stresses cooperation and respect for
others while learning to appreciate themselves. We will focus on identifying behaviors and attributes
each student appreciates about themself as well as talents, feelings, and interests that can be shared.
CHANGING FAMILIES: This group helps students develop coping skills in order to adjust to their
changing family.
GOOD GRIEF: This group helps students identify and cope with feelings surrounding the death of a
family member or close friend.
SUCCESS: This group will concentrate on helping students to make good choices and celebrate
successes. We will also incorporate empowerment and self-esteem building activities in order to help
students gain the skills to become high achievers in the classroom and at the state level.
SELF-CONTROL:The purpose of this group is to work with students on strategies to build social skills,
improve classroom behavior, and reduce stress. It will also help students use positive self-statements
and problem-solving techniques to manage anger.
