What services are offered through the Holly Ridge Elementary    School Counseling Program?

   Individual Counseling

   Individual student counseling is offered. Individual help may be needed due to classroom    behavior, issues at home, peer relationships, or any other situation that may be    bothering a student. Parents, teachers, or students themselves can make referrals to    me. If students wish to see me for an issue, they can write a short note to put in my    mailbox with name, teacher name, and a brief explanation of why they want to talk with    me. I will make an appointment based on the next time slot I have available. I try to see    students during lunch time, so they will not miss class time. However, if the situation    warrants it, I will sometimes meet with students during the instructional day at a time that    is convenient with their teachers.

   Individual counseling at the school level is NOT therapy. School counseling sessions are    short-term solution focused based, not long-term therapy based. If your child needs
   long-term therapy, a referral to an agency outside of the school system may be    recommended.

   Group Counseling

   Group counseling is offered to students in grades 3 through 5. A group is made up of 8    or less students from the same grade level, who all have a similar issue that needs to be    addressed or worked on.  Topics may include family changes, anger management,    organizational skills, study skills, friendship skills, and/or grief and loss.  Groups will be    formed based on student interest. Your child will receive an invitation to join a group if he    or she has indicated an interest in that group topic. As with individual counseling, group    counseling is NOT therapy. Groups are intended to provide support and skill building.

   Classroom Lessons

   I will be teaching lessons for all grade levels throughout the year.  All grade levels will be taught lessons in 5-8 week units.  Topics include:

   Kindergarten: Intro to school, listening skills, how to ask for things (September/October)

   1st grade: Second Step- getting along with others (October/November)

   2nd grade: Second Step- conflict resolution and problem solving (November/December)

   3rd grade: Getting along/peer mediation (January/February)

   4th grade: Career exploration and test taking issues (March)

   5th grade: Preparing for middle school (April)

   Consultation

   Referrals

   This link is to a schedule of counseling program events: School Counseling Calendar