Counseling Services at Oak Hill Elementary
What is a School Counselor?
As a school counselor, I am an educator trained in school counseling, just as other educators are trained in math, science, history, or English. At Oak Hill, I have developed, implemented, and continue to evaluate our comprehensive school counseling program designed to meet the needs of ALL students.
How does a Student Support Advisor differ?
As the student support advisor, I develop, implement, deliver, and evaluate all of the school counseling services, but I also have administrative duties that are a part of my position.
What Services Are Offered?
Individual Counseling
Short term counseling provided to some students who may need help to overcome social and/or personal problems that interfere with learning.
Group Counseling
An educational or support group for students who share a common concern and/or need. Parent permission is required to participate in group counseling.
Classroom Guidance
Lessons that are provided to all students to succeed and interact with their peers. These lessons are taught in the classroom once a quarter. In addition to classroom guidance lessons, character education is provided during library. I work closely with our librarian to deliver a character education program that compliments our school counseling program. Our specials teachers also collaborate with me on lessons and projects that benefit all of our students.
Student Advocacy
Tasks that create an environment that encourages high achievement for all students.
Collaboration
Activities to connect parents and families with resources in the community and consultation with parents and other staff to help meet the needs of students at home and in the classroom.
How can a student see the counselor?
Student self-referral
Teacher, Staff, or Administrative referral
Parent referral
Confidentiality
The rules of confidentiality for counselors are very different from those of teachers. Confidentiality is important to maintain a trusting relationship with students. Students are told that what they tell Mrs. Helms is "private" unless someone is in danger. Only then will Mrs. Helms tell someone to make sure they are safe and healthy. Information is never disclosed to other staff members, parents or students unless permission is granted. If a student discloses information regarding the jeopardy of a child's safety or well-being, the student is informed that his/her parents or other adults must be notified.
As a school counselor, I am an educator trained in school counseling, just as other educators are trained in math, science, history, or English. At Oak Hill, I have developed, implemented, and continue to evaluate our comprehensive school counseling program designed to meet the needs of ALL students.
How does a Student Support Advisor differ?
As the student support advisor, I develop, implement, deliver, and evaluate all of the school counseling services, but I also have administrative duties that are a part of my position.
What Services Are Offered?
Individual Counseling
Short term counseling provided to some students who may need help to overcome social and/or personal problems that interfere with learning.
Group Counseling
An educational or support group for students who share a common concern and/or need. Parent permission is required to participate in group counseling.
Classroom Guidance
Lessons that are provided to all students to succeed and interact with their peers. These lessons are taught in the classroom once a quarter. In addition to classroom guidance lessons, character education is provided during library. I work closely with our librarian to deliver a character education program that compliments our school counseling program. Our specials teachers also collaborate with me on lessons and projects that benefit all of our students.
Student Advocacy
Tasks that create an environment that encourages high achievement for all students.
Collaboration
Activities to connect parents and families with resources in the community and consultation with parents and other staff to help meet the needs of students at home and in the classroom.
How can a student see the counselor?
Student self-referral
Teacher, Staff, or Administrative referral
Parent referral
Confidentiality
The rules of confidentiality for counselors are very different from those of teachers. Confidentiality is important to maintain a trusting relationship with students. Students are told that what they tell Mrs. Helms is "private" unless someone is in danger. Only then will Mrs. Helms tell someone to make sure they are safe and healthy. Information is never disclosed to other staff members, parents or students unless permission is granted. If a student discloses information regarding the jeopardy of a child's safety or well-being, the student is informed that his/her parents or other adults must be notified.