School Counseling Home

Students will often seek out my assistance by stopping by my office or asking their teacher to be excused for a moment to talk with me.  If I am not available at that time, students are encouraged to write a note to me if they need help solving a problem, need to talk through a situation or just need someone to listen.  Notes are in the guidance office area and can be put in the mailbox on my door.  I will try to see students at recess or lunch, so not to interrupt instruction time in the classroom. 

Parents are able to email or call if they have a concern about their child's social, emotional or academic needs.  Working with parents is a valuable part of addressing student needs, however, I do want students to try to solve problems on their on their own.  

Teachers often times refer students to meet with me, if they are struggling with a situation. Teachers have great insight to peer interactions and academic struggles, so they know when a problem needs addressing.  Often times teachers will recommend to parents that the student should speak with me.  

Students enjoy just stopping in my office to check in with the me or update me on any current events in their lives.  Please understand that it is not always possible to notify parents each time a students stops by my office.  The majority of situations that students work on include resolving conflicts, peer interactions, academic struggles, and managing emotions.  I work under the laws of confidentiality, which allows me to create a trusting relationship with students.  If I feel that a student is in any harm or a situation is too large for them to tackle without assistance, I will break confidentiality and contact parents.

Small group counseling is a great opportunity to work with students in a supportive way to address student needs.  Working in a small group allows me to educate students on topics of concern as well as teach student to work together for a common goal.  Students will participate in group discussions, role playing, and activities.  

Groups are created on a yearly basis and determined by student needs.  Please note that due to scheduling and time, it is not possible to run every type of group for each grade level.  Groups meet once a week for approximately 6-8 weeks.

Family Dynamics (Changing families)—To provide better understanding of family changes such as divorce, separation, remarriage, and blended families. Students are able to share thoughts and feelings with peers who are in similar situations. Work on coping skills and acceptance. 

Memory Makers (Grief/loss)—To allow students a safe place to grieve the loss of a loved one. Students will explore and express their feelings of loss through books, art, and discussions.

Magnificent Me (Self Esteem/Friendship)—Designed to help strengthen student’s self-concept. The students will do self-reflection, self-awareness activities, and focus on recognizing the positive. This group will also help in initiating and maintaining friendships.

Making Connections (Social Skills)—To provide the basic social skills techniques. Students will learn and practice skills in the small group setting and then use the skills in the larger school environment. Students will have an increase awareness of others and self.

Tension Tamers (Stress management): Students learn to identify their emotions and stressors. Students will learn healthy coping mechanisms to help manage their stress and anxiety.

Disorganized Dilemma (Organization Skills)—To identify organizational pitfalls and generate skills for success. Students will begin to create their OWN organization plans that will help them find success both in and out of the classroom. Study skills will also be introduced. For 6^th grade students, this will also focus on taking more responsibilities in anticipation for the middle school.

The Dodge Virtual Wellness Center is designed to be an easily accessible space for students in all classrooms as well as community members.

Wellness Center