Elementary School Counselor: Katherine
Hayes
Elementary school is where children
develop their competence and confidence as learners as well as their attitude
towards school, self and peers. Counselors play a crucial role in helping to
develop the academic, social and emotional skills that serve as the foundation
for career and personal success. Counselor's are there to listen, act as a guide,
advocate and support students through classroom lessons, individual and
group sessions. They also work closely with parents, teachers, support
staff, administration, and the community to promote student success.
Counseling Services Available at Dundee Elementary
Classroom Lessons
Classroom lessons are
taught once a month for each grade level and are based on The 7 Habits of Happy
Kids program. Each month students learn new academic, peronsal/social or career
skills which correspond to the habit of the month. National (ASCA) and State
(NYSSCA) standards guide the curriculum for classroom instruction.
Lunch Groups
Lunch groups allow
students to build relationships and practice social skills in a smaller setting
than the cafeteria offers. The counselor invites students from all grade levels
and changes up groups throughout the year to accommodate the greatest amount of
students possible. Students enjoy conversation throughout their meal, and then
engage in free-play with modeling and teaching sprinkled throughout the session
as needed.
Small Group Counseling
Many students benefit from small group counseling to address social issues, or to help them discover that their peers have similar struggles. Students are grouped together with 3-6 peers based on similar need and development.
Groups are 30 minutes, one time per week until group goals are met
(typically 6-8 weeks). Topics may include social skills, attendance, changing families, leadership,
conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and
stress-management.
Individual Counseling
Students who prefer
to work 1:1 with a counselor can receive short term individualized support in
a confidential setting to address issues that interfere with achievement. Referrals for individual or group services may come from parents,
outside services, teachers, or other school staff. Once referrals have been
made, permission slips are sent home to families to notify them about
recommended services. When issues persist long term or are not present in the
school setting, referrals to outside services may
be recommended to best meet the student's needs.
Contact me anytime at:
607-243-5533 ext. 7366
khayes@dundeecs.org
