School Counseling

School Counseling:

The Elementary School Counseling Program offers classroom lessons, brief individual and small group counseling, and academic support. The counselors work with parents, teachers, and administrators in order to help all students have a successful school year.

Classroom Lessons:

The Elementary School Counseling Program follows the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) for School Counseling lessons. The counselors teach lessons in each classroom during the year. Topics covered in classroom sessions are related to academic success, social-emotional learning, and/or career exploration. 

Individual Counseling:

Any student may request to see a counselor.  Parents, teachers, and/or administrators may also refer a student for a counseling visit.  If a student is in need of more extensive counseling, parents will be notified of the counselor's recommendation and provided with a list of professional resources in the area.

Small Group Counseling:

Small group counseling will be offered throughout the year to support children going through similar challenges. Groups typically meet once a week for 30 minutes for approximately six weeks. Notices will be distributed prior to the start of each group. Parental permission is required for group counseling. The counseling groups may include, but are not limited to, Changing Families (children going through separation or divorce), Anger Management, Grief Support (for students who have lost a parent or sibling), Social Skills, and Study Skills.

Coordination:

In addition to the services listed above, the counselors coordinate some school programs and services, such as Watch DOGS and Lunch Buddies.  The counseling department also works with other agencies in the school and community, such as Backpacks of Love,  to coordinate services that assist students as needed. Please contact a counselor if you have questions about these services. 

Consultation:

The counselors are available to consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to help ensure each child has a positive learning environment. The primary goal of the counseling department is to promote student success, safety, and emotional well-being.  Please call or email to request a meeting.  Note: At this time, meetings are being held virtually or via telephone due to COVID-19 precautions.  

Opt Out Policy:

In accordance with the Powhatan County School Board Policy 6-27.1, parents have the option to limit or deny their child's participation in guidance programs. Should the choice to limit or opt-out be desired by parents, written notification must be provided to the school specifying the action desired. The notification may either be addressed to the school principal, the child's teacher, or to the school counselor.