School Counseling Department
Welcome to Springfield Elementary’s School Counseling page. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help the students at Springfield as they achieve academic success!
What is a School Counselor?
A school counselor is an educator who:
- Advocates for students at school
- Connects with students and helps them problem solve when issues arise
- Provides classroom guidance instruction for all students
- Works with teachers and parents to provide support for the needs of students
- Helps in identifying academic and social/emotional needs of children
- Provides parents/guardians with resources and information
- Connects parents/guardians to community resources
Please click on the red arrows below for more information about the following:
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Our Goal
The goal of the school counseling program at Springfield Elementary is to help students meet their true academic potential. School counselors also help students develop and strengthen social/emotional skills, set achievable academic goals, and identify strengths and interests that can lead to future careers.
About Our Program
Springfield Elementary’s school counseling program is comprehensive and developmentally appropriate. The counseling program utilizes the The American School Counseling Association’s Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success: K–12 College- and Career Readiness for Every Student. This document describes the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development. Please see below to view the information:
Springfield Platteview Community Schools adopted curriculum materials from Second Step to support the teaching of the Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. The school counselor will use these teaching materials to support the students as they learn and grow. Check out the site below to learn more and to find helpful resources:
Individual Counseling
Students may meet with the school counselor individually to discuss a problem, concern or issue in a confidential setting. Referrals can be made by students, parents, teachers, or administrators. Students in grades 3–5 have access to a google form on their iPad that may be filled out and submitted. Students referrals can also be made through their classroom teacher. Feel free to contact your school counselor if you have any individual concerns about your child.
*Please note that this is a school environment and not meant to be therapy. If your child needs support beyond the school environment the school counselor would be happy to refer you to an outside counselor or therapist in the area.
Small Group Counseling
In addition to classroom guidance instruction, the school counselor is available to lead small groups throughout the year. Small groups are available to students who are looking for positive interactions and/or students having difficulty in various areas (anxiety, friendship, grief, etc.). These groups are limited to four to six students. Students meet for approximately 30 minutes each time for a total of six to eight sessions. The teachers and the school counselor coordinate times so students are not out of the classroom during structured learning times. Some group topics that may be offered are:
- Making and keeping friends
- Grief and loss
- Emotional regulation and anger management
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Self-esteem - positive self talk
- Peer relations and social skills
- Changing families/divorce
These groups are very positive and fun for children to attend. Small groups offer students a chance to practice skills in a non-threatening, fun way with their peers.
Resources
