Guidance
School Counseling Program
Welcome to the School Counseling webpage! My name is Edie Abbott, the School Counselor at Cranberry Station Elementary School. This page provides you with information about the School Counseling program, counseling topics and resources.
The term “Guidance Counselor” has been “officially” replaced with “School Counselor” to more accurately reflect the duties and educational background of those in the profession.
CSE School Counseling Mission Statement:
The CSE School Counseling program aims to create and maintain a safe, and positive learning community where comprehensive services are delivered to every student to maximize his/her achievement as well as his/her personal, social, academic, and career-related potential.
CSE Vision Statement:
Cranberry Station will be a 21st century learning community where all students become creative and strategic thinkers. Students will work collaboratively, communicate clearly, and use technology effectively and efficiently.
CSE Mission Statement:
Cranberry Station will maximize learning for all students by providing meaningful instruction and challenging curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment.
What is a School Counselor?
-a certified, trained, and caring professional who works with all students, parents, teachers, staff and the community, in order for each student to achieve academic and social success. School Counseling services are delivered in four specific ways:
• School Guidance Curriculum- designing ,structuring, and delivering classroom lessons designed to achieve specific competencies in all grades K-5 (personal/social, academic, career)and driven by the needs of the school population
• Individual Student Planning- assisting students with goal formation/planning (behavioral, academic, etc.)
• Responsive Services- meeting immediate student needs (counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, referral, peer mediation, information-providing)
• System Support- schoolwide program planning and implementation (PBIS, Instructional Leadership Teaming, etc.), consulting with other professionals, coordination of various supports for students and families
What types of counseling supports are delivered by a School Counselor?
*Individual Counseling A process where students discuss issues in a safe, positive, and confidential setting (for a limited time, ongoing therapy is not available at school). Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friends, stress, academics, social skills, academics, bullying, getting along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making.
*Small Group Counseling A process where students, sharing similar issues and concerns, work together in a small group environment consisting of about 5-8 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, and stress-management.
*Classroom Guidance/Classroom Counseling A process that requires the School Counselor to develop and implement K-5 classroom curriculum. This K-5 curriculum addresses personal, social, academic, and career-related needs. teaching developmental skills using age-appropriate, classroom-based lessons. Topics may include self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying, feelings, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure.
Resources Commonly Used to Assist Students
· Ice-Breaker Exercises
· Art -Therapeutic Experiences
· Play- Therapeutic Experiences
· Bibliotherapeutic Experiences (relevant books)
· Letter writing/Conflict-Resolution Contracting
· Video-clip discussion/analysis
· Behavioral Coaching/Role Plays
· Therapeutic Games
· Active Listening Skill-Development
· Classroom Counseling Programs and Games
Website Resources for Parents:
School Counselor Role:
Child Development:
Parenting/Discipline:
Minimizing Summer Learning Loss:
Back to School:
Bullying:
Pacer: Kids Against Bullying
CCPS Bullying Resource List
Character Education:
"Bucketfillers 101": Kindness and Respect
Teaching Tolerance: Diversity Acceptance
Internet Safety:
Study Skills:
Grief/Loss:
Diverse Populations/ Special Needs:
Military Active Duty/National Guard/Reservist Family Support:
www.mic3.net - Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission
Military Child Coalition (MCEC) -ensures quality educational opportunities for military children
Military One Source (MOS) -free counseling, legal, accounting, clergy services, etc.
Our Military Kids -provides $500 grant for extra-curricular activities
Courage Lions -visit children in crisis
Transitioning to Middle School:
Great "EI" (emotional intelligence) Website Resources for Kids:
Counseling Resources in Carroll County:
