School Counseling (Guidance) / School Counseling (Guidance) Info

DECEMBER 2012 SCHOOL COUNSELING

(GUIDANCE)

School Counselor (formally Guidance Counselor) official title change!

Over the past few years the position responsibilities of the School Counselor have changed and expanded greatly. The role of this position is no longer to provide “guidance” as the primary or exclusive function. In fact, the stated expectation for the role of school counselors from the American Association of School Counselors is to “do more than school counseling.” The services provided include direct services to students, staff and families. Counselors provide education, support and resources to promote academic achievement and personal social/emotional success. As the position has changed, school divisions, professional associations and state agencies, including Loudoun County Public Schools have moved to change the title Guidance Counselor to School Counselor.

*New this year* Algonkian Guidance Advisory Committee

The advisory council will be composed of school and community members and is tasked with making recommendations regarding student and community needs and advising the school counseling staff as it strives to meet these needs. The advisory council will meet twice this year on November 26^th and June 3^rd at 3:00pm in Ms. Ryan’s office.

Please email Ms. Ryan at Theresa.Ryan@lcps.org if you are interested in joining this committee!

Our next scheduled meeting is on June 3^rd, 2013 at 3:00pm

in Ms. Ryan’s classroom (Room 30).

School Counseling (Guidance) Master Schedule for 2012/2013 School Year

http://www.lcps.org/Page/75634

National School Counseling Week is coming up February 4^th – 8th!

So what does an elementary school counselor do exactly?

http://www.lcps.org/page/40404

ASCA (American School Counseling Association) definition of Elementary Counseling:

http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?contentid=230

Toys 4 Tots Community Outreach

Our Toys for Tots collection is going strong! Giving to Toys 4 Tots is a great conversation starter to encourage empathy for others in your child!

Last Day to contribute Toys is Dec 7th

Click here for the Toys 4 Tots Flyer!

To find out more about Toys 4 Tots go to www.toysfortots.org

GUIDANCE LESSONS

Children, like adults, are struggling with life change, anxiety, and stress!

Stress is a normal part of living, and a certain amount of stress is necessary for growth and learning. Stress is positive when it energizes us to accept challenges or work harder!

Here are some ways for adults & children to manage stress!

When overwhelmed take a deep breath and prioritize!

Do one thing at a time!

Take a break and relax or get some exercise!

Drink water and have a healthy snack!

Ask for help! (We ALL need help sometimes!)

TALK TALK TALK!!!

If possible, say “NO” to stressful tasks.

Remember that life is change! And change is stressful!

TAKE TIME TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!

We can’t help ANYONE if we aren’t taking care of ourselves!

GUIDANCE GROUPS

Our current round of guidance groups is currently running and our next round will begin the first week of January! Groups will be 6-8 weeks in length. As always please let Ms. Ryan know if there are any special considerations or concerns that need attention individually or if your child may need to be added to a currently running group!