School Counselor / Overview

Sterling Elementary School Counseling Program

The School Counselor works with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to help students succeed in school and prepare for meaningful, productive living. The Guidance program is child-centered, developmental, and preventative. It encourages the students’ academic, social/emotional, and career awareness at each stage of their development.

Classroom Guidance

Classroom guidance lessons are provided to all students in grades K-5 at Sterling Elementary. The counselor meets with each class every othr week for 30 minutes. These lessons focus on a variety of topics including character education, understanding of self and others, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, decision making, study skills, and career awareness.

Group Counseling

In addition to classroom guidance, small group counseling sessions are offered throughout the year. These groups address a variety of different topics, and may vary from year to year based on students' needs. Some of these topics include self esteem, anger management, social skills, positive peer interaction, study skills, stress management, changing family situations such as separation/divorce and grief/loss issues regarding the loss of a loved one. The groups meet weekly for 30 minutes for a period of 6-10 weeks. Parental permission is required for participation in any group.

Individual Counseling

The counselor also meets with children on an individual basis to address certain needs. Children may be referred to the counselor by a teacher, administator, parent or by self-referral.

Consultation

The counselor is available for consultation with parents to discuss individual issues which may be interfering with a child's academic success in school. The counselor can provide resources to families various needs. These resources may include Loudoun County Department of Mental Health and other community agencies.

Last Modified on December 10, 2012