Counseling

If there is a particular struggle your child is having at school or at home, please contact us and we will do our best to work through the concern with them.  If we cannot provide the necessary help, we will find an agency or individual who can.  The best way to refer your child to us is to call (330-877-4276) or email us or your child’s teacher.  If you are unsure whether or not we can help, contact us anyways and we can help get you pointed in the right direction.

Please keep in mind that the counseling relationship between students and their school counselor requires an atmosphere of trust and confidence.  Students are informed that what they say stays with us, unless:  1) someone is being hurt, 2) someone wants to hurt someone, or 3) someone is hurting him/herself.  We encourage students to have open communication with their parents.  However, they know we will not repeat what they say unless they give us permission to do so.  If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to call or email us. 

 

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Throughout the school day, we meet with students for various reasons.  Every student in the school has access to the school counseling offices and they are well-informed of how they can reach out to us for help.  Students come to us for support with school, friends, home, or whatever else is on their mind.  Teachers refer students to us when they see a need.

Parents are welcome to contact us if they have any questions or concerns, or their child’s teachers, if they see a need academically, socially or emotionally.  We will do what we can to support them here at Lake Elementary.  Please keep in mind however, that while we would love to provide ongoing individual counseling for students, this would greatly inhibit our ability to serve every student in the school.  If your child is in need of individualized ongoing counseling services, please ask your child's school  counselor for a list of outside counselors that might be able to help. 

 

SMALL GROUP COUNSELING

The purpose of small group counseling (aka lunch bunch) is to provide students with an opportunity to focus on and discuss common issues and emotional concerns, generally during lunch. Lunch Bunches are small in number (4-10 students). The small number helps students to feel more comfortable to share their thoughts and concerns. Lunch Bunches are very effective in helping students develop better communication skills and gain valuable support from peers who are dealing with similar issues. If you feel that your child would benefit from participating in small group counseling, please contact your child’s counselor. Most common topics include: Motivation/Goal Setting, Changing Families, Social Skills/Friendship, & Everyday Stress.

 

CLASSROOM GUIDANCE LESSONS

2^nd through 6^th grade students have Guidance class on a regular basis which gives your children’s counselor an opportunity to get to know them and also share helpful information with them. During these lessons, students will have discussions, and participate in activities, which will support them in developing academically, socially/personally, and emotionally in order to thrive this school year and ultimately grow into successful adults.