Parent Resources
Armstrong Student Services Team
School psychologists, a social worker and a school counselor form a mental health team at Armstrong. These are highly trained and experienced people. Each discipline has unique skills and training. See below for more information about the services and training of each profession. Together, school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors provide a stronger team than any single profession could provide on its own. The students, parents, staff, and school benefit from the student services team.
- School Counselor Jill Konrad (703) 375-4814
- School Psychologist (Emotional Disability Program Focus) Josh Kefer (703) 375-4882
- School Psychologist Jeenal Chheda 703 375 4885
- School Social Worker (Whole School) Jeff Hewitt (703) 375-4886
Social Work and Support Services
School social workers focus on family and community factors that influence learning. They provide intensive services for students facing issues that pose risks to their academic success such as parent divorce and separation, poverty, truancy, chronic illness, mental health problems, conduct problems, child abuse, etc.
All FCPS social workers hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Social Science (MSS) degree; many have earned a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree. All school social workers are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education. The majority of the staff is clinically licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Social Work (LCSW) or in other jurisdictions and trained to provide mental health services in any setting.
Overview of FCPS School Social Work Services
School Social Work Information and Resources
School Psychology Services
School psychologists are mental health specialists with knowledge of child development, the psychology of learning, behavior management and intervention, monitoring progress of students, and program evaluation. School psychologists apply this knowledge using a problem-solving approach to help bring about positive changes in learning environment, attitude, and motivation. Services offered by the school psychologist may be provided directly to the student or indirectly by working with teachers, parents, and other care givers; however, all services provided by the school psychologist are intended to enhance the academic and social emotional success of students. Minimum requirements to be a school psychologist include a 60-hour master's degree program and a one-year full time internship; many FCPS school psychologists hold doctoral degrees.
Overview of FCPS School Psychology Services
School Counseling Services
- The elementary school counseling and guidance program provides elementary students with assistance in: Understanding self and developing a positive self-image.
- Showing respect for the feelings of others.
- Understanding the decision-making process.
- Maintaining effective relationships with peers and adults.
- Developing effective study skills.
- Being prepared to make the transition to the intermediate school.
- Gaining an understanding of the world of work.
Elementary School Counselors have a master's degree, a Virginia state certification as an elementary school guidance counselor, and preparation in:
- child growth and development
- individual counseling skills
- group counseling and guidance skills
- communication skills
- elements of career development
- educational and psychological measurement
- theory and practice of counseling including exceptional and culturally diverse children
- philosophy and principles of guidance
- research and evaluation
Overview of Elementary School Counseling Information and Resources