Meet Our Counselors
Kate Brennan Full Time Counselor (703)551-5711 |
Phoebe Boatright |
The Halley Elementary School Counseling and Guidance program is part of the total school program and compliments learning in the classroom. It is child-centered, proactive and developmental. Counselors work with children in many different ways including:
Individual Counseling
Individual Counseling is a one to one meeting with the counselor to discuss a problem or topic of interest. This conference generally addresses the specific concerns of students with identified needs. Referrals are made by parent, guardian, teacher and/or student. Participation is voluntary and permission is obtained prior to counseling.
Small Group Counseling
Small Group Counseling provides children with a small and safe setting where they learn and share with their peers. Participation which is voluntary and confidential, requires permission from a parent or guardian. Topics covered in small groups may include:
- Friendship
- Social Skills
- Changing families
- Managing strong feelings
- Behavior
- Study Skills
- Grief
Classroom Guidance Lessons
Classroom Guidance is a planned, developmental program of activities designed to foster students' academic, career, and personal/social development. Parents may opt-out their students from guidance lessons, and once opted-out, written notice is required to opt-in the student again. Parents are always welcome to discuss or observe a guidance lesson. Lessons focus on the following topics:
- Bully Prevention*
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Anger Management/Self Discipline
- Appreciating Differences/Kindness
- Honesty
- Perseverance
- Friendship
- Cooperation and Teamwork
*Bully Prevention Training is mandated by Fairfax County Public Schools. For more information please see our Positive Behavior Intervention Support page.
Lunch Bunches
Lunch bunches are a way for counselors and students to get to know each other better. Children eat their lunches with the counselor's. These groups nuture friendships among peers.
Crisis Intervention
Crisis Intervention includes the following:
- Providing immediate and follow-up counseling
- Coordinating of services and resources
- Conducting needs assessment
- Providing referrals when necessary
Parental permission is not required, although parents may be notified following intervention. If the student needs continued assistance, parental permission will be obtained.
After School Program
Halley has offered an After School Program since opening its doors in 1996. The program is funded through grants from Safe and Drug Free Youth Section of the School-Community Coalition and Lorton Community Action Center . Activity groups are taught by Halley staff, parents, and members of the community. A variety of activities, such as Homework Club, Chess, Dance, Drama, Peer Mediation Training , Math Enrichment, Study Skills, Puppetry, Art, Computer Training , Coeducational Sports, Aerobics, Basketball, Cheerleading, Knitting, Etiquette, Gardening, Digital Photography, and Scrapbooking, have been offered in the past. A student may sign up to participate in an activity that appeals to him/her. If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to volunteer to lead an activity group, please contact us.
Patrols
Counselors, along with the Physical Education teacher, are involved in training bus, walking and school safety patrols. Twice every month patrol meetings are held. A member of the Fairfax County Police attends once a month to provide training. Individual patrols are recognized for outstanding performance. Patrols are fifth and sixth graders. However, training begins for new patrols at the end of their fourth grade year. Fifth grade students are selected each spring to attend Patrol Camp for a week in August. The PTA graciously provides the funding for this experience. These students then become Patrol Captains the following year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding patrols, please call 551-5700.
New Students
Counselors meet with all new students at the beginning of the school year to welcome them to Halley and tell them about our school. New students have an opportunity to get to know other students in the same grade, to ask questions about our school, and to learn some interesting facts about Halley. We are very proud to welcome new "Halley Hornets" and their families to our school community.
Transition
At the end of the school year, counselors meet with the parents of students who will be attending kindergarten during the next school year. Discussion includes transportation, curriculum and adjustment. Questions are encouraged.
Counselors help prepare sixth grade students for entering middle school. Sixth graders plan their new schedule and enjoy a visit from South County representatives.
Throughout the year, assistance is given to students who are leaving Halley and students who are entering for the first time.