Counselor's Corner

Our Counselors

Tatyana Cottle & Pam Bucher
703-326-3500

While we do have assigned grades that we work with, we all work together as a team. You can find us in room 69. The counseling and guidance program is a program for all children. Our role as school counselors is to help all students have the best possible academic experience. The guidance and counseling program is both preventative and developmental in nature. It fosters the child’s emotional, social, personal and academic growth. There are many things we do as school counselors.

Once a month, we visit each class for classroom guidance lessons. Some examples of lessons we’ve presented this year include bullying, respect, listening and tattling. Other topics we may include throughout the year are study skills, test taking skills, peer pressure, cooperation and accepting differences.

We also conduct small counseling groups, which consist of about 6 children who are all working on a common goal. These groups meet during lunch so students do not miss class time. Topics may include changing families, self-esteem, friendship skills, anger management and study skills.

Additionally, we see students individually for short term counseling, which usually consists of 5 to 6 sessions. There are many ways to see the counselor: a student may self-refer, a teacher may refer a student or a parent may refer a student. Parent permission is always needed for small group and individual counseling.

Lastly, we are always here as a resource for you, the parents. We consult a great deal with teachers and also have many community resources. Please contact us if you need assistance accessing community resources.

Parent involvement is an integral part of the counseling program. Close communication with parents facilitates the counseling process and reinforces the school-home connection. If you ever have any questions or concerns, or would like your child to participate in small group or individual counseling please feel free to contact us. If you would like to meet with one of the counselors please call to set up a meeting time.

For more information on school counseling visit:

American School Counseling Association: www.schoolcounselor.org

Virginia School Counselor Association: www.vsca.org

Virginia Department of Education: www.pen.k12.va.us

 

Peer Mediation

Peer Mediation is a program for 5th and 6th graders. Mrs. Walker trains a small group of students in conflict resolution skills. After students complete training they are then ready to help resolve conflicts among their peers (with the assistance of Mrs. Walker). Peer Mediation gives children leadership opportunities and the opportunity to learn skills that will aid in their personal social development.

For more information on Fairfax County’s mediation programs visit:

www.fcps.k12.va.us/ss/SDFY/ConflictResolution/

 

Middle School

For our 6th grade parents, it is important for you to know that Mrs. Walker handles the 6th grade transition to middle school. Any questions regarding middle school should be directed to Mrs. Walker. The middle school registration process usually begins in February. Please be sure to complete all paperwork and return it to Lake Anne in a timely manner. It is especially important for parents to inform Lake Anne of the middle school their child intends to attend the following school year.

 

Helpful Links for Parents

Homework Help:

http://www.SOL-utions.com
http://www.math.com
http://www.refdesk.com/homework.html#elem
http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/library/internet/homework.htm
http://homework.umd.edu
http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/library/Homework/default.htm

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:

www.chadd.org

Internet Safety:

www.netsmartzkids.org